At La Plata Electric Association, our mission is to provide our members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible.  We are shaping the future by building trustworthy community partnerships as an innovative, forward-thinking industry leader, delivering excellence in our member-owned cooperative.

LPEA is seeking a safety minded, highly motivated, detail-oriented, analytical, innovative and people-focused individual to join our dynamic People and Culture  team. The Business Continuity and Safety Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing a best in class safety solutions for the cooperative.

Summary

The Safety and Business Continuity Specialist is expected to promote and support LPEA’s mission and vision, strategic goals and initiatives, the Code of Excellence, and LPEA’s Leadership Principles. They will collaborate across the organization to promote a culture of safety and to develop, implement, and evaluate LPEA’s programs to reduce occupational accidents and illnesses in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  They will also develop and administer LPEA’s Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan.

Essential Job Functions

  • Initiate LPEA safety and training programs and ensures that a comprehensive and effective safety program is functioning on a continual basis.
  • Plan and direct surveys and research studies to assure effective program operation and to recommend improvements to establish or modify standards with efforts directed at maintaining a zero accident/incident rate.
  • Develop, manage, and train employees on Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan in partnership with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
  • Assign and/or lead on-site inspections, audits, noise level surveys and job observations ensuring corrective actions are taken to reduce or eliminate immediate hazards.
  • Administrate, approve, and maintain PCB control program, DOT Commercial Drivers program, all employee driver records, DOT drug testing, MSDS program, and stay current on all OSHA requirements, providing updates as needed.
  • Prepare and maintain Workers’ Compensation records between employees injured on the job and Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange.
  • Interview and coordinate the investigation of accidents with supervisors and employees to determine causes and devise preventive measures. Compile and analyze accident and safety data and provide recommendations for developing and implementing remedial measures. Complete all required reports and forms and provides information to CEO.
  • Inspect and rate unsafe conditions, according to factors such as severity of potential injury, likelihood of recurrence, employer's accident record, and evidence of voluntary compliance.
  • Provide advice and instruct employees, supervisors, managers, and the CEO on the proper use of all safety equipment and how to avoid, correct, and remedy safety violations and/or incidents.
  • Provide technical safety support on high-voltage electrical construction standards and work processes.
  • Write new safety order proposal designed to protect workers from work methods, processes, or other hazards not previously covered, using knowledge of safety-engineering practices, available protective devices, safety testing, and occupational safety and health standards.
  • Review and ensure LPEA meets all NRECA requirements.
  • Interpret and clarify Federal, State, and/or Municipal Laws and regulations to advise employer of legal requirements. Provide advice and source data to prepare applications to regulatory bodies for changes in complaints or services.
  • Recommend changes in legislation and administrative procedures to reflect technological and ecological changes and public sentiment. Review rulings to determine changes in legal stipulations and probable effects on company activities.
  • Testify in legal proceedings and prepare documents for use of company witnesses summoned to testify.
  • Act as liaison to, and work directly with, stakeholders who share a common responsibility to resolve problems for employee and organizational safety (i.e., management, staff employees, members, Federal, State, and Local Agency Representatives).
  • Conduct informal meetings among various educational, civic, and industrial groups to promote general safety concepts.
  • Prepare and review extensive monthly, quarterly, and annual summary data. Complete all required reporting.
  • Safeguard facilities, control access to buildings and grounds, and provide personal safety to all involved.
  • Assist in the development of departmental budget, goals, and objectives.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • Safety regulations and hazards inherent to the electric utility industry.
  • Specific knowledge of applicable state and federal safety standards for electrical workers.
  • Electrical construction standards and work processes.
  • Accident reporting and investigation techniques.
  • Industrial hygiene practices.
  • Project management.
  • Contracting processes.
  • Business concepts and theories.
  • Coaching and consulting techniques.
  • Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and data bases.
  • Disaster preparedness

Ability to:

  • Interpret Federal, State, and local codes, standards, regulations and understand construction standards and processes with an emphasis on high voltage electrical requirements.
  • Interpret cooperative directives and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and outside agencies.
  • Develop/interpret/manage safety contracts.
  • Conduct accident investigations.
  • Work independently and use discretionary judgment.
  • Serve as technical lead or advisor.
  • Use personal computer and associated software.
  • Analyze safety hazards, statistics, and reports.
  • Conduct respirator fit tests.
  • Use noise level analysis equipment.
  • Work with confidential information.
  • Train and instruct employees and the public.
  • Proficient in First Aid and CPR.
  • Work effectively as a team member.
  • Required to be on call 24-hours a day for emergencies

Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as Journeyman Lineman Experience, with at least 8 years of experience in the electric utility industry.

License/Certification

  • Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
  • Must become a Certified Loss Control Professional within 24 months by successfully passing the NRECA Loss Control Internship
  • Must successfully complete the OSHA #501 and #503 30-hour courses within specified time. 

Working Conditions

  • Duties are performed usually in an office type environment.
  • Investigate safety incidents in all weather and site conditions.
  • Conduct safety site visits with personnel.
  • Required to travel frequently between District facilities and construction/accident sites where incumbent may be exposed to electrical hazards, chemicals, hazardous waste materials and weather extremes to perform job site functions.
  • Must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move
    up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Personal Leave
  • Sick Time
  • 401(k)
  • Health Club Reimbursement
  • Education Assistance
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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