Summary:
Torrance County is seeking a qualified Safety Officer to oversee and coordinate occupational safety, health, risk management, and regulatory compliance activities for the Torrance County. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety programs that protect all County departments, employees, volunteers, and the public.
The Safety Officer serves as the County’s subject matter expert for workplace safety, OSHA compliance, NFPA standards, emergency scene safety, accident prevention and risk mitigation. The position works closely with County management, fire administration, emergency management, Human Resources and operational personnel to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and best practices.
The Safety Officer performs safety evaluations and inspections throughout all County buildings and operations. Job-related duties require strong organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. The Safety Officer position falls within the organizational structure of the Fire Department and reports directly to the Fire Chief.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Safety Program Administration
- Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive County department safety and health programs.
- Ensures compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, New Mexico Administrative Code requirements, and County policies.
- Conducts regular inspections of fire stations, apparatus, equipment, training grounds, and County facilities to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
- Develops and updates department safety policies, standard operating guidelines (SOGs), and risk management procedures.
- Coordinates annual safety training and compliance programs for County personnel.
- Maintains records related to safety inspections, incidents, injuries, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance.
Incident and Operational Safety
- Responds to emergency incidents as the Incident Safety Officer when assigned.
- Monitors emergency operations to identify unsafe conditions or practices and recommends corrective action to command staff.
- Has authority to stop or suspend unsafe operations that pose an immediate threat to personnel or public safety.
- Ensures compliance with Incident Command System (ICS) safety requirements during emergency responses and training exercises.
- Assists with rehabilitation, accountability, PPE compliance, traffic safety, and scene hazard mitigation.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Coordinates OSHA compliance activities including hazard communication, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, PPE, confined space awareness, and related programs.
- Conducts accident, injury, vehicle, and near-miss investigations and prepares written reports with recommendations for corrective action.
- Assists with workers’ compensation documentation and coordination with the County Human Resources Department.
- Participates in County Safety Committee meetings and collaborates with County departments on loss prevention initiatives.
- Monitors compliance with fire service safety standards and operational best practices.
- Works as County liaison for the New Mexico Counties Insurance Pool, including submitting various incident claims.
- HSO obligations, to include “Ryan White” officer responsibilities.
Training and Education
- Develops and delivers safety-related training programs for department personnel.
- Conducts drills, safety briefings, and after-action reviews.
- Assists with firefighter wellness, infection control, and occupational health initiatives.
- Promotes a department-wide culture of safety and accountability.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Prepares reports, recommendations, corrective action plans, and compliance documentation.
- Assists with policy development, budgeting, grant compliance, and procurement related to safety equipment and programs.
- Maintains confidentiality of sensitive personnel and medical information.
- May assist Emergency Management with disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response planning activities.
Physical Demands:
- Works in a variety of weather conditions, requiring standing or sitting for long periods of time and to physically lift or move person or objects.
- May be required to travel in and out-of-state for training and/or educational purposes.
Working Environment:
- Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
- Worker is exposed to natural weather conditions when performing safety duties in the field.
- Outdoor surfaces include natural ground, concrete, asphalt, ramps, stairs or wood decks.
- Work hazards or potential work hazards include the use of vehicles, ladders, stairs, solvents, chemical fire retardants and electricity.
- Worker handles various writing utensils, paperwork, files and reports when performing administrative duties.
- Worker employs safety equipment including safety glasses and hard hat as needed.
- Field work and operation of a motor vehicle is common.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
· Must have High School Diploma or GED.
· Two years of responsible program and administrative support experience that include assisting with the administration of safety management or safety compliance.
· Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing on a daily basis. Must be knowledgeable and productive in the use of computers and software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
· Must be able to respond to calls after hours and work in inclement working conditions.
· Must be able to present to groups of 15 or more individuals on issues involving emergency management and safety practices and policies.
· Must attend various meetings during and after working hours.
· IFSAC FF 1/2
· EMT-B or higher
· Fire inspector 1
· Fire investigator 1
· NIMS IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, IS-2200 is required within 30 days of hire.
· Completion of FEMA’s Professional Development Series within six (6) months of hire.
· Completion of OSHA 10, OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR Instructor and Road Ready Instructor within six (6) months of hire; may be adjusted depending on availability of classes.
· Completion of Active Shooter Instructor within one (1) year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
· Associate’s Degree in Emergency Management, Safety Management, Safety Occupational Health, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field is preferred.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.
