Occupational Health & Safety Officer - Austin Human Resources

Job Description:

Occupational Health & Safety Officer - Austin Human Resources

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Human Resources is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and high performing work environment for all City of Austin employees. Through strategic leadership, collaboration, and a focus on continuous improvement, we support departments in creating workplaces where employees can thrive and deliver exceptional service to the community.
We are currently seeking a dedicated Occupational Health & Safety Officer to provide citywide leadership and oversight of the City’s safety program. This role is responsible for establishing governance, policies, performance standards, and accountability measures that ensure a safe and compliant work environment across all departments. The position monitors regulatory requirements, analyzes injury and exposure data, and guides departments in implementing prevention strategies and corrective actions.
If you are passionate about advancing workplace safety, driving organizational consistency, and building a culture where employees feel protected and supported, we invite you to apply and help strengthen the City of Austin’s commitment to safety and well being.

Job Description:

Occupational Health and Safety Officer

Purpose:

Under nominal direction, this position manages and oversees the planning, design, evaluation, and development of a citywide occupational health and safety program to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for City of Austin employees.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  
• Designs and recommends an effective Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) system that establishes authority and accountability for safety citywide and at the department level.
  
• Leads process of developing and recommending citywide Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policy and standards or changes to existing standards and the enforcement of them.
  
• Consults and provides leadership to department safety personnel in the implementation of safety programs, analysis, problem solving, and corrective action plans.
  
• Monitors Federal and State Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations applicable to the City and recommends and implements programs to ensure the City is in compliance with all applicable regulations.
  
• Evaluates City Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) statistics and defines target goals for performance and monitors for achievement of goals; recommends strategic short and long-term prevention and cost-control objectives designed to meet established goals.
  
• Develops and implements processes, methods, and tools designed to measure, evaluate, and monitor departmental safety performance and provides formal input or reports and makes recommendations to management regarding exposure incidents to address unintentional exposures to employees or vendors.
  
• Oversees the design, preparation, analysis, and distribution of safety data and statistical reports concerning accidents, trends, and solutions to work related problems to all City departments and executive management.
  
• Develops and oversees contracts with consultants for services provided to the City.
  
• Identifies and coordinates opportunities to share common resources citywide, such as training, equipment, consultants, and other resources.
  
• Implements a sound Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) document and record management system in compliance with applicable City policies and procedures as well as governmental regulations and applicable standards.
  
• Oversees review and approval process for departmental Accident Prevention Plans.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge in the fields of safety compliance and auditing.
  
• Knowledge of governmental regulations and applicable standards such as EPA, OSHA.
  
• Knowledge of National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) that affect employee and environmental health and safety.
  
• Knowledge of technical expertise in analyzing numerical and claims data and industry performance measures such as Loss Time Injury Rates, Frequency Rates, and OSHA 200 Recordable Rates.
  
• Knowledge of OH&S systems and industry best practices.
  
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to train others. Skill in effective written and oral communication skills.
  
• Ability to compose and present reports to all levels of management.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Occupational Safety, Safety Engineering, Occupational or Environmental Health, Industrial Engineering, or a safety-related field,
  
• plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience administering a safety program.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Progressive experience managing a large or multi‑site Occupational Health & Safety program, ideally within a municipal or public‑sector environment.
  
• Experience analyzing safety metrics, injury trends, and loss data to set performance targets and develop prevention strategies.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑departmental initiatives and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels, including executive leadership.
  
• Experience implementing electronic safety management or records systems and strengthening organizational safety culture.
  
• Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), ARM, or Certified Safety & Health Official (CSHO), or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Human Resources is excited to invite a dedicated Occupational Health & Safety Officer to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will provide citywide leadership and oversight of the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) program, ensuring a safe, compliant, and prevention‑focused work environment for employees across all departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of citywide Occupational Health & Safety policies and standards
• Analyze safety data and trends to drive prevention strategies and improve workplace safety
• Support departments in resolving safety concerns and strengthening their safety programs
• Ensure compliance with federal and state OH&S regulations and maintain required documentation

We’re looking for a safety professional who is passionate about protecting employees, elevating safety performance, and fostering a consistent culture of prevention across the City. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and help build a safer, more resilient Austin, we encourage you to apply and join our collaborative and mission‑driven team.

Salary Range: $85,120.00 - $109,400.00 annually (Midpoint)

Office Location:

Learning and Research Center

5202 E Ben White, Ste. 600

Austin, Texas 78741

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hours may vary due to operational needs. An alternative schedule and remote work/teleworking options are available, but position requires a minimum of 40% per week in office standard.

Driving Requirement:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

A detailed and complete A complete and detailed employment application is required to evaluate your qualifications. Please follow the guidelines below:

• Clearly describe your experience for each position, especially as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  
• Include all relevant experience, including supervisory or leadership roles.
  
• This information will be used to determine interview eligibility and starting salary, which is based on documented experience.
  

Important Reminders:

• A cover letter and résumé are required for this position. Both must be uploaded at the time of application. Applications without these documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
  
• A résumé or cover letter does not replace a fully completed application.
  
• Do not use phrases like “see résumé” or refer to other documents to complete any section.
  
• The “Duties and Responsibilities” sections must be fully completed.
  
• The application is the primary basis for evaluating qualifications and determining compensation.
  
• Include all employment you wish to be considered, with job titles, dates, duties, and responsibilities for each role.
  
• Once the job posting closes, applications cannot be modified.
  

Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution, as well as proof of your professional licenses or certifications. If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.


Additional Information:

Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

Background Check:

• A criminal background check may be required, depending on the responsibilities of the position.
  

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-15