Safety Officer-Safety Officer Sr. - National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) : Job Details

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

NRAO is seeking an experienced Safety Officer or Senior Safety Officer to join our Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security EHS team. at the Very Large Array (VLA). The position is based at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.

This position is responsible for Observatory compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental, safety, health, and security regulations and Observatory Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security policy requirements. Uses initiative and independent judgement within established procedural guidelines to oversee the daily management of EHS program at assigned site(s) to maintain employee awareness and compliance with program requirements. Maintains compliance records. Assists managers with safety issues and participates in safety investigations. In addition, if hired to the Senior level, will oversee programs that are complex in scope or have significant responsibility for a system-wide program. Job classification and compensation will be commensurate with education and experience.

What You Will be Doing:

This position is responsible for implementation and administration of the EHS program for assigned site(s) which includes:

● Developing and conducting effective trainings and makes available resources on EHS policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and Observatory environmental, safety, health, and security regulations.

● Supporting Emergency Services volunteer efforts including emergency preparedness actions, Observatory EMS planning and coordination, as well as fire prevention and response planning.

● Keeping the Site Safety Manual up-to-date which includes periodic review and revision to ensure the manual is current to operational requirements, personnel changes, and various governing regulations.

● Conducting scheduled and unscheduled inspections to assess risks and hazards.

● Investigating, documenting, and reporting on all accidents and incidents including near miss or close call incidents under the areas of responsibility.

● Notifying management regarding violation of safety regulations and codes; making recommendations for corrections and follow-up to ensure that violations or identified unsafe conditions have been corrected.

● Investigating complaints submitted by management, employees, the public and/or regulatory agencies; evaluating concerns and alternatives, and making recommendations to management for corrective action, as required.

● Work with contractors to ensure compliance with EHS program requirements.

● Serve as EHS subject matter expert on interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines.

● Maintaining accurate records; preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

● Working closely with all levels of the organization and interfacing with staff and management to identify and resolve EHS issues and concerns.

● Authorizing a stop to a work activity if continuation of such activity constitutes an imminent threat to personnel, site equipment or property.

● Assisting in development of EHS programs, corporate policies and providing technical assistance as applicable. 

● Will occasionally be required to work around hazardous materials and must be familiar with handling requirements, regulations, and associated PPE.

● Performing a variety of environmental and industrial hygiene assessments using sophisticated testing equipment; recording and summarizing results and preparing recommendations based upon results.

● May be assigned responsibility for conducting or overseeing personal protective equipment programs, CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, etc. as directed by the Assistant Director EHS.

● Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities will be assigned to a Senior Safety Officer to include.

● Ability to influence others to take initiative and find innovative ways to tackle complex problems.

● Acting as Training Manager overseeing all safety education and training curriculum to ensure a consistent and effective message.

● Researching, developing, implementing and evaluating, after approval, internal safety programs, rules, policies and guidelines; prepares manuals, training outlines and employee instructions.

● Developing and continually reviewing safety policies, writing procedures and disseminating information. Directing or providing research, technical expertise, designing programs and/or analyzing and making recommendations to management on a variety of difficult safety or health issues, programs, topics or enforcement concerns including current or proposed regulations and long-range strategic plans and their potential impact upon operations.

● Responsible for the effectively supervising assigned staff including budget preparation and monitoring, purchasing and financial transactions, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.

● Preparing, distributing and reviewing employee questions and feedback regarding health and safety issues.

● Performing risk assessment and disaster preparedness reports. May recommend and implement risk management programs and policies as a secondary function.

● Ensures data quality and organizes processes information for analysis. Ability to leverage visualization techniques and tools to create dashboards for stakeholders and leadership.

● May serve on special committees or projects.

Work Environment

Indoor and outdoor work is required, occasionally at high altitudes and heights of up to 100 feet. Periodic travel is required (