New York State Public Employees Federation
 

Health and Safety Specialist

Based in Buffalo or Rochester, NY

 

The NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse and powerful New York State labor union committed to creating a better life for our members. We represent over 55,000 professional, scientific, and technical workers in NYS government. Members include healthcare, education, corrections and supervision, youth services, direct care, and other professional titles. 

Position Summary: 
Under the supervision of the Director of Health and Safety, the individual will assist NY State Agencies, staff, and officers in the design and development of union-based occupational health and safety programs, provide presentations and trainings, analyze and report on data, attend and support local and statewide health and safety committee meetings, and conduct worksite inspections. Statewide travel is required. 

The position is a mix of travel across Western NY and office-based work (office location is based in Buffalo or Rochester, NY). 

Job Responsibilities: 

• In conjunction with field services representatives, assist PEF Divisions in the area of workplace health and safety.
• Advise Statewide Officers, PEF representatives and staff on occupational health and safety issues impacting on and related to development of proposed PEF policies and position papers.
• Coordinate workplace surveys and inspections aimed at identifying potential hazards and recommending control strategies.
• Work with PEF Training Department on the design and delivery of health and safety sessions and informational materials.
• Facilitate the network of Joint Health & Safety Committees by providing training, advice, and support.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of a workplace health and safety network.
• Conduct research relating to health and safety hazards faced by PEF members.
• Function as staff liaison to the joint Health and Safety Committee.
• Coordinate the administration and implementation of any health and safety grants (Federal, State or private) that are received by the union.
• Provide assistance to staff assigned to health and safety.
• Coordinate PEF's involvement with State and national efforts to promote worker health and safety.
• Coordinate for Labor Relations staff activities related to occupational health and safety matters.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.

Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Industrial Hygiene or a related field plus a minimum of three (3) years’ experience is required; additional experience may be substituted for advanced degree.
• Must have the ability and willingness to work flexible hours and travel throughout the day (possibly overnight when the need arises). 
• Driver's license and access to a vehicle are required. 

Successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with staff, union members, our executive team, and elected union officials. 
• Proficient in public speaking/presenting in small and large groups. 
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with various team members. 
• Strong organizational skills including time management and attention to detail.

Salary and Benefits: 
Salary Range: $70,391.00 (minimum) – $100,912.00 (maximum). In addition, a transportation allowance of $290/bi-weekly is provided for this position.

Under a collective bargaining agreement, PEF offers excellent benefits, such as:

• Health insurance with Health Reimbursement (HRA) 
• Employer paid dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• 401-k with safe harbor contribution 
• Pension plan through SEIU
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
• Tuition reimbursement and on-going professional development

To Apply:
Interested individuals are invited to submit their résumé to HR@PEF.org.