Job Specification Details

The BGS Health and Safety Program Chief is responsible for BGS health and safety programs in order to meet regulatory compliance and ensure the health and safety of state employees. 

Complete oversight and management of the relationship of the Department of Buildings and General Maintenance with Vermont Emergency Management (VEM). Oversees the design, development, and implementation of BGS Safety Programs necessary to comply with VOSHA and OSHA regulations, including investigating state employee workplace injury and illness reports. Receives, triages, reviews and addresses American with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues and requests brought to BGS. Facilitates and coordinates the establishment, maintenance, and timely updating of Continuity Of Operations Plans (COOP). Trains all BGS employees to current safety standards. Supervises subordinate staff.
 

Serve as a primary BGS representative to the State Emergency Operations Center SEOC.

Recruit volunteers, and in the absence of volunteers, coordinate with leadership to assign the appropriate BGS employees to serve as BGS representatives to the SEOC. Coordinate the initial and all subsequent training to qualify those selected to serve as BGS representatives to the SEOC.

Coordinate with agency leadership and designees to determine the appropriate points of contact for the maintenance of all BGS COOP plans.

Coordinate with COOP stakeholders to determine the appropriate training necessary for COOP designees.  

Develop COOP curriculum and training methodology. Facilitate training of COOP designees.

Manage the creation, updating, and modification of new and existing BGS safety programs to reflect current regulations and training standards. 

Ensure all BGS employees are trained in all occupational safety programs, including Respiratory Protection Program, and the Bloodborne Pathogens Program to avoid costly VOSHA violation citations.

Manage scheduled and unscheduled audits and inspections of various worksites to identify, evaluate, and control hazards to employee health and safety and the environment.    

Supervise investigations of reported workplace employee injury and illness reports, executes the BGS Early Return to Work Program. 

Facilitate and coordinate the establishment, maintenance, and timely updating of BGS employee medical testing and monitoring.

Facilitate and maintain a BGS ADA registry and database.

Proactively seek out potential ADA issues, particularly with regard to access, safety, and security.

Address issues such as additional fire horns and strobes, door actuators, areas of refuge, Emergency Procedure Plan language, specialized radios and messaging systems and devices, and handicap parking access.

Coordinate with Labor Relations, Agency of Human Services/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind Services, and Fire Marshals to address ADA issues and reasonable accommodation requests.

Oversee the development of annual reports for dissemination to the

Commissioner of BGS, Secretary of Administration, State of Vermont, DEC, and the U.S. EPA.

Other duties as assinged.

Duties are typically performed both in a standard office setting and at suspect work sites.  Incumbents generally work during normal business hours; however, emergent or time-sensitive circumstances may require occasional overtime or night and/or weekend hours to address immediate concerns, sometimes on short notice. Tact is needed while conversing with state employees, contractors, and the public.

The ability to develop, implement, manage, and revise various health and safety programs at once.

The ability to coordinate and mange schedules of a team of direct reports and others to  facilitate  health and safety programs. 

Working knowledge of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) and basic FEMA operations, or the ability to obtain certification in basic courses within 6 months.

Working knowledge of VOSHA and OSHA regulation and reporting requirements.

Working knowledge of COOP operations.

Ability to research and interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and procedure.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to maintain a firm, positive, and impartial manner during stressful situations.

Four (4) years or more of experience with health and safety programs, risk or regulatory compliance, or program evaluation or development, or related field INCLUDING experience as a supervisor, manager, or team lead.

Previous employment or experience involving project management or developing and managing schedules.

Working knowledge of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) and basic FEMA operations.

Associate’s degree or higher in relevant field.

A valid driver's license is required.

Must pass a fingerprint supported security clearance prior to starting position.

Must be able to satisfy SEOC qualification courses within six months from date of hire.