Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist - Cabell County

About the Department

**Disclaimer-if the position is filled after July 1, 2026, then the job opportunity will not be in the classified service **

The Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist in this position reports to the District Two Headquarters in Cabell County. The selected applicant performs full-performance level work administering an occupational safety program designed to ensure compliance with all federal and state workplace safety requirements in a district of the Department of Transportation. Reviews work practices, worksites, and facilities to identify unsafe conditions. Informs supervisors and managers to identify and correct workplace safety problems. Conducts regular safety meetings and conducts safety training sessions. Ensures hazardous wastes are disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Participates in classroom and on-the-job training and certification programs covering various aspects of occupational safety. Performs other related duties as required.

Pay Grade 16

Position Duties

• Keeps records and makes oral or written reports of all investigations and inspections
• Develops cost effective methods to correct hazardous conditions
• Develops and conducts employee safety training programs
• May develop areas of specialization such as chain saw training, ergonomics, lead safety, vehicle safety inspections, traffic control, qualitative/fit testing, etc.
• Researches literature, standards, laws, and rules to provide management with solutions to safety related problems
• Provide counseling and other support services for employees
• Evaluates work sites for hazardous conditions. Able to do problem solving, and through research and evaluation. Able to conduct industrial hygiene testing with sound  level meters and more complex testing equipment. Is conversant with pertinent federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.)
• Responds to requests from management and work force in timely fashion regarding safety issues
• Communicates ideas and issues with management and to reach a successful agreement through innovation, creativity and compromise
• Participates in training to improve safety, industrial hygiene, and communication skills
• Collects samples form structures, soils, and discharges for laboratory analysis to determine OSHA and environmental compliance
• Determines the internal and appropriate sites for sampling, records pertinent data concerning relevant factors, and interprets data collected
• Responds in accordance with approved emergency response procedures to spills or release of pollutants, some which may be hazardous substances
• Perform field reviews of employee work practices for compliance with state and federal worksite safety regulations
• Conduct monthly safety meetings with employees in each district organizational units
• Conduct training sessions with employees on topics such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, worksite traffic control, and other pertinent topics
• Fit test employees for respirator use in lead contaminated environments
• Inspect and sample worksites and structures for presences of asbestos
• Inspect vehicles traveling interstate highways and carrying hazardous waste
• Assessment of program effectiveness or investigating or analyzing a variety of unusual conditions, problems, or questions
• Maintains various records of safety compliance activity
• The personal contacts are with individuals or groups from outside the employing agency in a moderately unstructured setting.
• Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver’s license is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• An understanding of an extensive set of rules, regulations, guidelines, and operations will be required to adequately perform job duties
• Knowledge of established and effective methods of investigation
• Knowledge of the various core elements within construction and general industry occupational safety regulations, RCRA Regulations, USDOT Motor Carrier and Hazardous   Material regulations, MUTCD Policies, NFPA regulations, NESHAP regulations
• Knowledge of general highway standards and maintenance techniques
• Knowledge of capabilities of construction and maintenance equipment
• Knowledge of occupational health issues
• Ability to effectively explain and interpret provisions of laws and regulations
• Ability to enforce laws, rules and regulations with firmness and impartiality
• Ability to operate a personal computer
• Ability to speak before groups
• Ability to maintain working relationships with others
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, exercise sound judgment and work under limited supervision
• Ability to keep accurate records, write reports in a clear, concise form, and present factual material and ideas effectively
• Ability to work in special apparel such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), respirators, and/ or encapsulated suits. Note: Personnel engaged in activities associated with hazardous wastes risk exposure to situations or chemical that may cause injury or illness if proper procedures are not followed.
• Ability to interpret laws and standards and apply them to particular situations
• Ability to analyze situations, problems, and information and develop appropriate responses and resolutions
• Ability to develop and conduct safety training programs including curriculum and audiovisual material
• Skilled to conduct heavy equipment, motor vehicle, and workplace safety inspections and assess situations quickly

Other Qualifications

REQUIRED TRAINING/EDUCATION 
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in occupational safety; industrial hygiene; criminal or social justice; general, industrial, or social psychology; human relations; or related applied sciences.
• Substitution: Full-time or part-time equivalent paid experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, or industrial maintenance may substitute for the required   training/education on a year-for-year basis.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE 
• Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene or industrial maintenance.
• Substitution: A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in occupational safety; industrial hygiene; criminal or social justice; general, industrial, or social psychology; human relations; or related applied sciences. may substitute for the required training and two (2) years of the required experience. Graduate coursework may substitute for a portion of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits

Annual Increment Pay    

Paid Vacation
 
Paid Holidays
 
Paid Sick Leave
 
Family Medical Leave
 
Leave Donation Program
 
Military Leave
 
Employee Education Reimbursement & Leave Program
 
Flexible Work Schedules

Training Opportunities
 
Promotion Opportunities
 
Public Employees’ Retirement System:

1. Employees enrolled in PERS Tier 1 contribute 4.5% of their gross salary.     The Employer contributes 9%.
2. Employees enrolled in PERS Tier 2 contribute 6.0% of their gross salary.  The Employer contributes 9%.

Agency Information

EmployerWest Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)Division West Virginia Department of Transportation Address 1900 Kanawha Blvd, East
Building 5, Room A-450
Charleston, West Virginia, 25305 Phone304-558-3111
Website https://transportation.wv.gov