Develop, implement and monitor all safety programs of the Cooperative for the purpose of providing a safe working environment for employees and ensuring compliance with governmental regulations.  Provide electrical safety education and information to schools, community groups and the general public.

• Monitor safety program for the entire Cooperative
• Interpret OSHA, ANSI, NESC and other requirements as they relate to all working environments of the Cooperative, and initiate steps to ensure compliance
• Conduct safety investigations when notified of the existence of unsafe equipment and working conditions
• Identify the Cooperative and contracted utilities’ policies and practices that deviate from any established federal, state and local safety laws and rules
• Conduct random safety checks for safety requirements
• Design, organize and conduct safety meetings and programs for Cooperative employees
• Recommend/develop safety policies/programs
• Coordinate on-site inspection of crews and field personnel to assure compliance with safe working procedures
• Inspect warehouses, offices, storage yards and substations to determine that they are maintained in a safe and orderly manner
• Document all training and safety programs as required by law
• Ensure all employees have received proper training as assigned by Chief HR & Diversified Services Officer
• Investigate accident sites, ensuring all information is adequately documented
• Maintain involvement in organizational-related safety and training areas
• Maintain FR Clothing program
• Perform safety orientations for new employees
• Perform random, post-accident, reasonable cause, & pre-employment drug & alcohol testing as needed
• Remain current on and interpret changing laws and regulations regarding equipment and work environment safety
• Investigate employee concerns regarding unsafe conditions or acts
• Assist in coordination of Safety Committee meetings
• Learn and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Maintain confidential information

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety and Health or a related field with three (3) years’ experience or extensive experience in related field. Board of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) Certificate or Certificated Loss Control Professional (CLCP) is preferred. Considerable experience in occupational safety and loss control training, enforcement or administration. (A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications)
• Breath Alcohol Technician certified preferred
• Knowledge of laws, codes and rules regarding safety in order to evaluate current and develop new safety programs
• Knowledge of electrical distribution system equipment for the purpose of ensuring all safety requirements are met
• Knowledge of basic electrical line construction as it interacts with the electrical distribution system to assess safety issues
• Skill in communicating with employees and government agencies for clarifying safety requirements and practices
• Skill in developing and conducting training sessions for employees
• Possess a valid Texas driver's license
• Insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Possess oral and written communications skills in the English language
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
• Work outside under various weather conditions
• Extensive fieldwork will be required in conjunction with normal office duties
• Subject to irregular hours
• Subject to travel, including multiple over-night stays

• Required to pass a physical examination when employed
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights
• Sitting/standing/walking for extended periods of time
• Traveling

• n/a

About Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. was chartered under Texas law , July 27, 1945, and has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United Sates. RGEC serves 18 counties in Texas and 2 counties in New Mexico, which covers approximately 35,000 square miles. At RGEC, “Owned by Those We Serve” is more than a slogan—it’s the way we do business every day. RGEC is owned by those who receive their electric service from the co-op.

Connections working at Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.