SAFETY SPECIALIST I

JOB TITLE: SAFETY SPECIALIST

LOCATION: HAMPDEN OPERATIONS CENTER

REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR OF SAFETY AND COMPLAINCE

POSITION STATUS: EXEMPT, NON-BARGAINING UNIT

Be a part of the team that is transforming the power industry of northern and eastern Maine.

Versant Power is building on our 100-year history of delivering efficient, safe and reliable electricity service to customers in northern and eastern Maine. We never lose sight of safety, quality, integrity and innovation.

We are committed to our dedicated people, who inspire us every day to deliver something more powerful than power alone.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the general direction of the Supervisor of Safety and Compliance this position is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting Versant Power’s safety programs. This position will assist with developing, communicating, and ensuring compliance with all safety and wellness policies, procedures, and work practices for all employees. The primary functions of the Safety Specialist are to provide field support to Field Operations employees through job observations and participating in their monthly safety meetings. The Safety Specialist will also support the office environment safety meetings. This position will participate in the rotation coverage for Safety Call Duty.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works closely with the Safety Team to support the planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting training in support of our programs and ensures training programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Monitors work sites, vehicles, and buildings to determine compliance with health/safety regulations and standards. Conducts field job observations and partners with field employees leading to safe work practices.
• Actively participates in the Employee Safety Team as a resource and advisor for sub-teams.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of OSHA rules and regulations related to the electric utility industry as well as general industry standards, including all record keeping requirements.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including recording keeping requirements.
• Supports and assists departmental supervisors with safety meetings. Solicits questions from employees and provides answers in a timely manner.
• Assists in the development and implementation of safety policies and programs.
• Works in accordance with the documented environmental procedures, instructions, and specific responsibilities as defined in individual procedures and instructions. Reports problems or deviations associated with environmental issues and the Environmental Management System (EMS) to the Environmental Department.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in on-call rotation within the Safety Department and other designees within the Company.
• Performs other related duties as assigned including designated duties associated with System Restoration.

REQUIRED OR PREFERRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Power and/or equivalent experience in the electrical utility industry preferred, or a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in Field Operation is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience of OSHA, FMCSA, and NESC regulations with an understanding of the principles of loss control management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing, implementing, and instructing training programs required.
• Strong skills in project management, coordination, organization, and facilitation required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point with ability to acquire addition computer software skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment required, including the Employee Safety Team.
• Ability to work independently required.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is requires sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and driving.
• Position requires excellent verbal and written communication.
• Position requires concentration and strong organizational skills
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Position can be somewhat stressful.
• Valid Maine driver’s license required.
• Irregular hours and occasional overnight travel required.
• Candidate must reside within 60 minutes of Bangor, Maine or be willing to relocate.
• Versant Power is a tobacco free, drug free and fragrance free workplace.

WORK HOURS:

Usual work hours are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Working between 40- 45 hours is expected.

RATE OF PAY:

Salary Level is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Employees shall apply by submitting an application

Non Bargaining Unit, Regular and Term employees who have at least six (6) months satisfactory job performance and attendance records in their current job are eligible to apply for posted openings.