Assistant Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer

In brief

**Overview** This role is for a mid-level Assistant Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO Assistant) at the U.S. Embassy South Africa. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the primary POSHO in managing the daily operations of the Office of Safety Health and Environmental Management (SHEM) and Office of Fire Protection (FIRE) programs within the post. A key aspect of the role involves ensuring that all Government-owned and leased properties within the country comply with specific Departmental requirements, including 15 FAM 253.5, 15 FAM 432, 15 FAM 840, and 15 FAM 950, along with other related departmental mandates. **What you will do** The Assistant Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer will: * Assist the POSHO in the day-to-day functions of the Office of Safety Health and Environmental Management (SHEM) and Office of Fire Protection (FIRE) programs. * Ensure all Government-owned and leased property in the country meets specified Departmental requirements (15 FAM 253.5, 15 FAM 432, 15 FAM 840, 15 FAM 950, and other related Departmental requirements). * Assist in conducting safety surveys, preparing reports, and performing follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. * Provide safety trainings in conjunction with SHEM requirements and perform administrative duties. * Schedule and perform safety, health, and fire inspections of all U.S. Government facilities, including offices, residences, annexes, and warehouses, specifically looking for conditions posing an imminent threat to occupants and structures. * Conduct visual inspections of installed fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems. * Inspect high hazard areas (as defined in 15 FAM 962(e)) at least twice per year as advised by the POSHO. * Identify hazards and evaluate safety risks using SHEM and FIRE standards, references, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. * Determine methods for correcting identified safety and fire hazards and assist the POSHO with implementing solutions. * Prepare reports of findings and recommendations and oversee the completion of hazard abatement. * Maintain and update office files, including records of inspections. * Assist in conducting investigations under POSHO direction for mishaps involving fires, injuries, illnesses, motor vehicle accidents, property loss, and employee complaints/suggestions regarding hazardous conditions or equipment. * Institute operational guidelines for post personnel to prevent occurrence or reoccurrence of incidents. * Perform basic fire investigations and analysis of cause, reporting findings to POSHO and as necessary to SHEM (15 FAM 964) and FIRE (15 FAM 820 and 850). * Track accident trends for the POSHO and SHEM Committee. * Maintain and update office files to include reports of investigations, complaints of unsafe working conditions, accident and incident reports, trainings, surveys, and minutes of SHEM Committee meetings. * Keep the SHEM reference library current. * Develop and provide safety training in conjunction with SHEM and FIRE requirements for supervisors and employees, ensuring familiarity with safety rules and procedures. * Provide training to employees and family members on residential safety hazards (e.g., carbon monoxide, pest control, pool safety, proper use of safety equipment). * Conduct fire and life safety training programs for non-residential and residential building occupants. * Conduct quarterly inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) to determine reorder needs and distribute PPE as required. * Maintain inventory of safety equipment, procure as needed, and ensure all tools and equipment are in good condition. * Obtain uniform sizing information from staff, prepare orders for FAC staff uniforms for POSHO review, track orders, distribute uniforms, and handle discrepancies. * Maintain a complete inventory of all chemical products used at post and keep Safety Data Sheets for each product. * May serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for contracts valued up to $20,000. * Drive a government-owned vehicle, serving as an incidental operator and meeting all requirements outlined in 14 FAM 433. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Ability to obtain and hold a Public Trust security clearance. * Subject to a background investigation. * May be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. * Able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (12 weeks) upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications. * **Education:** Minimum two years post-Secondary studies at the College/University level OR a two-year Vocational training in facilities management, environmental safety, construction, engineering, or architecture. * **Experience:** Three years of experience in the maintenance or construction field performing repair work as a maintenance supervisor or team lead OR in the field of occupational safety as a safety inspector or quality control assurance inspector. * **Job Knowledge:** * Good understanding of local occupational safety and health regulations. * Knowledge of local construction policies. * Knowledge of local labor laws. * In-depth knowledge of occupational safety and health standards. * In-depth knowledge of safety regulations. * In-depth knowledge of industry best practices. * In-depth knowledge of methods of assessing safety hazards and controls. * Knowledge of investigative techniques for conducting investigations for all types of mishaps. * Good knowledge of local building codes. * **Skills And Abilities:** * Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and database management, spreadsheets, etc. * Good written and oral skills to conduct trainings and daily communication. * Basic mathematical skills to analyze safety related data. **Who should apply** This role is suitable for a mid-level professional seeking an assistant position within occupational safety, health, and environmental management or fire protection. Ideal candidates will have experience in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards within a facility management or construction context, particularly across various properties. The role requires someone capable of conducting inspections, investigations, providing training, and performing administrative tasks related to maintaining a safe and compliant environment for a large organization like the U.S. Embassy. **Deadline** 2nd November, 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/assistant-post-occupational-safety-and-health-officer-u-s-embassy-consulates-in-south-africa Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office

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