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Job Description
Grade 19 - Starting Hourly Rate: $29.86. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.
Job Description
JOBSUMMARY
The Safety & Environmental Health Specialist is responsible for developing knowledge of safety and health aspects as they relate to SAWS through standards and program review. Provides interface between division or department management and SAWS organizations or external entities. Participates on project teams, leads investigations, and provides safety and health support to accomplishing SAWS safety and health objectives. Supports SAWS safety and environmental health policies by participating in associated program activities.
ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS- Reviews proposed and existing standards and procedures, performs research to determine if present policies, practices, and protocols are in compliance and assesses the impact to SAWS; participates inwrittenprogramplanning, authoring, andrevision.
- RepresentsSAWS’safetyandenvironmentalhealthinterestsbyparticipatinginexternalmeetingsand conferences,providing supporttopeerand communitygroups,and byinteracting withexternalentities, includingregulatoryagencies.Usessafetyandhealth knowledgetoprovidetechnicalsupporttoSAWS departments. Performs researchtoidentify procedureandprotocol needs,draftsprocedures, andgains agreement leadingtoimplementationandtraining.
- Developsandmaintainsthesafetyandenvironmentalhealthdatabase,whichprovidesinformationand inputtopartnershipswithstakeholders. Plansand coordinatesfieldsafetyandhealthactivitieswith stakeholders.
- Conductssafetyandenvironmentalhealth-relatedassessments,participatesinpost-auditmonitoringto createactionplanning,or determiningtheplan’sstatusthroughevaluationsincludingresearch,field testing andanalysis, and documents findings for inclusion into subsequent reports and recommendations.
- Evaluates contractor safety andenvironmental health qualifications includingdue diligence records review, pre-qualification assessments, evaluation of Requests for Proposal’s, providing recommendations;participatesinpre-bidandpre-construction meetings,andreviews,monitors,audits, andsupportscontractorsitesafetyandenvironmentalhealthplans. Participates incontractor meetings andworkshops.
- Documentscontractor’s safetyand environmental healthperformancefor futurecontractqualification.
- Developssafetyandenvironmentalhealthperformancereportsandcommunicatesresultsaswellas developingrecommendations.
- Performs or supervisestesting, monitoring,and inspection protocols dealing with safety and environmental health,includingsupportingindustrial hygiene-relatedactivities.
- Performs research, defines, andcommunicates mandatedsafety andenvironmental health training requirementstoaffectedorganizations. Determinesresourcesrequiredtodelivertraining. Develops anddeliversselected trainingprogramstostakeholders. Coordinatescontracted,orSAWS Training Division, resourcesto ensuredeliveryofmandatedtechnical training.
- ParticipatesinSafetyandEnvironmentalHealthSteeringCommitteemeetingsandProductsStandards Committeemeetings,conductstechnicalreviewofplansandprojectsscopes,identifiesdesignsafety andenvironmentalhealthissues,aswell asresolving constructionand installation safetyand environmental healthissues.
- Evaluates HazardousMaterials andother strategiccomplianceissues,andassists with providingpersonal protectiveequipmentspecifications,developsandprovidestestingandinspectionspecificationsfor approval. PerformsfieldconfirmationofHAZMAT,HAZWOPER,HAZCOM,andemergencyresponse protocols.
- Conducts gap analyses, formats, and recommends revision of the Employee-driven Safety Program (ESP), performs program audits, interfaces with representatives from SAWS departments, manages data / reporting software systems, assesses ESP effectiveness and consistency with SAWS safety and environmental health policy. Identifies appropriate measures, reports results to internal customers for local department action plans.
- Identifies staff training and certification needs, and assesses work environment and equipment need with the team.
- Participates in safety and environmental health activities for the department such as associated investigations, administering the SAWS driving policy, prescription eyewear, protective footwear, hazard analysis, coordinates fire / evacuation drills, and trains all Emergency Coordinators.
- Participates in safety and environmental health guideline development and statistical reports, including preparation of departmental spreadsheets, calculates frequency and severity rates, on a monthly basis.
- Responsible for individual elements of the division’s Operating Expense budget.
- Applies principles of physical sciences, safety and environmental health regulations, safety and health management principles for the protection of personnel at SAWS.
