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Safety Specialist

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Safety Specialist

Salary

$73,569.60 - $119,412.80 Annually

Location

Metro Plant - 2400 Childs Rd. St. Paul MN 55106, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2025-00204

Division

Environmental Services

Department

MCES Safety

Opening Date

07/08/2025

Closing Date

7/21/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.More information about us on our website. (https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/The-Council-Who-We-Are.aspx)

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water resources, supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor’s Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

TheSafety Specialistplays an important role in building a safer, stronger MCES by spending the majority of the time in the field at treatment plants, interceptor sites, and construction projects. This position is focused on supporting people where the work happens. Through regular site visits, real-time support, and strong working relationships, the Safety Specialist helps identify risks, support safe practices, and strengthen the safety culture. The Safety Specialist will also help build the structure and credibility of the Safety Department by investigating incidents, inspecting MCES and contract worksites, conducting safety reviews, and ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations (OSHA, DOT, EPA, FTA, fire code, etc.). This position delivers technical safety training and contributes to the design and rollout of programs that support compliance, awareness, and continuous improvement.

This position is well suited for individuals with operational or maintenance experience who want to grow their impact and have a strong interest in safety. The Safety Specialist helps bridge the gap between written requirements and the reality of day-to-day work, bringing both field credibility and practical problem-solving to MCES' safety efforts.

Virtual Position Information session – Safety Specialist

Date: July 15, 2025

Time: 11:30 - 12:00 PM Central Standard Time

Registration Required - please click on the registration link (https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/aaa6d1a7-e6c2-488b-908e-7e7c16baa9c1@ddbff68b-482a-4573-81e0-fef8156a4fd0) to register for the virtual position information session by no later than July 14 at 2 PM.

Once you register, you will receive a calendar invite to the email you use to register.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

+ Spend most of your time onsite at treatment plants, interceptor systems, and construction projects building relationships, observing work, and supporting safe practices in real time.

+ Use a variety of tools including walkthroughs, observations, conversations, and document reviews to help identify safety needs and support effective follow-up.

+ Collaborate with crews, supervisors, and contractors to solve safety challenges in ways that make sense for the work being done.

+ Provide practical guidance on how to apply EHS requirements in the field, helping teams understand both they "why" and the "how."

+ Participate in capital project planning and site visits to help ensure safety is considered throughout the process.

+ Support and help improve core safety programs (e.g. confined space, lockout/tagout, PPE, etc.) so they align with real work practices and support consistent outcomes.

+ Contribute to safety culture by being a steady, approachable presence who helps move ideas into action.

+ Support and deliver training tailored to the work people actually do, in classrooms or on job sites, including PPE, hazard recognition, incident reporting, defensive driving, ergonomics, or system safety principles.

+ Investigate incidents and near misses with a focus on learning, prevention, and improvement. Lead or support follow-up actions, including safety conferences and documentation in internal systems.

+ Conduct field audits and inspections to assess compliance with internal procedures and external safety regulations (e.g. OSHA, fire code, DOT, etc.).

+ Track and document incidents, inspections, and training using internal tools and systems.

+ Promote practical, effective safety improvements that reflect operational realities and regulatory requirements.

+ Use emerging tools, processes, and systems to help build a consistent, transparent Safety Department structure moving beyond relationship-based support toward clearly documented roles, deliverables, and responsibilities.

+ Communicate clearly and respectfully, whether with field staff or leadership.

+ Continuously look for ways to improve how safety is supported across systems, behaviors, and culture.

+ Other duties as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in safety, occupational safety, environmental science or other related degree) and experience administering OSHA regulations in a related field or directly related industry experience in safety, plant operations and/or construction:

+ Bachelor’s degree with two years of experience

+ Associate degree with four years of experience

+ High school diploma or GED and six years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

+ Experience working in operations, maintenance, wastewater treatment, construction, or other industrial settings.

+ Experience participating in safety-related activities such as safety committees, root cause analyses, or lessons learned reviews.

+ Experience or familiarity with workplace hazards such as confined space, lockout/tagout, or team-based communication.

+ Experience supporting or delivering safety-related training, investigations, or field observations.

+ Experience working in or supporting teams during times of organizational change or restructuring.

