Public Works Safety Supervisor (Regulation Supervisor) - Public Works, Director's Office

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government"

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.
 
What are we looking for? 
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
 
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.  Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for supporting the implementation of the Department of Public Works safety program, which may include training, investigation, analysis of accidents and monitoring hazardous materials. Provides oversight of the safety practices in each of the five (5) bureaus of DPW. Work includes compiling safety data from the bureaus into a centralized department database; overseeing the safety functions of each of the bureau safety leads; providing on-site safety oversight support to bureaus, as needed; conducting safety training; conducting regular coordination meetings with all bureau safety leads; serving as mentor and guide to each of the bureau safety leads. Work at this level may include independent responsibility for a confidential administrative information sharing.  

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs intermediate supervisory level and advanced licensing, inspections, and regulation work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.   Work includes overseeing the inspection of project construction to ensure conformance with standards, specifications, and drawings; providing inspections for subdivision and Capital Project constructions; supervising and administering code enforcement programs; examining plans and permits; and maintaining unit budget and records.   Work includes scheduling inspections; reviewing inspection reports; resolving complex problems; and overseeing the work of trained and technically proficient inspectors engaged in conducting inspections of residential, commercial and capital projects for conformance with codes and standards, specifications, local and state laws and ordinances; and assisting others in the interpretation of codes.

 

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Will be responsible for conducting various safety audits, and assessments to observe employee behaviors and work with bureaus to provide working conditions in compliance with all safety and health standards.
• Advise DPW employees of safety deficiencies, recommend corrective action, and ensure corrective actions have been implemented. 
• Evaluate work-related hazards relating to County operations and implement effective controls and programs to reduce or eliminate those hazards.
• Observe job locations and activities performed by DPW staff for OSHA compliance and safe work practices.
• Oversee industrial hygiene initiatives. Work with contractors to evaluate and test county facilities, conduct air sampling and personal monitoring analysis. Communicate findings, recommendations, and corrective actions as appropriate.
• Observe job sites and activities for safety practices and equipment and analyze for compliance in safety measures. Develop and monitor the accuracy of the Department's standard procedures to maintain MOSH compliance. 
• Identify and implement safety training needs for DPW by conducting regular field training and assisting Bureaus with arranging specific safety training.
• The Safety Division has authority to take immediate corrective action, up to and including a complete stoppage of work, if a life threatening or a serious injury hazard exists on a county employee’s or County contractor’s jobsite.
• Research appropriate engineering controls, administrative means and/or protective measures to mitigate exposures to employee injury.
• Evaluate projects in risk and cost reduction in the areas of process safety and employee industrial health and safety.
• Manage compliance of County department's federal, state, and county safety and health documentation and reports including OSHA reports, SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and chemical inventory lists.
• Chair, organize, and/or attend meetings with employees, supervisors, and upper management to discuss specific safety issues.
• Coordinate with all Bureaus in the Department of Public Works and with Risk Management to assure seamless safety operations and programs.
• Issue notifications of safety deficiencies and conduct follow-ups to ensure appropriate corrective action taken; recommend safety precautions as needed, initiate immediate corrective action if life threatening hazards exist.
• Investigate and analyze accidents for the purpose of determining causes, suggesting preventive measures such as training and updating maintenance; provide technical assistance to divisions.
• Serve as a resource to County employees on matters of industrial health & safety and maintain a strong "in-the-field" presence.
• Work with staff to create Job Hazard Analyses.
• May occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends with advance notice where possible.     

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise safety leads in each of the five (5) bureaus of DPW who will be matrixed with supervisors within their bureaus. Provide general oversight in the capture and management of safety data by each of the safety leads. Work with each safety lead to compile safety statistics for the entire department. Mentor and guide safety leads in the execution of their safety duties. Associate's degree and four (4) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field of study. 
• Experience and ability to work with line workers and supervisor.
• OSHA 10 Certification. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

The employee must be able to travel to and move around job sites independently. Job sites may involve uneven or rough terrain, climbing stairs and ladders. The person must be able to pass a respirator fit test.  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are required to travel to different work sites both inside buildings and outdoors.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, be exposed to raw sewage, heavy construction sites in all weather conditions, moving mechanical parts and fumes, confined spaces, high voltage, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Strong analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
 
Knowledge of methods and techniques employed in gathering and compiling data. Ability to use computerized methods to research information.
 
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
 
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to influence people in a logical manner to gain compliance with safety initiatives.

Maryland Class C Driver's License, or equivalent issued by state of residence. 

Salary : $68,542 - $131,949