- Applies basic water and wastewater system operating principles as necessarily related to safety and environmental health and acts as a resource for other professionals in the field.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
DECISIONMAKING- The Safety & Environmental Health Specialist works under limited supervision.
MINIMUMREQUIREMENTS- Bachelor’s Degree in Safety, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Natural or Physical Sciences, Industrial Technology, Psychology, or related field from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
- Three years’ experience with a safety or risk management program.
- Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.
- Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
Internal Applicants:
An internal applicant may also qualify with a High School Diploma and six years’ increasingly responsible experience with a safety or risk management program.- Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
- Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS- Demonstrated experience in participating in a safety and environmental health department and making significant improvement in safe operations, vehicle safety, reporting and compliance.
- Professional designation within the safety and environmental health field such as Executive Safety.
- Management Certification, Certified Safety Professional, Registered Environmental Manager, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Utility Safety Administrator, Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist, Certified Safety & Health Official, Associate Safety Professional, or other related certifications, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
- OSHA Commendations or industry commendations.
JOBDIMENSIONS- Contact with internal and external customers, regulatory agencies, contractors, and field consultants.
- Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software; work management, health and safety, and regulatory reporting software.
PHYSICALDEMANDSANDWORKINGCONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally. Subject to walking and climbing stairs, climbing ladders, and working at heights on construction projects to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, speech, and hearing.
Workingconditions are inanoffice andfield environmentwith exposuretoinclementweather, permit- requiredconfinedspaceentryandsiteconditionstypicalofheavyconstruction. Mayberequiredtocomply with requirementsasspecifiedin applicable regulations for personal protectiveequipment,includingclearance foruseofrespiratoryprotectionand otherassociatedprotectiveequipment. Alsooperatesacompanyand/or personalvehiclewhen performingdutiesatfield locations.
May be required to work hours other than regular schedule.
San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:- Competitive, market-based salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Prescription drug program
- Vision care plan
- Two retirement plans
- Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
- Disability income
- Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
- Education assistance program
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
- Wellness programs
- On-Site Fitness Facilities
- Community service opportunities
Closing Date/Time: 8/24/2025 11:59 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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San Antonio Water System
Show moreThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio. SAWS serves 2 million people in Bexar County as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. The population includes more than 511,300 water customers and 457,600 wastewater customers. SAWS actively seeks out public participation in its operations and planning, while SAWS volunteers strive to help their neighbors in need.
As an industry leader in conservation and water and wastewater management, SAWS provides sustainable, affordable water services. To deliver responsible water services, our investment in our employees – one of our greatest assets – ranks as a top priority.
San Antonio Water System's Board of Trustees has adopted mission, vision and values statements that serve as a foundation to move the utility forward through 2050 and reinforce San Antonio's much-deserved reputation as Waterful.
Our Mission: Sustainable, Affordable Water Services / Our Vision: To be leaders in delivering responsible water services for life. / Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Safety.
SAWS is a values-based organization that believes in diversity in all aspects of our business. At SAWS, we attract and retain the finest individuals whose diverse talents drive innovation. We recognize that differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability or any characteristic protected by law, enrich and empower our work environment. We respectfully infuse diversity in our daily work lives with the knowledge that people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences make connections that make SAWS a success.
SAWS is committed to providing our employees with a healthy, safe, and rewarding work environment where all employees have an equal opportunity for professional and personal growth. SAWS employees go beyond what is expected – developing remarkable, award-winning programs in conservation, water resources, watershed protection and wastewater treatment.
Why Choose a Career at SAWS?
For Your Work-Life Balance: SAWS is proud to invest in its employees by offering a variety of paid time off to help meet the work-life balance goals of you and your family.
For Your Professional Growth: Professional growth is key to both our employees’ success as well as SAWS’. That’s why SAWS offers a number of professional development opportunities that achieve both personal and company goals.
For Your Future: Achieving your personal financial goals is an important part of your life. SAWS makes it easy for employees to save for retirement by providing several retirement plan options.
For Your Health: SAWS offers a range of health, dental and vision benefits, and Wellness Programs to help meet each employee’s needs.
For your Protection: SAWS offers life insurance and disability coverage to meet the need for protection against life’s unexpected events.
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