Safety Program Manager Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $96,068.96 - $120,174.70
Benefits
Position Closes: August 28, 2026
The city is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as its Risk & Safety Program Manager and play a key role in protecting the people, resources, and operations that keep our community running. This position leads the city's risk management, workplace safety, and workers' compensation programs, helping departments identify potential hazards, reduce risk, strengthen safety practices, and respond effectively when incidents occur. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of safety and risk management principles, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to building a culture where safety and responsible risk management are part of everyday operations. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organization while supporting a safe, resilient, and well-run community.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The risk & safety program manager plans, organizes, coordinates, and assists in the development and management of risk management, and safety and workers' compensation programs designed to identify, analyze, and minimize liability, loss exposures, and job-related accidents, injuries, or illnesses.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

• Develops and manages an enterprise risk management program, including ensuring ongoing development to enhance protocols as needed.
• Consults with internal departments and external organizations and agencies on a variety of risk management issues and topics and perform periodic evaluations to assist departments in managing their loss exposures.
• Coordinates the approval of special event permits and receipt of certificates of insurance.
• Develops and maintain suspense files related to potential claims.
• Processes city fleet bills for payments related to accident claims.
• Tracks insurance compact status and trainings.
• Acts as an administrative liaison between RMSA, the city, and claimants; process claims for damages and subrogation received by the city.
• Audits and maintains the city's automobile, property, and liability insurance schedules.
• Coordinates with department directors, or designees, to develop, analyze, and review city policies and procedures related to safety for consistency with federal, state, and local safety laws and regulations.
• Coordinates with department safety representatives to arrange safety training for employees.
• Coordinates, as necessary, various workplace samplings for possible hazards and exposures.
• Coordinates safety inspections of city property and work sites with department directors, or designees.
• Coordinates with department directors, or designees, on the installation and use of safety devices on city equipment, property, and work areas.
• Provides leadership to and attends the monthly city safety committee meetings; attends department/ division safety meetings on a rotating basis.
• Reviews and maintains the city's accident prevention program.
• Investigates accidents as assigned.
• Assists safety representatives in establishing and maintaining emergency evacuation procedures for city facilities.
• Coordinates the identification and correction of hazardous conditions and situations which would put the city in a potential loss situation.
• Makes recommendations concerning the improvement of loss control and any prevention programs.
• Develops and conducts safety orientation for new employees.
• Maintains accurate records related to safety activities such as safety inspections, safety training, and accident investigations; prepares and types written summaries and reports.
• Assists in the evaluation and administration of the city's insurance programs such as worker's compensation, and liability programs.
• Acts as the city's liaison with third-party administrators to provide research and information, as necessary.
• Assists and coordinates employees' return to work after absence due to workers' compensation injury or illness with a priority of limiting time loss.
• Coordinates with city departments to ensure proper maintenance and accessibility of Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Coordinates the Commercial Drivers' License drug and alcohol testing program.
• Supports and promotes the city's strategic and operational goals.
• Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and local safety laws and regulations including State General Safety Standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
• Principles and practices of safety management, industrial hygiene, and risk management.
• Research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures to compile information, analyze data to determine risk exposure and recommend solutions.
• Current literature, trends, and developments in the field of work safety and risk management.
• Insurance coverage contracts, terminology, and practices.
• Municipal organization, operation, programs, policies, and objectives.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain complex material, technical journals, financial reports, legal documents, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, and government regulations.
• Write clear, concise reports and present explanations and methodology.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with department directors, employees, and the public.
• Use tact, patience, and courtesy in interpersonal interactions.
• Work independently and make decisions within broad guidelines.
• Speak effectively and present information before groups of employees, managers, or officials.
• Compose, proofread, and edit general correspondence, routine reports, insurance contracts, policies, procedures, etc. that meet or exceed the highest level of professional standards in content, style, and format.
• Use mathematics to compute fractions, ratios, percentages and proportions, and draw and interpret graphs and charts.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Work effectively on several projects concurrently and prioritize work to meet deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Work is primarily performed indoors in a climate-controlled office environment with low noise levels, and occasional field site visits.
Schedule: Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. This is an exempt position with a 40-hour work week. May be required to work more than forty house per week to meet deadlines and in the event of emergencies. Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend meetings or events may occur. This position is considered essential and will require an on-site presence. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the human resources director following a probationary period.
Driving and Travel: Driving would typically be less than 5 hours a workweek. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as needed. Overnight travel is possible a few times per year, typically for annual conferences that relate to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education, training, and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in occupational health/safety, public or business administration, risk management, or related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in the workplace safety field.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

• A valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Constant demands include speaking with others. Frequent demands include sitting, standing, repetitive hand motion, handling/grasping, and fine finger manipulation in the operation of a computer. Occasional demands are walking, lifting an average of two pounds to a maximum of thirty pounds, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders, crouching, kneeling/squatting, carrying, bending and twisting at the waist, and repetitive arm motion. Outdoor work requires the ability to negotiate rough terrain while inspecting job sites.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city's motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.

The requirements outlined in this job description may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
Salary Description
$96,068.96 - $120,174.70