Job Title:             Health and Safety Coordinator
Division:             Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters:  Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status:      Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:
The Agriculture Health and Safety Coordinator coordinates the various projects of professionals in agriculture and medicine concerning health and safety issues in modern agriculture, with the goal being to reduce or eliminate chronic and acute illnesses and injuries associated with agricultural activities, commodities and products. Health and safety issues include those related to farm families and their environments, workers in agriculture and associated industries, and consumers of agricultural products. Specific goals are pursued by conducting agricultural safety training programs and working with the compliance activities of the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, West Virginia University Extension Service and the West Virginia Department of Labor, Safety Section.

Examples of Work:

• Compose articles on agricultural safety and agromedicine activities for The Market Bulletin.
• Give presentations to schools and at professional and community meetings.
• Assist with the development of medical, safety and agricultural education outreach to the agricultural community and professional groups on rural safety and health issues.
• Promote and conduct agricultural safety training programs to emphasize compliance with state and federal occupational safety rules and regulations.
• Responsible for the oversight of the core and supplemental activities as outlined in Pesticide Worker Safety portion of the USEPA Cooperative Agreement Guidance.
• Make on site visits to farm, forest, nursery and greenhouse operations to ensure compliance with EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard and provides training as necessary.
• Work with the compliance assistance personnel of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the West Virginia University Extension Service, and the West Virginia Department of Labor, Safety Section, OSHA Consultation Program.
• Promote and assist with Ag Safety Days programs to provide safety compliance training to the agricultural community.
• Assist with pesticide applicator recertification training programs as needed.
• Assist with administration of the Department’s internal safety programs.
• Seek grant dollars to support program activities.
• Willingness to travel. It is anticipated this position will involve approximately 70% travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Standing, sitting, driving, walking, operating a computer, public speaking, operating farm equipment, outside work. Personal protective equipment furnished.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws dealing with pesticides and agricultural safety in the rural community.
• Knowledge of the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard.
• Knowledge of agricultural activities and practices in the state.
• Ability to properly use safety equipment including the use of respirator. Proper respirator use requires a medical evaluation.
• Ability to provide training in the use of safety equipment and safety programs.
• Ability to organize and carry out work assignments.
• Ability to write grant proposals to support program objectives.
• Ability to prepare reports and express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use the computer to communicate with others and prepare written manuals or educational pamphlets.
• Ability to speak in public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public.

Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in education, occupation safety or related field.
Experience: Two years of full-time paid employment in education or occupational safety field is desirable. Ability to speak Spanish or willingness to learn is desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

                    This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                              West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.