Safety Operations Section Director - OCC Division - Austin, TX

Be part of an agency that values Safety by joining the leadership team in the Occupational Safety Division to oversee occupational safety programs at TxDOT.  Create and sustain a culture of continuous safety improvement and move the needle towards achieving TxDOT's Safety Mission Zero. Must be able to travel extensively, spend time in field and work zone operations, and respond to emergency situations in person, around the state.

Stassney Campus https://youtu.be/u42vEZacDgA

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
 

Leads the Field Safety Operations program for the Occupational Safety Division. Responsible for providing on-site assistance and technical expertise to Districts and Divisions regarding Occupational Safety within Work Zones, Construction sites and specialized operations throughout the State. Includes collaborative work to support the delivery of Worker's Compensation, Tort, Auto Liability claims and Safety Programs. Reports to the Occupational Safety Division Director. Manages a group of professional and technical employees.  Work requires contact with regulatory agencies, governmental officials, and private entities

Essential Duties:

• Acts in an advisory capacity to the Workers' Compensation and Torts Claims Sections.

• Assists with claims/lawsuits and reviews proposed settlement agreements.

• Consults with divisions, districts, and other entities on matters regarding leadership, Hazardous Communication Materials and industrial hygiene.

• Oversees the Department's Incident Prevention Management Program.

• Prepares budget estimates.

• Prepares statistical reports and conducts operations analyses.

• Represents the division in planning and negotiations with governmental authorities and delivers speeches.

• Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation that may affect Department operations and prepares directives for implementation.

• Consults with Division, Districts and other entities regarding safety leadership, work zone safety, vehicle/equipment safety and claims.

• Conducts operational analysis and hazard assessments in the field.

• Investigates injuries and incidents to determine cause and develop preventable actions.

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Safety, Industrial Technology, Industrial Engineering or Business Management. 

• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 

• 5 years management of hazardous materials and waste; industrial hygiene, industrial safety methods or training. 
• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent. 
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
• Must have 3 years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
   
• Must have completed OSHA 500 Trainer Course in Construction and OSHA 501 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry.
   
• Must have one of the following professional safety designations : (1) Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC); (2 ) General Industry/Construction Industry Outreach Instructor or Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO); (3) Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or (4) equivalent training or certification as determined by the Occupational Safety Division (OCC). 
   
• Safety Impact Certificate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Risk Management in Occupational Safety in General Industry and/or Construction and Driver Improvement Programs.

Competencies:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
   
• Industrial safety procedures
   
• Industrial hygiene methods
   
• Methods and procedures involving storage & transport of hazardous materials
   
• Budgeting methods and procedures
   
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Considerable knowledge of:

• Statistical analysis methodologies and reporting procedures
   
• Concepts, techniques and tools used in planning, designing and implementing database management systems and related technologies
   
• Emergency response procedures
   
• Budgeting methods and procedures
   
• Legal terminology

Expert skill in:

• Supervising technical staff
   
• Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
   
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
   
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues

Proficient skill in:

• Planning, assigning, directing, coordinating and reviewing the work of professional, administrative and technical employees
   
• Planning and coordinating workshops, seminars and task force activities
   
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
   
• Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files and reports
   
• The use and support of personal computers and peripheral equipment
   
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
   
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations

Other Attributes:

• Uses logic and reasoning to analyze and understand why problems occur; generates and implements creative, cost effective and realistic solutions to accomplish work objectives
   
• Delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions; shares authority but has ultimate accountability

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs

• Standing-prolonged periods of time

• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
     

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information