Job Description
Salary : $113,120.80 - $152,133.28 Annually
Location : Escondido (San Diego County), CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2024-08-1403
Department: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 08/28/2024
Closing Date: 9/15/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
The Organization JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 23 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.
The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.
The Administrative Services Department The Administrative Services Department provides services that support the efficient operations of the Water Authority. Responsibilities include risk management and safety, emergency management, procurement and administration of the Water Authority's business insurance (including claims management), development of policies and procedures, purchasing and regulatory compliance, procurement support for solicitation and contracts, cybersecurity for the business network, maintenance of critical computer software applications, maintenance and development of websites and online dashboards, acquisition and maintenance of computer hardware and cloud services, maintenance and development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) datasets, audio and visual support for conference rooms and the Board room, administration of the records management program, management of the front desk reception, and facility management for the Kearny Mesa building and grounds.
Risk and Safety Division The Risk and Safety Division comprises a team of three staff members: the Risk & Safety Manager, the Safety Officer, and the Senior Management Analyst (Workers' Compensation & Risk).
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will excel in building strong, working relationships amongst team members through the Water Authority's safety programs. As an integral member of the Risk & Safety team, the Safety Officer will report to the Risk & Safety Manager and collaborate with multiple departments to develop, oversee, and ensure the success of the Water Authority's safety programs. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of safety regulations, experience in developing solutions to safeguard employees, and proficiency in writing effective safety programs. They should have practical experience managing safety programs, auditing workplace safety systems, and mitigating workplace hazards. Additionally, this person will be experienced in developing utility-specific training programs. The successful candidate will excel in communicating with staff at all levels, translating technical terms, and motivating others to take proactive safety measures.
The Position The Safety Officer plans, organizes, coordinates, and implements comprehensive safety management programs for the Water Authority. They recommend actions to ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations, advise Water Authority staff on safe work methods and the elimination of environmental hazards, and maintain required health and safety program records.
Distinguishing Characteristics The incumbent is responsible for developing and administering, in coordination with Water Authority directors, managers, and supervisiors, comprehensive safety programs in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. The incumbent is authorized in emergency situations (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) to terminate work at a location until safety hazards are corrected.
Representative Duties 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 the class.
- Plans, writes, organizes, implements, and documents comprehensive employee health and safety programs, including training tracking, development, and delivery; safety equipment maintenance; and hazard abatement to ensure compliance with Water Authority safety policies and federal and state laws and regulations for employee occupational health and safety.
- Develops, recommends and implements procedures and programs to comply with regulatory requirements and to reduce employee accidents and injuries; advises Water Authority management on required safety programs; monitors safety program compliance through review and/or issuance of accident reports, obtains and maintains permits (e.g. air compressors and hazmat business plans), provides field inspections and safety committee reports and suggestions; participates in the selection of vendors to provide safety training programs for managers, supervisors and employees; monitors, coordinates and schedules a wide variety of health training programs; coordinates, schedules and leads safety meetings with departments and the safety committee.
- Conducts special and periodic inspections of Water Authority facilities, structures, and operations, to identify safety and environmental hazards; prepares and follows up on inspection reports of hazards and required abatements; responds to the scene of vehicular accidents; prepares required reports on employee accidents and accident trends.
- Evaluates employee accident and injury reports, recommends remedial action, including retrofitting and engineering changes, and follows up to ensure action is taken; responds to employee and manager questions regarding safe work practices and environmental hazards.
- Oversees implementation of a hazardous materials and waste management program including waste minimization procedures; and inventories Water Authority chemicals to meet compliance with Cal OSHA requirements.
- Facilitates and conducts presentations of safety programs such as the "New Hire" orientations.
- Manages the Department of Transportation Program, Random Drug Testing Program, and Pull Notice Program. Ensures compliance with the California Highway Patrol's Basic Inspection of Terminals Program.
For further details regarding this class specification, please click on the following link:
Working Hours and Optional Hybrid Work Schedule:
The Water Authority has embraced an alternative work schedule and hybrid work option to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. The Safety Officer works a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. After a period of training and demonstrated ability to complete assignments, an option to telework up to 1 day per week and work onsite 4 days per week may be available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment. While onboarding and training, the successful candidate may be required to work primarily onsite before establishing a hybrid work schedule.
