SAFETY OFFICER in Rocky Mount, North Carolina at City of Rocky Mount

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the City’s comprehensive occupational health and safety programs to ensure a safe and compliant work environment for all employees. This position leads safety training initiatives, administers workers’ compensation programs, conducts safety inspections, and oversees drug and alcohol testing programs in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.

The Safety Officer plays a critical role in reducing workplace injuries, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting a culture of safety across all departments.

• Develops, implements, and maintains citywide safety policies, procedures, and programs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), state safety standards, and local requirements.
• Coordinates and leads departmental safety committees and initiatives.
• Tracks and analyzes safety metrics, trends, and incident data to reduce risk exposure.
• Designs and delivers safety training programs for employees across all departments.
• Conducts new hire safety orientation to ensure compliance from the first day of employment.
• Provides specialized training (e.g., hazard communication, PPE use, confined space, defensive driving, etc.).
• Administers the City’s workers’ compensation program in compliance with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
• Coordinates injury reporting, claims processing, and communication with third-party administrators and medical providers.
• Manages return-to-work and light-duty programs to reduce lost time and costs.
• Conducts accident investigations and implements corrective actions.
• Maintains training records and ensures compliance with mandated training schedules.
• Conducts routine and unannounced safety inspections of facilities, job sites, and equipment.
• Identifies hazards and recommends corrective measures to mitigate risk.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards across diverse operations (e.g., Public Works, Utilities, Police, Fire).
• Prepares detailed inspection reports and follows up on corrective actions.
• Administers the City’s drug and alcohol testing program in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Part 40) and City policy.
• Coordinates random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing; maintains the random drug testing database for CDL holders and others as required.
• Serves as the Designated Employer Representative (DER).
• Maintains confidentiality and compliance with all testing requirements.
• Determines root causes and recommends preventive measures.
• Prepares required reports and maintains documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
• Assists in the development and revision of safety-related policies within the employee handbook and administrative policies.
• Ensures alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Supports audits, inspections, and regulatory inquiries.
• Works closely with department heads to implement safety initiatives.
• Advises leadership on risk management strategies and liability reduction.
• Coordinates with HR, Finance, and Legal on claims, compliance, and reporting matters.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Risk Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience in workplace safety, risk management, or workers’ compensation administration.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years’ experience in workplace safety, risk management, or workers’ compensation administration.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST)
• Experience in a municipal or public sector environment.
• Experience serving as a Designated Employer Representative (DER).

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated
• Ability to obtain required certifications within a specified timeframe.

• Thorough knowledge of occupational safety principles, practices, and regulations.
• Strong understanding of workers’ compensation laws and claims management.
• Knowledge of DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Ability to conduct training and present information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to investigate incidents and identify root causes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of CDL standards.
• Skill in developing and implementing short- and long-range plans.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment.

• None

• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Talking 1: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Visual Acuity 1: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Talking 1: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Visual Acuity 1: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

• Work is performed in both office and field environments.
• Exposure to potential hazards during inspections (e.g., construction sites, utilities operations).
• May require occasional after-hours response to incidents or emergencies.