The Texas Department of Transportation's Austin District Safety Office is seeking an experienced Safety Officer III or IV to oversee a district safety program in Austin TX. This role plays a critical part in advancing accident prevention efforts and fostering a strong safety culture in accordance with the Occupational Safety Division Manual. The supervisor independently establishes work plans and priorities to meet program objectives, proactively addressing issues as they arise with minimal supervisory direction. The ideal candidate is a confident decision-maker who leads by example, promotes employee engagement in safety initiatives, and ensures compliance while supporting efficient and effective operations.

Why work in the Austin District? The Austin District offers the chance to work on complex, high‑profile projects at the intersection of growth, innovation, and environmental protection. With a collaborative culture, strong leadership support, and a region known for its quality of life, the Austin District is an ideal place to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

This position is for ONE (1) Safety Officer III or IV. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of the position based on the applicant’s work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Salary Grade/Range:

Safety Officer III: B21 ($54,278 - $87,046/yearly)
Safety Officer IV: B23 ($61,184 - $99,658/yearly)

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

Retirement Plans
Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
Paid Leave and Holidays
Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
On-the-Job Training
Tuition Assistance Program
Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

This position oversees a district, division or marine safety program in accordance with the Occupational Safety Division Manual. Works to create an active interest in accident prevention and the safety program. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

Essential duties for a Safety Officer III and IV:

Maintains a comprehensive written hazard communication program for the district; develops local policies, procedures, guidelines and rule interpretations to comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
Monitors compliance with material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirements and monitors and recommends updates for Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan.
Administers the new employee driver's orientation program and the vehicle safety program.
Assists or serves as the Substance Control Officer.
Coordinates safety meetings; usually involves planning, conducting, coordinating schedules and providing literature and audio-visual material.
Inspects equipment and work areas.
Investigates employee accidents, prepares reports and maintains records; identifies injury types and accident causes, recommends preventative actions and conducts follow-up investigations.
Performs industrial hygiene testing of departmental operations to ensure compliance with safety and hazardous materials regulations and to minimize employee health risks/exposures.
Provides safety information for bulletin boards and employee
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Additional essential duties for a Safety Officer IV include:

Develops localized policies, procedures, guidelines and rule interpretations to comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
Plans, schedules and administers training on safety issues including defensive driving, CPR, first-aid, fleet safety and hazardous materials; maintains training records.
Plans, schedules and monitors programs or activities that promote employee safety and accident prevention.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety & Health or closely related discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Safety Officer III: 2 YEARS* of experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene or safety related work activities.

Safety Officer IV: 3 YEARS* of experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene or safety related work activities.

(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
Must have OR obtain within one year from date of employment, one of the following professional safety designations:
- Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC)
- General Industry/Construction Industry Outreach Instructor or Certified Safety and Health and Health Official (CSHO)
- Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Equivalent training or certification as determined by the Occupational Safety Division (OCC)

Competencies:

Competencies for a Safety Officer III or IV:

Safety methods and procedures associated with warehousing hazardous materials
Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management
Maintaining effective working relationships with others
Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports
Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
Developing and giving presentations
Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade
Work with hazardous chemicals/materials
Collaborates and cooperates with others and builds effective working relationships with internal and external members to accomplish organizational goals

Additional competencies for a Safety Officer IV include:

Investigative practices and procedures
Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
Coordinating labor, materials, and equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
Standing-prolonged periods of time
Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers
Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

*Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information

Safety Officer III or IV: Safety Office (Austin District)