New York State Public Employees Federation
 

Health & Safety Specialist

Based in Albany or Syracuse, NY

 

Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse New York State labor union representing over 55,000 professional, scientific, and technical public employees across the state. We are committed to justice, equality, and improving the lives of our members through collective action. As one of the largest public-sector unions in New York, PEF champions fair wages, excellent benefits, and safe working conditions for its members in agencies and facilities statewide.

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 New York State (Albany and Western NY) and office-based work (office location is based in Albany or Syracuse, NY). 

Job Responsibilities: 

1. In conjunction with field services' representatives, assist PEF Divisions in the area of workplace health and safety. 
2. 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.
3. Coordinate workplace surveys and inspections aimed at identifying potential hazards and recommending control strategies.
4. Work with PEF Training Department on the design and delivery of health and safety sessions and informational materials.
5. Facilitate the network of Joint Health & Safety Committees by providing training, advice, and support.
6. Coordinate the development and implementation of a workplace health and safety network.
7. Conduct research relating to health and safety hazards faced by PEF members.
8. Function as staff liaison to the joint Health and Safety Committee.
9. Coordinate the administration and implementation of any health and safety grants (Federal, State or private) that are received by the union.
10. Provide assistance to staff assigned to health and safety.
11. Coordinate PEF's involvement with State and national efforts to promote worker health and safety.    
12. Coordinate for Labor Relations staff activities related to occupational health and safety matters.
13. 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.
• Ability to extensively travel throughout their region, including overnight stays, and work flexible hours. 
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required. 

Successful candidates must demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with staff, union members, our executive team, and elected union leaders. 
• Familiarity with labor relations and organizing is preferred.
• 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/biweekly 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.