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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
SENIOR SAFETY SPECIALIST
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Safety Specialist positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).
COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE - RISK MANAGEMENT | SAFETY AND LOSS PREVENTION
The County Executive Office - Risk Management (CEO-RM) preserves and protects the human and capital assets of the County of Orange to allow County departments and agencies to meet their missions without unnecessary cost. Each of the seven programs within this office are designed to promote the prudent financial management of funds entrusted to the County of Orange for the provision of its services to the public. For more information, please visit CEO-RM or the County website.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Risk Management Office seeks an experienced Senior Safety Specialist professional who is self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about promoting and supporting Countywide safety protocols. The Senior Safety Specialist will possess deeper technical skills than expected of a Safety Specialist and is expected to conduct advanced level project-related work.
Primary responsibilities may include the following:- Act as the primary liaison for the County's safety division in proactively managing and implementing Countywide initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory and County safety standards
- Lead and coordinate the roll-out and implementation of assigned Countywide safety projects or tasks such as enterprise database systems, contractor safety programs, training development and industrial hygiene programs.
- Oversee the County’s Incident Reporting system (OC Safety) to monitor enhancements, initiate system improvements, develop training and educational resources, assist departments with usage and troubleshooting
- Conduct complex safety assessments, including for high hazard activities
- Review, develop and update Countywide safety plans and programs, safety policies and procedures
- Analyze data to evaluate and track trends, program effectiveness, and root-causes and identify opportunities for improvement
- Collaborate and analyze organizational needs to improve and address gaps in training and safety courses, designing relevant content and developing measurable training strategies and delivery methods using latest learning theories
- Provide assistance leading safety program audit teams
- Assist in training and mentoring Safety Specialists
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will demonstrate an extensive background in implementing and managing safety and training programs.
Possession of a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification is preferred but not required.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Experience | Technical Knowledge- Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local occupational safety rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., California Division of Occupational Safety and Health [Cal/OSHA], Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], American National Standards Institute [ANSI], National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH])
- Applying complex or sophisticated safety principles in one or more high hazard industry subjects (such as lock-out/tag-out, confined space entry, machine guarding and other high hazard industry subjects)
- Developing and delivering training using adult learning principles, instructional techniques, and appropriate safety materials and standards
- Monitoring and incorporating trends and innovations in workplace safety programs to improve effectiveness and compliance
- Implementing and promoting safety principles, practices, and procedures to reduce risks and enhance workplace safety culture
- Utilizing loss control methods and investigative techniques, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to identify hazards, determine contributing factors, and recommend effective corrective actions
Relationship Building | Interpersonal Skills- Supporting and advancing the agency’s strategic agenda through active participation in Countywide initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration
- Establishing and sustaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance service delivery and organizational outcomes
- Employing persuasion, influence, and diplomacy to build consensus, secure cooperation, and achieve organizational objectives
- Providing effective leadership and guidance to inspire, motivate, and influence individuals and teams in achieving organizational objectives
Oral | Written Communication Skills- Organizing and delivering public presentations that effectively inform or persuade diverse audiences.
- Summarizing and presenting information to management or a "non-technical" audience both verbally and in written form
- Effectively communicating in English orally and in writing, including the ability to communicate technical information in a clear and understandable manner
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications and the physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions for the Senior Safety Specialist.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Must have a valid California Class C Driver’s license and a driving record that would enable the candidate to use a County issued vehicle.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After the screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment.
Structured Oral Interview | (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ceo.oc.gov." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Chisom Okafor at chisom.okafor@ceo.oc.gov or (714) 834-7312.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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