Safety Program Coordinator (Full Performance/Trainee)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Safety Program Coordinator to join our team! DPR’s two-person safety team manages a comprehensive safety program covering a wide range of operations, facilities, and community activities. It supports approximately 280 permanent and 400 temporary employees, thousands of volunteers, and program participants including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In this hands-on, field-based role, the coordinator will work alongside employees and managers to strengthen DPR’s culture of safety, sharing departmental responsibility with a fellow coordinator while leading designated program areas.

Major Job Duties:

Safety Inspections & Field Support

• Conducting safety inspections and assessments of parks, recreation centers, aquatic facilities, nature centers, offices, vehicles, construction sites, camps, and special events;
• Identifying hazards, recommending corrective actions, and partnering with staff and managers to implement practical safety solutions and track them to completion;

Incident & Risk Management

• Reviewing employee and public incident reports, advising on follow-up, and supporting the response to employee injuries, vehicle accidents, and Workers’ Compensation matters in coordination with County Risk Management;
• Conducting root cause analyses and evaluating incident trends to recommend preventive measures and brief staff and leadership on significant findings;
• Maintaining OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including OSHA 300 Logs, along with safety documentation, reports, and data tracking;

Training & Safety Education

• Developing, coordinating, and delivering safety training for employees and volunteers, including First Aid/CPR/AED, Defensive Driving, Incident Reporting, Confined Space, and other topics based on departmental needs;
• Promoting safety awareness through communications, events, and educational initiatives, and helping employees and supervisors apply safety requirements in daily operations;

Safety Program Administration

• Administering departmental safety programs covering emergency medical supplies (AEDs, first aid kits, and naloxone), vehicle and driver safety, and respiratory protection and fit testing;
• Facilitating DPR and Parks and Natural Resources safety committees, coordinating with safety representatives across DPR, and representing DPR on County safety committees, including the Vehicle Incident Review Committee; and

Emergency Preparedness & Special Events

• Supporting DPR emergency preparedness and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning, including Emergency Support Functions, Emergency Operations Center activations, severe weather response, emergency sheltering, and major events such as the County Fair, in coordination with public safety, human services, schools, and other partner agencies.

The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator who builds strong working relationships and collaborates with staff at all levels of the County. Additionally, the ideal candidate will bring strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills, along with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Safety Sciences, Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene or similar field; and

Full Performance Level:

• Considerable experience in occupational health and safety inspection, which includes some program management responsibilities.

Trainee Level:

• Some experience in occupational health and safety inspection, which includes some program management responsibilities.

Substitution(s): Additional education may be substituted for experience requirement. Additional experience may be substituted for education requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in or possession of one or more of the following:

• Working in an industrial or construction environment;
• Developing and implementing temporary traffic control plans (work zones);
• Developing and presenting safety training and making presentations to management groups;
• Conducting aquatic facility safety assessments; and/or
• Managing/coordinating disaster preparedness and responses.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP);
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO);
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP); and/or
• Defensive Driving Instructor.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of your official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Professional Licenses/Certifications: Applicants must obtain the following certificates within twelve (12) months of hire: OSHA Safety & Health Fundamentals for General Industry, Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED, and Defensive Driving Instructor.

Trainee Level: If an employee is hired at the trainee level, a training period will be established to last no longer than the equivalent of 12 months. At or before the end of the training period, the employee must meet experience, training, and proficiency requirements for the Full Performance position. Once the candidate qualifies, they will be appointed to the position.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Telework availability 2-3 days per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.