United Food and Commercial Workers

Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
Occupational Safety and Health Office

Based in Washington DC,
near Metro (on-site)
ufcw.org

 

Organization:
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:
Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Position Description: 
The Occupational Safety and Health Specialist responds to requests from UFCW local unions in UFCW core industries, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and retail, as well as health care, for assistance on a variety of occupational safety and health issues. The OSH Specialist conducts safety and health trainings to International staff, local union staff, stewards and members. Organizing, both internal and external, will be a key function. The OSH Specialist will participate in organizer trainings and in organizing campaigns. The OSH Specialist will work on campaigns, as assigned by the Director, in coordination with the Organizing Department. The OSH Specialist will also service as liaison with the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC) Safety and Health Training Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with UFCW local unions in order to address safety and health issues in all UFCW-represented industries, including food processing, packing and manufacturing, retail food and health care. 
• Trains local union stewards on their rights to safe jobs, hazard identification and strategic use of safety and health to strength the union and improve safety and health in the workplace.
• Trains safety committee members on a variety of safety and health topics and the union’s role on JLM safety and health committees. 
• Advises and provides technical assistance to local unions on safety and health.
• Assists in organizing campaigns. 
• Trains organizers on safety and health.
• Identifies language needs of participants in training and in organizing campaigns. Provide Spanish language training where necessary. 
• Works closely with the International Chemical Workers Union Council of the UFCW to coordinate trainings. 
• Work requires frequent travel and/or sometimes irregular or unpredictable hours. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or greater in public health, occupational safety and health or related field. Minimum of two years’ experience in the field of occupational safety and health. Knowledge of and/or hands-on experience working with unions. 

Communication Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Ability to effectively present information to UFCW International and local union officers, staff and members.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Experience in developing training materials.
• Experience with delivering adult trainings and education. 
• Fluency in Spanish is helpful.

Personal Characteristics
Commitment to, knowledge of and interest in the labor movement. 

Working Conditions
The work is performed in a normal office environment. Worksite environments may vary according to the travel schedule. 

Physical Demands
This position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communication skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching. 

This is an exempt position under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.

COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $ 66,931 - $84,445. 

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration: 
This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled. 

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: humanresources@ufcw.org

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.
Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.