Job Specification Details

Technical, managerial, supervisory, and enforcement work involving direction of the Vermont Occupational Safety & Health Act (VOSHA), within the Department of Labor. Duties are performed in accordance with applicable federal and State laws. Communication and cooperation with the Vermont Health Department, Vermont Emergency Management, and other investigatory and enforcement agencies will be required as necessary. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and clerical employees. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of the Worker Compensation & Safety Division and the Commissioner of Labor.

The Manager administers the Vermont Occupational Health & Safety Act, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Develops statewide safety and health compliance policy; Is responsible to ensure policies are consistent with Project WorkSAFE consultation policies.

Directs the activities of VOSHA enforcement, investigation, training and clerical staff. Responsible for reviewing and approving reports prepared by field compliance officers, compliance, enforcement, and proposed negotiated settlements as necessary.

Utilizes the federal OSHA OIS database to monitor and evaluate the activities of the division's compliance staff.

Assigns and directs the work of Health & Safety Compliance Officers, the Whistleblower Investigator, and supervises the Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Supervisor and reviews case files to ensure proper application of standards and legal sufficiency.

Responsible for quality, quantity and productivity of the officers assigned to meet/exceed VOSHA policies, procedures and expectations.

Works to ensure a balance of consistency and fairness regarding enforcement issues with the need to give appropriate discretion to regional enforcement staff and supervisors in order to reduce the occupational injury and illness rate in Vermont.

Develops and oversees the budget and is responsible for the oversight and control of the work performed by the VOSHA Compliance Program. The Manager is tasked with ensuring appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and provides timely appraisal and professional development opportunities.

Models the highest standards of personal and professional conduct and supports the state's goals for a diverse workforce by modeling effective communications throughout the organization.

The Manager shall adopt, through Vermont's rulemaking procedure, appropriate occupational safety and health standards, as well as program directives, interpretations and policies.

Interprets VOSHA laws and regulations for employees, employers, labor groups and other interested parties, and consults with the Director and the Commissioner relative to major enforcement and interpretative decisions.

The Manager shall advise the Director and the Commissioner as to necessary and-or desirable program changes to maintain conformance with federal regulations and grant requirements, and-or to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsible for the preparation of applications and reports for federal grants relating to the VOSHA program, including preparing a variety of program and related reports. Ensures that staff are trained on the current version of the OSHA Field Operations Manual. 

Ensures technical decisions about content of rules and interpretations are based on the best available science, good public policy, appropriate application of principles of occupational safety and health, and a sound legal framework. Implement and provide oversight of statewide enforcement activities of occupational safety and health standards.

Provides guidance to Vermont’s safety and health compliance programs statewide.

May order special compliance investigations and reports as necessary. Encourages programs of voluntary inspection to identify and correct possible deficiencies. Conducts or directs special inquiries, surveys, or research for VOSHA program planning, administration, and evaluation purposes.

Responds to inquiries from the press, legislators, Vermont congressional staff, employers, employees, and special interest groups as directed by the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor.

Develops and implements strategic plans in coordination with the Director and Commissioner for the VOSHA division.

Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed largely in a standard office setting, but there are predictable and frequent field trips for which private means of transportation must be available when a fleet vehicle is unavailable. Appearance at evening and weekend meetings may be necessary. Testimony in a court or the VOSHA Review Board regarding enforcement actions may be required. The overall nature of the role predictably will result in situations involving adversary positions, strong opinions, and legal confrontation. Evening and weekend work is probable.

Expert knowledge of federal and state occupational safety and health programs, policies and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Expert knowledge of federal, state and case law regarding occupational safety and health and federal and state safety and health programs and policies, including federal grant preparation and funding procedures.

Expert knowledge of public sector management and leadership principles.

Master's Degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field AND one (1) year of work experience in the field of industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or compliance/regulatory related work.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field AND three (3) years of work experience in the field of industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or compliance/regulatory related work.

OR

Five (5) years or more of work experience in the field of industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or compliance/regulatory related work.

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