Orange County Sanitation District

Safety Inspector

Onsite - Fountain Valley, CA
Full-Time
Application Deadline: 6/30/25

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we’d love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

 Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a Safety Inspector

Under direction, the Safety Inspector is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance on capital improvement program (CIP) projects and maintenance construction work, ensuring all construction activities are conducted in accordance with OC San and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements and regulations.

Specifically, this position reports to the Safety and Health Manager in the Risk Management division and is assigned to conduct regular safety inspections of construction and maintenance projects managed by the Engineering, and Operations and Maintenance Departments. The individual in this position must be fully qualified with solid experience as a generalist in the area of Construction Safety tasked with ensuring construction activities are performed safely, in compliance with regulations and OC San requirements, while minimizing risk to workers, the public, and OC San.

The ideal candidate works effectively and independently in a team environment, has the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, utilize technology, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate exceptional communication and conflict resolution skills. The Safety Inspector will have extensive knowledge of construction inspection methods and techniques and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Specific roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Continuous inspection and audits of construction jobsites and activities to ensure compliance with OC San safety requirements, as well as applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA).
  • Provide and track annual contractor safety orientations. 
  • Coordinate with all contractors and teams at the project site to ensure that everyone follows the same safety and health rules.
  • Serve as liaison to the Construction Management and Maintenance teams who are primarily responsible for assuring that assigned projects are implemented safely and as required by Contract Documents.
  • Review Contractor safety-related submittals.
  • Issue high hazard work permits (e.g., hot work, confined space, crane lift).
  • Investigate construction near misses, incidents, and accidents.
  • Track, review, and ensure implementation of Contractor corrective actions.
  • Attend project planning and progress meetings.
  • Stop work if unsafe work practices or conditions are observed.
  • Assist with contractor pre-qualification efforts.
  • Maintain daily records of safety logs, inspection reports and meeting minutes documenting Contractor oversight and enforcement of safety and health expectations.
  • Proactively identify areas of opportunity and recommend enhancements to the Contractor safety process at OC San.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

  • High school diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training or coursework in safety, construction inspection, industrial hygiene, environmental engineering, or a related field.
  • Five (5) years of work experience performing safety inspections on public works construction projects.
  • Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
  • Must possess a valid Construction Health and Safety Technologist (CHST) Certification, Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) within 12 months from date of placement in position.

Desired

  • The ideal candidate will have direct experience performing safety inspections preferably in utility or wastewater sectors and have a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and construction requirements in those industries.
  • Extensive knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and standards, especially related to confined spaces, lockout tagout, fall protection, excavation, and crane operations.
  • Knowledge of construction principles and experience working on a construction site including construction methods, equipment, and materials used.
  • Experience conducting thorough incident investigations and developing effective corrective action plans.
  • Experience identifying workplace hazards through inspection and audits, and managing contractors to implement effective control measures.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Proven ability to build positive relationships and foster a culture of safety while enforcing safety standards in a firm but diplomatic way.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 1

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)  

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Monday, June 30, 2025, 5:00 P.M.

(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

 Hiring Salary Range: $58.81 – $64.81/Hour

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands 

  • Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
  • Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders.
  • Perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 51 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
  • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
  • Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
  • Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
  • Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
  • Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
  • Wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environmental Elements 

  • Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
  • Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
  • Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Other Requirements 

  • May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
  • Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
  • Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
  • Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Disaster Service Worker

All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the OC San requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Information

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide (Download PDF reader).

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

  • Verification/Reference from current and past employers
  • Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted. 

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.