+ Experience contributing to or supporting an inclusive work environment by working effectively with people from different backgrounds, roles, or perspectives.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

+ Familiarity with local, state, and federal EHS standards (e.g. OSHA, MNOSHA) and how they apply in operational settings.

+ Basic understanding of chemical safety, hazard recognition, and use of safety data sheets.

+ Working knowledge, or willingness to learn, core safety programs such as lockout/tagout, confined space, machine guarding, fall protection, respiratory protection, and hearing conservation.

+ Effective verbal and written communication skills, especially for working with field staff.

+ Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and a willingness to learn internal systems.

+ Interpersonal skills that support respectful coaching, relationship-building, and problem-solving.

+ Willingness to learn how wastewater treatment systems processes work to support realistic, effective safety approaches.

+ Ability to read or learn to read construction drawings and project specifications.

+ Ability to support safety training and help promote safety culture through conversation, visuals, and collaboration.

+ Ability to support the development and improvement of safety department programs using a systems-thinking approach, recognizing how processes, behaviors, and decisions interact across the organization.

What you can expect from us:

+ We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

+ We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.

+ We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)

Additional information

Union/Grade: AFSCME / Grade F

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

This position works part-time in a standard office setting, and the remainder of the time will be spent in an industrial/plant/construction environment or outside with the possibility of exposure to hot and cold temperatures, rain, snow, unpleasant odors, chemicals and other industrial elements.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

+ We review your minimum qualifications.

+ We rate your education and experience.

+ We conduct a structured panel interview.

+ We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please [email protected].

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

+ Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund

+ Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan

+ Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

+ Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

+ Well@Work clinic

+ bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year

+ parking at many job locations

+ fitness centers at many job locations

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important thatyour application shows all relevant education and experienceyou possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

02

How did youfirsthear about this job opening?

+ CareerForce Center

+ Community Event/Organization

+ Employee Referral

+ Facebook

+ Glassdoor

+ Indeed

+ Job Fair

+ LinkedIn

+ Metro Transit Bus Advertisement

+ Twitter

+ Website: governmentjobs.com

+ Website: metrocouncil.org

+ Website: metrotransit.org

+ Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com

+ Other

03

If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

Please select the option that best indicates your completed education and experience level.

+ Bachelor's degree, or higher, in safety, occupational safety, environmental science or other related degree AND at least two years of experience administering OSHA regulations or directly related industry experience in safety, plant operations and/or construction

+ Associate degree in safety, occupational safety, environmental science or other related degree AND at least four years of experience administering OSHA regulations or directly related industry experience in safety, plant operations and/or construction

+ High school diploma or GED AND at least six years of experience administering OSHA regulations or directly related industry experience in safety, plant operations and/or construction

+ Some education in safety, occupational safety, environmental science or other related degree AND/OR some experience administering OSHA regulations or some directly related industry experience in safety, plant operations and/or construction, but less than the options above

+ None of the above

05

Please describe your experience administering OSHA regulations AND/OR your related industry experience in safety, plant operations, and/or construction. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, indicate 'N/A.'

06

Please select the areas below with which you have work experience (select all that apply).

+ Experience working in operations, maintenance, wastewater treatment, construction, or other industrial settings

+ Experience participating in safety-related activities such as safety committees, root cause analyses, or lessons learned reviews

+ Experience or familiarity with workplace hazards such as confined space, lockout/tagout, or team-based communication

+ Experience supporting or delivering safety-related training, investigations, or field observations

+ Experience working in or supporting teams during times of organizational change or restructuring

07

If you indicated question #6 that you have experience working in operations, maintenance, wastewater treatment, construction, or other industrial settings, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N/A.'

08

If you indicated question #6 that you have experience participating in safety-related activities such as safety committees, root cause analyses, or lessons learned, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N/A.'

09

If you indicated question #6 that you have experience or familiarity with workplace hazards such as confined space, lockout/tagout, or team-based communication, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N/A.'

10

If you indicated question #6 that you have experience supporting or delivering safety-related training, investigations, or field observations, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N/A.'

11

If you indicated question #6 that you have experience working in or supporting teams during times of organizational change or restructuring, please describe your experience. If this does not apply, indicate 'N/A.'

12

Please describe your experience contributing to or supporting an inclusive work environment by working effectively with people from different backgrounds, roles, or perspectives.

Required Question

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org

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