Safety Officer IV

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Safety Officer IV 
Job Title: Safety Offcr IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 19008 
Closing Date: 09/03/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $5,863.46 - $7,707.01 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0918,5702,5711,5713,5769,7242,7596,8012,8056,8156,166X,1S0X1,1T0X1,1Z1X1,30C0,38A,38B,3E7X1,3E9X1 
43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,612X,632X,640A,649X,711X,712X,731X,732X,740A,749X,74A,74D,AB,AST,BM,BOSN,DC,MA 
ME,MSSD,MST,OAF10,OAF11,OAP10,OAP11,OAP13,OAP14,OAP16,OAR10,OS,OSS,SEI19,SEI24 
 

Brief Job Description:

Serves as a Safety Officer IV performing safety and health program work, including development of safety policies and procedures, participation in safety training and education of staff, inspection of work areas and activities for hazards, and investigation of accidents.

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) safety and health program work. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level will independently perform the most complex safety and health program work and will also:

• Plan, evaluate, and maintain comprehensive safety and health programs.

• Prepares the publication of forms and documents related to safety and health programs.

• Develop safety procedures, rules, and standards to ensure quality and consistency.

• Direct, plan and monitor safety training.

• Plan and maintain safety budgets.

• Perform inspections to ensure compliance with safety, hazardous material regulations, and inspect equipment and work areas.

• Maintains workers' compensation records. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (30%)

Assists the Safety Officer V by performing highly complex (senior-level) work related to maintaining a comprehensive employee health and environmental safety program. Works under minimal supervision to maintain the laboratory’s safety policies, procedures and to ensure compliance with:

• Emergency Response Plan

• Exposure Control Plan

• Chemical Hygiene Plan

• Radiation Safety Program

• Security Policies and Procedures

Reviews and revises as necessary, employee safety and hazardous waste management policies, procedures and records required for laboratory accreditation, certification, permitting to include applicable federal, state and local requirements.

EJF 2 (20%)

Coordinates and conducts laboratory area risk assessments to evaluate compliance and adequate safe work practices. Provides risk mitigation recommendations and facilitates improvement opportunities for working safely within the laboratory. Identifies safety gaps and develops actions plans to evaluate and implement improvements addressing potential exposure or illness. Evaluates risk mitigation controls and encourages a culture of safety by consulting with all levels of staff.

Directs and ensures the adequate investigation, reporting and analysis of accidents to prevent recurrence.

Supports the requirements of a public health laboratory’s quality assurance and quality control program.

EJF 3 (20%)

Prepares safety information for lab wide publication and communication to promote employee safety. Leads and supports the Laboratory’s Safety Coordinator work group by providing education and training to improve the laboratory’s safety culture. Provide guidance, effective strategies and assist with the implementing of process and procedures to support a public health laboratory.

Prepares and conducts required trainings for the Laboratory such as:

New employee orientation training, Bloodborne Pathogen, Texas Hazard Communication, Laboratory Safe Work practices for working with Fume Hoods and Biosafety Cabinets, Accident/Incident Prevention, Compressed Gases Handling and Safety.

Performs respirator training and respiratory fit testing for laboratory staff to ensure OSHA (29 CFR 1910.134) requirements are met prior to the assignment of tasks requiring respiratory protection.

EJF 4 (15%)

Assists the Safety Officer V by performing highly complex (senior level) work related to a comprehensive employee safety and environmental compliance program. Reviews established safety regulations and standards regarding construction, renovation, and remodeling plans prior to and during construction to ensure that safety standards are met. Provides personnel protective equipment and coordinates immunizations based upon the risk assessment of the various work areas in the laboratory. Maintains and reviews and immunization records for laboratory personnel. Maintains inventory and budget thresholds of safety supplies. Serves as a backup for the Safety Officer V and the Building Coordinator.

EJF 5 (10%)

Serves as the backup contact for the Laboratory Building Coordinator during laboratory building emergencies. Provides guidance to staff regarding critical building systems and the ability to safely perform laboratory work during planned or unplanned events. This position will be required to respond to emergencies during non-business hours and on weekends and holidays.

EJF 6 (5%)

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation will require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location; and safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901. Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health laboratories.

Knowledge of DSHS and HHSC policies and procedures.

Knowledge of principles for safe handling of hazardous chemical and/or radioactive materials in a laboratory setting and/or EPA requirements for management of hazardous waste and/or pretreatment of wastewater entering the sanitary sewer.

Knowledge of elements of Chemical Hygiene Plan and Exposure Control Plan.

Knowledge of bioterrorism agents and the select agent regulations.

Knowledge of microbiology and especially useful is knowledge of bacteriology and virology as related to disease transmission.

Knowledge of laboratory training techniques.

Knowledge of email, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.

Skill in effective customer service practices.

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in time management and planning.

Skill in training and presenting information to others based on regulations, requirements and procedures.

Skill in developing and evaluate policies and/or standard operating procedures.

Skill in performing BSL1 - BSL3 procedures as part of a laboratory biosafety program.

Skill in using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and spreadsheet and graphic presentation software.

Ability to prepare concise reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed.

Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, word processing, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate information, and devise solutions to problems.

Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.

Ability to develop policies, procedures and concise reports.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.

Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners.

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to take initiative.

Ability to work independently and make technical/logistical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry 50 lbs. items such as equipment, boxes, etc.; for all packages over 50 lbs., assistance is required.

 Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or medical laboratory science from an accredited institution, required.

2. A minimum of 4 year of public health laboratory or hospital experience, required.

3. At least 2 years of related work experience in managing hazardous materials or Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Management Certification, preferred.

4. At least 2 years of related work experience in shipping hazardous material or 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations Certification or Hazmat Air Shipper Certification IATA, preferred.

5. Experience with Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) 1910 Subpart I Personal Protective Equipment, required.

6. Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws applicable to public health and/or laboratory safety, required.

7. Experience in writing, developing, implementing, policies and procedures, preferred.

8. Experience in laboratory or hospital safety programs, protocols, risk management or administrative aspects of safety in the workplace, required.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends; if requested by manager. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential job functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and initial screening information provided on this Position Description. Additional tips on completing the Application are available on-line at http://www.dshs.texas.gov under "About DSHS - Jobs". Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form