Qualification Guidelines The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in occupational health, safety engineering or a closely related field supplemented by five years of increasingly responsible experience in developing or administering employee health and safety programs, preferably in a governmental agency.
Licenses and Other Requirements - A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
- A Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), or similar safety designation is desirable.
- Certifications issued by American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other recognized industrial safety organizations on topics relevant to the Water Authority's safety training and safety management programs are highly desirable.
Application Procedure To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by
Sun day, September 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority's regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.
Health Insurance : The Water Authority maintains three employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the "basic" plan is the Kaiser HMO plan and the "premium" plans are the Aetna HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Delta Dental Premier for dental services, and Aetna EyeMed for vision services. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the "basic" medical plan family coverage premium (which is paid 100% by the Water Authority). All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.
Retirement : All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.
Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)
- 2.5% @ 55
- 8.0% Employee Contribution
- 1 Year Final Compensation Period
New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)
- 2% @ 62
- 6.75% Employee Contribution
- 3 Year Final Compensation Period
*
Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.
Classic Member: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include:
- Employer-Paid Member Contribution (EPMC): The Water Authority pays 7% of the employee's share of retirement contributions to CalPERS and the value of the 7% member contribution is reported to CalPERS as additional compensation.
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include:
- Military Service Credit as Public Service.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (Maximum 3%).
- Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2W Death Benefit.
The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.
Social Security / Medicare : Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Merit Review Schedule : Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one year anniversary date and annually thereafter.
Alternative Work Week : Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9/80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff is available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.
Hybrid Work Schedule Option: The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. An option to telework up to 3 days per week and work onsite 2 days per week is available for employees in eligible positions.
Vacation : Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.
Sick Leave: Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Holidays: The Water Authority observes 13 paid holidays each year, including two (2) eight-hour floating holidays. Employees hired after July 1, but before September 9, will receive full holiday credit for both floating holidays. Employees hired on or after September 10, but prior to February 12, will receive full credit for one (1) floating holiday. Employees hired after February 13, and prior to June 30, will not receive credit for either floating holiday in the fiscal year.
Life Insurance : The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and Personal Accident insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.
Long Term Disability Insurance : The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.
Cell Phone : Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.
Tuition Reimbursement : The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.
National University: Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees' spouse/ partner/dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.
Wellness Center : Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.
Employee Assistance Program : Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.
Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage):
Flexible Spending Account - Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($2,750 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($5,000 maximum).
Deferred Compensation Plan - The Water Authority's Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. Beginning July 1, 2023, employees' receive an employer match up to $250 to the 457 deferred compensation plan in calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The employer match will be contributed on a dollar-for-dollar basis until the $250 maximum is met in the calendar year.
Short-Term Disability - This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings - to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability).
The Water Authority does not contract with California's Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits. Long-Term Care Insurance - This voluntary insurance program is available to employees and covers the cost of extended health care for yourself, as well as your spouse or qualified domestic partner.
Group Legal Insurance - This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues - saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Critical Illness Insurance - This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.
Voluntary Life and Personal Accident Insurance - Employees may purchase voluntary life and personal accident insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and/or personal accident insurance for spouse/domestic partner and/or children.
Employees' Association - Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.
01
APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.
The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.
- I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.
02
EDUCATION Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some college, but no degree
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree or higher
- None of the above
03
If you have you graduated from an accredited college or university, please indicate the major area of study below.
- Occupational Health
- Safety Engineering
- Other related field
- Other non-related field
04
LICENSE: Do you possess a valid driver's license (equivalent to California Class A, B, or C)?
05
<> Do you possess any of the certifications listed below or a related safety certification? If yes, select all that apply.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)
- Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) Certifications
- Other related certification
06
If you possess any other related certifications, please list below.
07
WORK EXPERIENCE: Please indicate your years of progressively responsible experience in developing or administering employee health and safety programs?
- I do not have any related work experience
- Less than 5 years
- More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
- More than 7 years, but less than 9
- More than 9 years
08
Based on the information provided on the job announcement, please describe how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the Safety Officer position. Include a brief explanation of your experience with safety program development and implementation. If you do not have any related experience, type "N/A".
09
WORK HISTORY Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.
- I understand and have provided a complete employment history, including accounting for any employment gaps of more than 30 days.
10
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails.
We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.
- I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours, 2 days per week, 3 days per week, 1 day per week,