Safety and Risk Manager

Join Our Team as our Safety and Risk Manager at Santa Margarita Water District!

The Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Safety & Risk Manager to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety, risk management, and compliance programs that protect our employees, assets, and the public we serve. This critical leadership role requires a team-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety at all levels of the organization. We’re looking for a candidate who brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to managing risk in a dynamic public utility setting.

If you are passionate about public service, committed to employee well-being, and ready to apply your expertise in a mission-driven organization, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of safety at Santa Margarita Water District.

Meet Santa Margarita Water District 

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters. Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. 

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence 
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive 
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency 
• Environmental and resource stewardship 
• Employee development and leadership training 
• Building relationships that strengthen communities

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed by individual positions.

JOB SUMMARY 

Under general direction, plans, develops and implements the District’s health and safety programs, with the goal of strengthening the District’s safety culture and minimizing District losses; plans, develops and implements occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, disaster and emergency preparedness, and risk management programs; moni­tors to ensure compliance with safety program provisions and management and supervisory account­abilities; coordinates and oversees the scheduling and conducting of mandatory safety training programs and meetings; administers a variety of safety related programs; provides profes­sional assistance and guidance to the District’s managers, and supervisors on providing a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace for employees and as-needed, to the Board of Directors at the discretion of the General Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The Safety & Risk Manager is a manager-level position which may supervise lower-level staff. This position is responsible for managing, directing and integrating safety and environmental health programs and services for the District to ensure compli­ance with local, state and federal laws and regulations. Incumbents are responsible for training, implementing and documenting safety-related programs and for investigating and preventing workplace accidents and hazardous waste incidents. This position is distinguished from an Analyst level as this position is responsible for implementing programs, requires seasoned judgment, receives minimal oversight, and displays a high degree of initiative and independence. 

This position typically reports to the Human Resources Director and supervises the Safety & Risk Analyst.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS 

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Promotes, plans, organizes, and participates in developing and implementing employee health and safety programs, including but not limited to ergonomics, industrial safety, occupational health and safety, fire protection, traffic and vehicle safety, hazardous materials and environmental hazard abatement, and management to ensure compliance with District safety ordinances and policies and all local, state and federal laws, codes, and regulations for employee occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, disaster and emergency preparedness, and risk management.
2. Develops, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, and programs to comply with regulatory requirements and to prevent incidents of employee accidents and injuries; monitors safety program compliance; conducts thorough review of accidents, prepares written analyses, ensures applicable management personnel are informed, conducts field visits and makes recommendations; reviews documentation of accident investigations and ensures follow-up corrective action, when applicable; oversees the inves­tigation of complaints regarding safety issues; analyzes data to identify trends and develop solutions; creates a variety of safety-related reports including mandatory state and federal OSHA reports, records, plans and records of inspection activities which may include Safety Training Records, Hazard Communication Program Documentation, Personal Protective Equipment Records, Emergency Action Plans, Safety Audits and Inspections, Exposure Monitoring Records, and OSHA Forms 300 and 300A. 
3. Administers the District’s Workers’ Compensation program; authorizes occupational treatment at District approved clinic; files claims, conducts investigations into injuries or illnesses; evaluates modified work arrangements, interacts with claims adjusters and employees, and facilitates the interactive process for ADA related situations. 
4. Conducts planned and periodic inspections and site audits of District facilities and operations to identify security, safety, environmental and hazardous substance hazards as required under Title 19; prepares reports and documentation of findings and recommendations for action to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Works with departments to implement equipment modifications to resolve safety problems; advises management on the creation and implementation of safety programs and policies ensuring a safe and compliant workplace environment. May be required to present safety reports and findings to the Board at the direction of the General Manager. 
5. Develops and delivers or arranges for the delivery of safety training and emer­gency response programs for all employees as required by local, state and federal regulations; prepares or approves safety training curricula and mater­ials developed internally or through vendors; coordinates, trains and leads Confined Space Entry/Emergency Response teams.
6. Recommends and implements budgets for safety-related equipment; advises on the develop­ment of specifications for the purchase of safety materials and safety-related equipment; periodically checks the opera­tion and use of equipment to ensure performance and conformance with District standards. Assists with the administration of the District’s safety footwear reimbursement program.
7. Responds to the scene of employee personal injury accidents or to call outs in the event of employee vehicle accidents or near misses; serves as a first responder on hazardous waste incidents; oversees investigations and prepares required reports on accidents and accident trends. Administers post-accident drug and alcohol testing, performs accident debriefs and reports out to management and staff.
8. Administers the District’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program; serves as the subject matter expert; conducts regular training; adheres to the provisions of the program and makes necessary updates as applicable.
9. Represents the District with other agencies regarding regional safety programs and safety inspections of District properties and facilities; prepares and submits disclosure documents and business emer­gency plans as required by District and government agencies; prepares documents for federal, state and city funding; confers with state and federal emergency planning representatives to support District emergency response activities in the event of a declared emergency; expedites the recovery of funds from state and federal governments. Participates in maintaining the District’s Emergency Response Plan and the Emergency Operation Plan and assists in ensuring the readiness of the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Participates in the coordination, scheduling and administration of the annual emergency response preparedness drills.
10. Partners with representatives from the risk management division of ACWA JPIA and implements best practices regarding safety in compliance with the C2E (Commitment to Excellence) program. 
11. Functions as the district’s ADA Coordinator, effectively managing all ADA-related issues for both employees and the public.
12. Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Safety Division and its personnel, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with organizational goals; delegates appropriate work as needed, evaluates performance, ensures best practices, and inspires a positive and productive work environment.
13. Initiates at least an annual review and evaluation of the District’s Safety Rules and Regulations as well as the Injury and Illness Protection Plan to ensure accuracy and relevancy. Ensures District safety policies are current and communicates policy changes to management and employees.
14. Acts as the key contact for OSHA related items. Maintains required Cal/OSHA record keeping and the District’s safety records. Completes and manages the District’s annual OSHA reporting duties and maintains the Cal-OSHA 300 and 300A logs and any other injury related reporting documents.
15. Manages the District’s Ergonomic Program, working with operational staff and administrative staff to eliminate the potential for workplace injuries. Provides training to employees on proper techniques for job related functions. Facilitates the evaluation of workplace ergonomics for employees as-needed.
16. Serves as the District’s primary contact for the FMCSA compliance program relative to the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for commercial license holders; develops, organizes, and administers the drug and alcohol testing program; reviews DMV pull notices to ensure driver eligibility for continued employment, enrolls and maintains FMCSA driver list. Oversees the commercial driving program and ensures adequate training is provided; may provide one on one training in the form of a ride along, when necessary.
17. Develops and implements the annual program to conduct respirator fit testing for employees required to use tight-fitting respirators. Conducts fit testing of employees as-needed due to changes in health, job role or respirator changes. Maintains records of fit tests and addresses any issues related to respirator fit. Provides training to employees on the importance of proper respirator use.
18. Leads the District’s safety committee and implements safety programs with employees and contractors. Maintains records for training, policy changes, and note-keeping.
19. Coordinates medical programs (vaccinations, respiratory, and hearing tests) for job specific job classifications; makes recommendations based on results; maintains records for immunizations, training, and work-related medical issues. Serves as the District’s COVID-19 contact for the District; stays abreast on changing laws and requirements, and works with leadership to make adjustments, when necessary.
20. Serves as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency management personnel, including police and fire agencies, for compliance with fire, life, safety, and other regulatory codes; conducts annual fire prevention inspections with appropriate fire protection agencies, maintains primary interface with police, state, and federal agencies relative to the physical security measures pertinent to District operations.
21. Regularly provides job analysis for each position to determine the accuracy of the job classification; makes necessary changes to physical, vision, and hearing requirements; works with supervisors to ensure the description reflects the current functions of the job classification.
22. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in occupational health and safety, safety or environmental engineering or a related field, and at least eight years admin­istering or managing an environmental health and safety program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency administering Cal/OSHA regulations and field training is preferred. 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.

