Occupational Safety Specialist at InsideHigherEd

Job Title: Occupational Safety Specialist Location: Georgia Gwinnett College Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 287573 About Us Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey.As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth.Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let's make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders.Job Summary The primary purpose of an Occupational Safety Specialist is to design, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs tailored to the unique needs of craft/trade and campus support staff. This specialist identifies hazards through site assessments, risk analysis, and regulatory review, then translates findings into clear, actionable written materials¿such as standard operating procedures, safe work guidelines, and training manuals. This position is responsible for preparing and delivering engaging and effective training sessions, both in-person and virtually, ensuring employees understand safety standards, equipment use, and emergency protocols. The scope also includes tracking program effectiveness through feedback, incident monitoring, and compliance auditing, making continuous improvements where needed. Ultimately, this role fosters a proactive safety culture¿empowering frontline workers with the knowledge and tools to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.Responsibilities Function 1 - Develop and Maintain Safety Programs - Create, revise, and implement written occupational safety programs in compliance with OSHA general industry standards, best management practices and regulatory requirements, specifically tailored for crafts/trades and campus support operations.Function 2 - Perform Hazard Assessments and Site Inspections - Conduct routine safety audits, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and inspections of workspaces, equipment, and processes to identify risks and recommend corrective actions.Function 3 - Conduct Training and Educational Outreach - Deliver regular safety training sessions and hands-on instruction for employees on topics such as PPE use, hazard communication, fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and other relevant areas.Function 4 - Support Continuity of Operations and Facility Protection - Develop and implement safety measures that support the continuity of essential campus services and protect campus infrastructure during emergencies, maintenance operations, and adverse conditions.Function 5 - Incident Investigation and Reporting - Lead or assist in the investigation of accidents and near misses, analyze root causes, and develop and implement measures to prevent recurrence.Function 6 - Ensure Regulatory Compliance - Monitor and interpret local, state, and federal regulations to ensure institutional compliance and update safety programs as needed.Function 7 - Maintain Safety Records and Documentation - Track training attendance, inspection findings, corrective actions, and incident reports; maintain accurate documentation for compliance and performance evaluation.Function 8 - Collaborate Across Departments - Work closely with Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and departmental supervisors to integrate safety into daily operations.Function 9 - Promote a Culture of Safety - Actively encourage employee engagement in safety initiatives, support safety committees, and serve as a resource for safety concerns and best practices.Required Qualifications 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Public Health, Risk Management, or a related fieldNote: An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be consideredAt least 2 years of experience in occupational safety, safety compliance, or related fieldExperience delivering safety training and conducting safety inspectionsPreferred Qualifications At least 2 years of experience in occupational safety, safety compliance, preferably in facilities, construction, or campus operationsOSHA 30-Hour certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)Certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), or similar are a plusWorking knowledge of OSHA regulations and other applicable safety standards (e.g., NFPA, ANSI, EPA)Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities ABILITIESAbility to develop and implement safety programs and proceduresAbility to walk, stand, bend, climb, and work in various environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor, heights, confined spaces)Ability to work flexible hours or respond to emergencies when needed SKILLSStrong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with frontline workers, supervisors, and management.Proficiency in standard office software and ability to use safety-related systems and databases for training records, inspections, and incident reporting (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, learning management systems, or EHS compliance platforms).USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Conditions of Employment Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at (678) 407.5746 or email [email protected] Check Position of Trust + EducationOther Information Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Georgia is an open records state.