Safety Coordinator

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain more experience and knowledge in the Safety world? Would you like a career with a true sense of purpose with a mission-based organization? The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is seeking a Safety Coordinator to conduct workplace and work practice audits and inspections; assist with the management of the Society’s Safety Representative Program; coordinate, provide, and document employee safety training programs; respond to, investigate, and document safety concerns; respond to fire alarms; and maintain/inspect fire extinguishers and emergency lighting throughout our 200+ acre park.

Under the guidance of the VP, Risk & Facilities Management, the Safety Coordinator contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by developing, implementing and coordinating Safety policies, procedures, audits and training in support of the organization’s goals related to sustainability through risk management and achievement of safety objectives.

Primary duties and responsibilities:
• Work with the VP, Risk & Facilities Management (“VP”) to build a safety culture within the organization. Conduct workplace and work practice audits and inspections to identify hazardous areas/situations. Auditing includes employee tasks/areas, guest areas, general park properties and construction/renovation areas. Evaluate operating procedures, state statutes, park rules and regulations. Enforce and ensure compliance with existing policies, procedures and applicable safety regulations.
• Work with the VP in the development of safety policies and procedures to be included in the Health & Safety Manual based on regulatory requirements, safety best practices and results of safety audits. Assist with the management of the Society’s Safety Representative Program, including reviewing monthly reports and conducting appropriate follow-up.
• Develop, establish, and provide employee safety training programs. Coordinate training and record retention for all OSHA-mandated and safety workplace training conducted.
• Under the direct supervision of the VP, responsible for assisting with the daily maintenance of the Society’s fire alarm detection and suppression systems, including coordination of these systems with outside contractors and local fire departments.
• Administer or actively participate on assigned teams both within the Risk Management and the Society as assigned. Responsible for keeping supervisors informed in a timely manner of incidents or situations that are not identified as routine or that have the potential to impact the department or other departments within the Society.
• Conduct accident investigations for guest and employee incidents. Document findings of the investigation with root cause analysis and work with department managers provide corrective actions to mitigate identified causal factors of the incident.
• Maintain knowledge of hazardous material handling and environmental issues. Assist in coordinating disposal of hazardous waste. Oversee the coordination of the hazard communication policy/plan as regulated, including the inventory and retention of all safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals/materials on CZS premise. Work with staff on hazard identification and reporting, including unsafe work practices, inclusion of safety-specific details in written reports, and coordination of safety training for the Police department. Coordinate and follow up accordingly to reported incidents and verify that corrective actions are taken immediately. Comply with safe work practices; inspect equipment and vehicles daily for any defects, use personal protective equipment as assigned in the completion of duties.
• Perform or coordinate industrial hygiene surveys including personnel exposure and area monitoring, noise surveys, and environmental exposures. Respond to questions and investigate safety issues of employees and guests.
• Other related duties as assigned.
The requirements for this position include the following:
• High school diploma or (GED) equivalent.
• Bachelor of Science degree in safety or related field or eight years of equivalent training and experience required.
• Two years relevant experience in the safety field.
• Specific knowledge of OSHA laws and regulations, EPA, DOT and NFPA regulations and codes, Uniform Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Compensation Laws, public health requirements and other applicable legislations and requirements required.
• Strong ability to understand, communicate and carry out oral and written instructions, prepare clear, comprehensive reports, and accurately review reports from subordinates.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent rapport with others, excellent public relations, strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information, maintain confidences, distinguish confidential materials and apply Society standards for security and privacy.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and prioritization skills. Ability to work well under pressure, meet critical deadlines, and manage time effectively. Position requires an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required.

The preferred qualifications:
• OSHA-certified Safety Instructor for General Industry desired.
• Knowledge of life safety systems preferred.
• Safety Professional Certification desired.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a full-time position, which includes working rotating weekends, evening and holidays as assigned. This position also requires rotating 24-hour “on-call” status shared with the VP. Incumbent must be an active participant in maintaining a high level of customer service and work with staff to ensure the highest level of customer service is delivered. Individual must gain a strong working understanding of department operations and procedures, the Society’s mission, vision, values and operating philosophies and how work activities affects the operation of the Society and other departments.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 2055BR.