Annual certification for CPR, First Aid, Confined-Space Entry and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA requirements are required for some assignments.

Preferred certifications include:

• Certification by the Department of Labor as a certified instructor on OSHA Standards for construc­tion and general industries.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation or similar professional certification.
• Certifications issued by American Water Works Association (AWWA) or recognized industrial safety organizations on topics relevant to conducting specific safety training courses and responding to hazardous materials and waste operations incidents.

Knowledge of: 

1. Principles, policies, practices and methods for developing and administering an employee health and safety program. 
2. Principles and practices for developing and administering health and safety training programs, curri­cu­lum and materials.
3. Principles, practices and trends in the field of emergency and disaster management for a water utility.
4. Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to employee health and safety programs.
5. Workers’ Compensation administration, policies, procedures & regulations.
6. Methods and practices for conducting accident and workplace safety audits and investigations.
7. District safety rules, policies and procedures.
8. District operations and associated potential health and safety issues and mitigation/avoidance opportunities.
9. Standard safety equipment used in utility and public works occupations.
10. DOT FMCSA compliance and administration.
11. Principles and practices of public administration, including long-range planning, budgeting, purchas­ing and maintaining public records.
12. Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.
13. Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
14. Principles and practices of sound business communications.
15. District human resources policies and labor contract provisions.
16. Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work being performed at the District.

Ability to: 

1. Plan and direct the implementation and oversight of comprehensive safety and environmental health programs.
2. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclu­sions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
3. Exercise leadership and influence in working with departments, managers, supervisors, and employees to build commitment to an effective environmental health and safety culture.
4. Analyze emergency situations and respond appropriately to ensure the protection of District staff and the public.
5. Work collaboratively with other managers and provide expert advice and counsel to develop solutions to complex issues.
6. Review and analyze insurance policies.
7. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
8. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
9. Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
10. Represent the District effectively in dealings with contractors, other utilities and agencies, regula­tors and the public. 
11. Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively.
12. Operate a computer, standard business software, and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to the area of assignment.
13. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.
14. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
15. Safely operate a District vehicle on city streets and freeways.
16. Visit different work sites and locations for various trainings, demonstrations, and audits.
17. Operate and maintain various hand and power tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; climb or balance on ladders or stairs; stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, use of both eyes, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

Employees in this class may be periodically required to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). In accordance with OSHA regulations, employees are prohibited from having facial or head hair that impairs the effectiveness of respirator equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties of the class as they relate to this require­ment.

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathe­matical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interrup­tions and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in an office and field environment where the noise level is usually moderately quiet. The employee frequently works in outdoor weather conditions subject to extreme heat or cold, in confined spaces, near moving mechanical parts and equipment and heavy traffic. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals and is occa­sionally exposed to loud or prolonged noise and equipment with heavy vibrations.

The employee may be required to respond to emergency calls and situations.

Please visit our job opportunities page to apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/smwdca