Safety Specialist

The Safety Specialist supports the implementation and ongoing administration of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), conducts health and safety training, investigates injuries and their root causes and recommends corrective action(s). The role also supports the monitoring, tracking, and processing of workers’ compensation (WC) claims activities. This position requires a strong and visible presence at all fields, cooler and plant operations to promote safety awareness and support compliance.

This position is based in Castroville, California, and serves as the primary regional resource for workplace safety training, regulatory readiness, compliance, and operational support across Coachella, Huron, and Oxnard, California. Seasonal relocation to Coachella, California, is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and assist in the administration of company safety management system (SMS) to include, but not limited to, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Emergency Action Plan & Evacuation Procedures, Hazard Communication, Tractor Safety, Forklift Safety, 1st Aid/CPR, and Incident & Injury Response and Procedures
• Conduct on-boarding safety orientations and develop/prepare respective materials as requested
• Develop, conduct, and facilitate health and safety trainings monthly and as needed to meet regulatory compliance
• Travel to and attend site-specific safety trainings and tailgate meetings to support operations and promote health and safety awareness
• Create training events on an electronic content management platform
• Ensure health and safety training is properly documented and recorded; assist with the record retention and archiving of records both electronically and physically
• Perform periodic site inspections and evaluations, annual safety compliance audits, and assist with governmental inspections and third-party audits, including customer social responsibility audits
• Investigate injuries and incidents, respond to the scene, identify root causes and determine corrective and/or preventative action and ensure completion of all corrective actions
• Measure and track statistical data on safety performance, provide monthly and/or periodic reports; and communicate trend analysis
• Assist in preparing monthly safety board meeting agenda; attend and facilitate safety board meetings as requested
• Conduct comprehensive post-injury investigations and due diligence for workers’ compensation (WC) claims

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is desired
• Five years of hands-on safety experience desired ideally within an agricultural setting, along with a strong working knowledge of current OSHA regulations, IIPP requirements, and employment/labor law compliance
• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is required. This includes reading, writing legibly and communicating clearly and concisely
• Must be able to communicate issues in a constructive manner and handle difficult and/or confidential situations in a professional and confidential manner
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications is required
• Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed and confidential information; ability to identify and resolve complex problems
• Excellent presentation, analytical, and decision-making skills; ability to learn new duties with minimal repetition; resourceful, well organized, and flexible
• Self-motivated and ability to work with limited supervision; must be able to work both independently and as part of a team; able to work in a dynamic environment and capable of managing multiple high visibility projects simultaneously
• Valid class “C” California Driver’s license is required and must be insurable
• Ability to relocate to Coachella for the season, and to travel to and work at remote areas including Castroville, Oxnard, Huron, and others, as required