The Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s mission is to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.  We are looking for a dynamic health and safety professional to lead our team of safety and security individuals and help shape the safety culture of our organization.  In this position, you will have the opportunity to work directly with our Chief Operations Officer and collaborate with other operational leaders to develop, implement, and oversee the organization’s safety and security initiatives to ensure a safe environment for our staff and guests. 

In addition to competitive base pay, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers 100% employer paid health benefits for you and your family, a 401k plan that you can contribute to on day one with an employer match after one-year, generous paid time off, and the ability to grow your career in a leadership capacity with a mission driven organization committed to a just and equitable future.  The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $105,000 annually.

Essential Accountabilities

• Promotes a culture of safety ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

• Develops and communicates the zoo’s safety goals and initiatives to all levels of the organization.

• Serves as the chairperson for the zoo-wide safety committee and ensures that safety champions are identified and properly trained.

• Drives continuous improvement in safety performance by identifying key objectives and develops strategies to achieve them.

• Designs, implements, and manages comprehensive safety programs to prevent workplace accidents and injuries in collaboration with human resources.

• Designs, implements, and manages comprehensive workplace health and safety programs, including but not limited to, heavy equipment operation, hazardous material handling program, fall protection, confined space, lock-out tag-out, construction safety, first aid, blood borne pathogens, and Personal Protective Equipment.

• Conducts risk assessments, safety audits, and inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

• Develops and manages incident response plans for emergencies, accidents, and environmental incidents.

• Develops and implements a complete security system to ensure the safety and security of the buildings, grounds, and all assets within the Zoo, including key control and access to Zoo grounds.

• Reviews all safety and security related incidents and near misses using root cause analysis and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Ensures that comprehensive accurate records for all safety and security related incidents are maintained and required security logs are completed.

• Establishes and maintains effective liaisons with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency response agencies.

• Ensures the training and recertification of safety and security staff.

• Ensures preventative maintenance and repair and replacement progressive lock and key systems for Schlage Primus and Best Lock Systems.

• Evaluates and updates the Zoo fire protection plans and ensures that equipment is in good working order and required inspections are completed and documented.

• Oversees compliance programs in accordance the California Employee Right to Know Act and the hazardous communication standards.

• Collaborates with all Zoo staff to maintain a safe, effective, and economical program in the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste, ensuring that such program meets or exceeds applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

• Oversees the program for identifying, inventorying, labeling, and training employees on hazardous substances.

• Coordinates hazard assessments, including periodic inspections when new, previously unidentified hazards are recognized, when occupational injuries and illnesses occur, whenever workplace conditions warrant, and when new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment are introduced to the workplace.

• Develops and implements an ongoing Zoo safety training program to ensure the health and safety of employees and minimize employee’s compensation risk.

• Oversees First Aid/CPR/AED training sessions and ensures that competencies are documented.

• Oversees Zoo’s Lethal Response Program and ensures that Weapons Team Members have adequate practice sessions at the local law enforcement shooting range.

• Oversees Zoo-wide safety and emergency drills that meet Association of Zoos and Aquarium standards.

• Prepares the Safety and Security Department annual budgets in a timely manner as well as implements and monitors the budget throughout the year. 

• Oversees the selection and training of all parties involved in the Incident command System.

Management Accountabilities

• Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor.

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the workday, while prioritizing needs to be respectful of other’s time.

• Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes.

• Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when necessary.

• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared, and punctual.

• Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner with written communication that is professional and appropriate.

• Demonstrates follow-through and is accountable for the management of the team.

• Willingly engages the team/Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader.

• Actively creates connections that encourage open and honest communication.

• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone and uses professional courtesy - only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.

• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff with written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement. 

• Demonstrates a commitment to Zoo's workplace health and safety programs through ownership, leadership behaviors, continuous improvement, and building a connection of understanding, knowledge and trust with Zoo's leadership, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational, Industrial or Public Safety, Public or Environmental Health, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum five years’ experience in a security, public, industrial, or occupational safety or related field, including at least three years of people management and training responsibility.

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices related to general and occupational safety compliance (OSHA, EPA)

• Ability to deal calmly and authoritatively with the public and to work under considerable pressure in crowds and with difficult individuals.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is required.

• Valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record.

• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays when needed.

• Advanced Environmental Health and Safety Certifications preferred (CSP, CIH, CHSP)

• Proficiency with System Galaxy Card Lock and Security Access Systems preferred.

• Proficiency with Keywatcher Key Security System preferred.

• Proficiency with FLIR Camera and Video System preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• This position involves walking and standing for long periods.  The employee may be required to bend, stoop, or kneel.

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.  Color perception is also required.

• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.

• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.

• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position primarily functions outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather. 

• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.

• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.

• Occasional local travel may be required.