Safety Officer- Human Resources Assistant

The City of Newport is seeking a professional, dedicated, hard-working and reliable individual to fill the position of Safety Officer/HR Assistant.  This is a dual responsibility position reporting to the HR Director. 

The Safety Officer will be responsible to develop and oversee of a comprehensive employee safety program and related programs, practices and committees to include the areas of safety, accident prevention, accident investigation, safety training, equipment training, and safety and training materials, programs, and procedures. The HR Assistant will perform high-level administrative tasks and services to support effective and efficient operations of the organization’s human resource department. 

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be two years of increasingly responsible technical or administrative experience in human resources and/or safety/risk management. Two years of college level course work in human resources, business, risk management, personnel management, or closely related field. Significant related experience may substitute for education, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.  

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of business and administrative principles, general municipal services and operation, business English, word processing, spreadsheet and other computer applications.  Basic human resources functions and procedures. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Mathematical principles. Business letter writing and the standard format for typed materials. Methods and techniques of proper phone etiquette. Basic functions and structure of a municipal organization. Methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing. Methods and techniques for record keeping and filing. Customer service and public relations methods and techniques. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Basic knowledge of occupational hazard and effective/proper safety standards, practices, and procedures related to equipment operation and the use of hand and power tools and equipment.  Basic understanding of federal, state, and local safety rules and regulations; knowledge of federal and state OSHA requirements, including confined spaces, workplace safety plans, MSDS requirements, Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure, and lock-out tag-out procedures.

SKILLS:  High level of skill in the use of personal computers, various related software programs including the spreadsheets and word processing programs, Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools required (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).  City HR specific programs, and standard office equipment, ability to rapidly learn new software programs. Ability to perform a variety of office support and clerical duties and activities of a general and specialized nature in support of the Human Resources Department. Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports. Understand, interpret, and apply general administrative, City and departmental policies and procedures.

ABILITIES:  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City management, employees, Council members, other entities, and the general public.  Ability to maintain records and logs, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups and to learn, apply and explain in detail tasks related to this position and the City’s policies and procedures. Ability to honor the confidentiality required of this position.  Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions. Read, understand, and review documents for accuracy and relevant information. Use applicable office terminology, forms, documents, and procedures in the course of the work. Use sound judgment in following and applying appropriate laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Make accurate arithmetic calculations. Compose correspondence, compile, and arrange data in a readable and comprehensible manner. Research files and prepare basic statistical reports and analyses. Establish and maintain complex record keeping systems. Proofread and edit draft reports or correspondence for errors in grammar or structure. Coordinate activities and meet critical deadlines. Deal successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone. Understand and follow instructions. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Type and enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  

Ability to work flexible hours to respond to fire alarm and/or urgent safety related issues. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Ability to lawfully operate a motorized vehicle for city business on a regular basis. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES 

Valid Oregon Driver’s License at time of hire.

Experience using NeoGov Software System (OHC/Insight, Learn, Perform modules) 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Attendance of specialized classes that relate to human resources and occupational health and safety.

Municipal government experience.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects.  The position requires mobility including the ability to frequently lift or move materials up to twenty pounds and occasionally lift or move materials up to thirty pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating equipment such as computers, keyboards, telephones, and standard office equipment.   The position requires the ability to operate a motorized vehicle.  Manual dexterity and coordination are required about 60% of the work period while operating such equipment as computers, keyboards, telephones, standard office equipment, maintenance equipment, and motorized vehicles.  

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work locations are in indoor and outdoor environments.  Outdoor work will occur where the employee may be exposed to environmental conditions, to varying and extreme weather conditions for unspecified periods, and to excessively loud noises from construction equipment, dust, and traffic.  The employee may risk harm from such physical hazards as mechanical and electrical equipment, exposure to hazardous gases, fumes, paint, and chemicals.  Indoor work will be in a standard office environment.

Requires the ability to work flexible hours to respond to fire alarms and/or urgent safety related issues.

All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofnewport.Only complete applications will be considered.  

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application. Only completed applications will be considered. Please do not fax, mail or e-mail any documentation. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully submitted. 

The City of Newport is an EEO and veteran's preference employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal or local law. 

The City of Newport follows Oregon law regarding Veterans’ Preference in Public Employment. If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, you must complete the Veteran's Preference Form and attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include a copy of your Veteran's Administration benefit summary/award letter with your application.  

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, reference checking, and in the case of safety sensitive positions, drug and alcohol testing. 

Salary : $5,165 - $6,278