Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Summary

Involves developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental and safety programs and policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations, and to ensure a safe and sustainable workplace

Develops and implements health and safety policies and procedures. Conducts risk assessments and coordinates with state agency & insurer inspections. Manages the Occupational Health and Safety Program. Investigates accidents and incidents. Provides training and guidance on health and safety issues. Monitors compliance with health and safety legislation. Promotes health and safety in the workplace, which is about preventing injury from all incidental dangers that may arise within the workplace.

The primary focus of this role is to ensure that all Environmental, Health, and Safety objectives are met and maintained throughout the life of each capital project in NYPA's Northern Region, which ranges from approximately Croghan, NY to Plattsburgh, NY. This position will serve as the NYPA contact for all Northern Region EHS related capital work, and will act as the direct report to all EHS field consultants. Common duties in this role include reviewing HASPS, leading meetings with NYPA contractors, working closely with EHS field consultants, and working alongside the Regional EHS team as well as the Construction / Project Management team. 

The successful candidate will be able to cross-reference and apply OSHA, PESH, DEC, and other regulatory standards, along with NYPA policies to the applicable capital project work to ensure compliance on all fronts. 

This role is a hybrid position between office and field work- requiring frequent travel within the Northern Region.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and maintains liaison with emergency service organizations.
• Facilitate root cause investigations on accidents and near-misses.  Develop actions to prevent reoccurrence. 
• Review safety plans for contracted projects 
• Coordinate site Safety Committee’s monthly meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines concerning health & safety, working knowledge of Workers Compensation law, and return-to-work policy.
• Keep informed of technical and business trends both internal and external, and their applicability to the achievement of NYPA’s goals. 
• Thorough knowledge of power generation and transmission systems and components.
• Must possess strong written and verbal skills to further NYPA’s position in the public sector.
• The incumbent, as the proponent of health & safety performance beyond compliance, must be able to champion the effort with all levels of the Authority.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate written compliance programs; communicates same to employees.
• Takes a proactive approach to analyzing problems and recommends corrective action. 

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5 years of experience 
• Minimum 2 years experience implementing an employee health and safety program. 
• Maintain certifications and proficiencies necessary
• Working knowledge of OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety & Health), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

Physical Requirements

• Up to 20% travel primarily within NY State. 
• Physical ability to access Authority facilities is necessary on a routine basis.
• Ability to enter confined spaces and areas with limited access. 
• Ability to work from height and travel distances as well as stairs by foot. 
• Ability to stand long periods of time in all types of weather; exposure to heat, cold, noise, wind and general nuisance air conditions. 
• Valid Drivers license  
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear and respirator