Under the direction of the Supervisor, Occupational Health, the Senior Safety Engineer will be responsible for evaluating occupational and environmental health conditions at Port Authority facilities; identifying and characterizing potential chemical, biological and physical hazards; establishing controls using instruments, reference information and experience; preparing reports and reviewing and interpreting occupational and public health regulations and participating in developing or revising agency protocols. This position requires travel to all Port Authority facilities and work hours may include some early mornings and evening shifts.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
• Assists or has program responsible for the development, implementation and auditing of environmental, health and safety programs.
• Continually inspects for and assesses environmental, health and safety (EH&S) hazards
• Responsible for one-on-one communication of University policies and procedures.
• Responds to emergencies and requests for hazard assessments and investigations
• May advise and assist junior Health Safety Specialist in providing technical services on their campus.
• Carries out educational programs in EHS and risk management.
• Brings to the attention of the Director/Associate Director circumstances that could develop into wide spread internal/external risk.
• Develops and/or assist in the devlopment, implementation, auditing of environmental, health and safety programs.

Plans, schedules, and conducts a full range of inspections in establishments and worksites where there is a strong probability of encountering hazardous work processes and materials, and unsafe environmental conditions from minor to serious in severity. Works to secure immediate corrective action of conditions which are of imminent danger to life or limb. Works to obtain the cooperation of various parties at inspected worksites. Investigates mishaps resulting in fatalities or injuries and serious incidents.

Prepares for inspections by conducting file and records reviews, including case files of previous inspections to become familiar with work processes, operations, and standards applicable to the workplace to be inspected. Identifies possible abatement procedures common to the work processes and operations. Assures that appropriate technical and personal protective equipment is available and is in proper operating condition.

Conducts investigations of accidents which may involve one or more fatalities, a large number of injuries or serious accidents, or other unsafe conditions. The specialist observes and documents accident scenes, identifies conditions related to cause and result, and assures that appropriate intermediate or permanent action is taken to remove any danger of recurrence. Conducts interviews as appropriate with witnesses, employees, employers, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, and/or other persons in order to identify conditions and potential causes and to obtain and communicate other case-related information. Conducts workplace analyses and reviews establishments’ occupational safety and health programs to determine the hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness. Interviews complainants and witnesses and takes statements concerning allegations. Documents ongoing case files with relevant information to support a legally sufficient case. Identifies violations and documents hazards, proposes citations for OSHA standards which have allegedly been violated, and requests employers to voluntarily abate serious or imminently dangerous conditions to employees, and provides assistance to resolve unsafe or hazardous conditions. Conducts follow-up inspections as required.

Documents case files with findings, completes forms, and attaches background notes and other material. Ensures case files are processed within the OSHA Information System in an accurate and timely manner and ensures proper annotation for reporting purposes and achievement of agency goals.

Uses the automated system to calculate and adjust penalties assessed based on the gravity of the violations and consideration of the severity of possible injury or illness and the probability that such should occur.

Conducts opening conferences with management officials, employees, and employee representatives concerning the nature and purpose of the inspection and the procedures which will be followed. Conducts closing conference with employer, reviewing hazards identified and violations cited. Discusses employer’s safety and health programs and possible abatement alternatives. Explains employer rights and obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the right to contest citations and follow-up procedures. Assists agency attorneys in the preparation of contested cases for hearing before agency review judges; testifies under examinations conducted by attorneys representing the agency and the employer.

Accompanies trainees on inspections and provides them with on-the-job experience in a variety of techniques and procedures used to evaluate compliance with safety and occupational health standards.

Assists in the conduct of special studies and the preparation of specialist reports of findings and conclusions. Assists in the development or review of area and/or national office materials, policies, and procedures. As requested or appointed, serves on special task forces.

*Duties at the GS-07 and GS-09 are developmental assignments and as the incumbent progresses, the assignments become more difficult and complex at the GS-11 and GS-12 full journeyman level.

Plans, schedules, and conducts a full range of inspections in establishments and worksites where there is a strong probability of encountering hazardous work processes and materials, and unsafe environmental conditions from minor to serious in severity. Works to secure immediate corrective action of conditions which are of imminent danger to life or limb. Works to obtain the cooperation of various parties at inspected worksites. Investigates mishaps resulting in fatalities or injuries and serious incidents.

Prepares for inspections by conducting file and records reviews, including case files of previous inspections to become familiar with work processes, operations, and standards applicable to the workplace to be inspected. Identifies possible abatement procedures common to the work processes and operations. Assures that appropriate technical and personal protective equipment is available and is in proper operating condition.

Conducts investigations of accidents which may involve one or more fatalities, a large number of injuries or serious accidents, or other unsafe conditions. The specialist observes and documents accident scenes, identifies conditions related to cause and result, and assures that appropriate intermediate or permanent action is taken to remove any danger of recurrence. Conducts interviews as appropriate with witnesses, employees, employers, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, and/or other persons in order to identify conditions and potential causes and to obtain and communicate other case-related information.  Conducts workplace analyses and reviews establishments’ occupational safety and health programs to determine the hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness. Interviews complainants and witnesses and takes statements concerning allegations. Documents ongoing case files with relevant information to support a legally sufficient case. Identifies violations and documents hazards, proposes citations for OSHA standards which have allegedly been violated, and requests employers to voluntarily abate serious or imminently dangerous conditions to employees, and provides assistance to resolve unsafe or hazardous conditions. Conducts follow-up inspections as required.

Documents case files with findings, completes forms, and attaches background notes and other material. Ensures case files are processed within the OSHA Information System in an accurate and timely manner and ensures proper annotation for reporting purposes and achievement of agency goals.

Uses the automated system to calculate and adjust penalties assessed based on the gravity of the violations and consideration of the severity of possible injury or illness and the probability that such should occur.

Conducts opening conferences with management officials, employees, and employee representatives concerning the nature and purpose of the inspection and the procedures which will be followed. Conducts closing conference with employer, reviewing hazards identified and violations cited. Discusses employer’s safety and health programs and possible abatement alternatives. Explains employer rights and obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the right to contest citations and follow-up procedures. Assists agency attorneys in the preparation of contested cases for hearing before agency review judges; testifies under examinations conducted by attorneys representing the agency and the employer.

Accompanies trainees on inspections and provides them with on-the-job experience in a variety of techniques and procedures used to evaluate compliance with safety and occupational health standards.

Assists in the conduct of special studies and the preparation of specialist reports of findings and conclusions. Assists in the development or review of area and/or national office materials, policies, and procedures. As requested or appointed, serves on special task forces.

*Duties at the GS-07 and GS-09 are developmental assignments and as the incumbent progresses, the assignments become more difficult and complex at the GS-11 and GS-12 full journeyman level.