Entry Level Health And Safety Specialist Jobs
New grad health and safety specialist jobs attract recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship record or hands-on portfolio can carry more weight than tenure alone. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like ATCC, SSR Mining, and hims & hers hiring at this level now.
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First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32) and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Health and Safety Specialist to support the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and help foster a safe, healthy, and productive workplace for employees and visitors. This position provides frontline safety expertise, identifies and helps mitigate workplace hazards, promotes safe work practices, and supports compliance with occupational health and safety requirements. Working closely with employees and management, this role strengthens a culture of shared accountability, continuous improvement, and proactive risk prevention. By helping ensure maintenance activities are performed safely and responsibly, this position directly supports the reliable operation of WSF vessels and terminals and the essential transportation services they provide to communities across Washington.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Health and Safety Specialist will:
- Conduct scheduled and unscheduled safety and health inspections at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility (EHMF), including shops, yard areas, and vessels, to identify hazards, unsafe practices, and compliance concerns.
- Provide frontline safety guidance to employees, supervisors, and management; recommend corrective actions and solutions to mitigate immediate and foreseeable workplace hazards.
- Document inspection findings, safety observations, non-conformities, corrective actions, and trends; prepare reports and recommendations for EHMF management and the Health and Safety Program Manager.
- Support occupational health and safety programs, including respiratory protection, fit testing, hearing conservation, Shipyard Competent Person activities, employee safety training, and required documentation.
- Serve as EHMF’s fall protection competent person, including evaluating work activities, inspecting fall protection equipment and systems, assessing anchorages and controls, and recommending appropriate protective measures.
- Chair the EHMF Health and Safety Committee and coordinate safety matters with employees, management, WSF programs, WISHA/L&I, and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor regulatory and industry requirements, review safety policies and procedures, and recommend improvements to maintain compliance and strengthen EHMF safety programs and practices.
- Provide on-call emergency safety support and fulfill assigned Incident Command System (ICS), EHMF Contingency Plan, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) responsibilities.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Regulatory Research, Interpretation, and Compliance: Ability to independently research and interpret overlapping federal and state requirements, determine when requirements apply, and defend compliance determinations to regulators and management.
- Occupational Safety and Health Program Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate occupational safety and health programs, policies, and procedures in a maritime or industrial environment, including evaluating program effectiveness using lagging and leading indicators.
- Independent Site Safety Representation: Experience serving as an independent site safety representative and providing safety oversight and guidance.
- Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards, including confined space, fall, and shipyard-specific risks, and apply applicable federal, state, and maritime safety regulations, including OSHA, WAC, and USCG requirements.
- Organization and Safety Project Coordination: Ability to organize workload, set priorities, and log, track, and coordinate multiple safety projects and investigations while meeting established and shifting schedules, timelines, and deadlines.
- Safety and Stakeholder Communication: Ability to convey complex or nuanced safety requirements clearly, verbally and through documentation, to diverse stakeholders, including frontline employees, managers, and senior managers.
- Computer and Microsoft Proficiency: Demonstrated competency using a personal computer and proficiency utilizing Microsoft products and tools.
- Database and Maritime Systems Proficiency: Competency in database management and ability to adopt internal maritime systems such as AOSS crewing and dispatching software and the Washington State Online Learning Center.
- Safety Hazard Recognition and Response: Ability to recognize and address safety hazards and unsafe practices.
- Initiative, Independence, and Collaboration: Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate as part of an inclusive, diverse, and cohesive team.
- Maritime Security Credential: Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within six months of employment.
- Fall Protection Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Fall Protection Competent Person & Inspection certification within six months of employment.
- Shipyard Competent Person Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) certification within six months of employment.
- First Aid and Emergency Response Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months of employment.
- OSHA Safety Certification: Ability to obtain OSHA 30-Hour Maritime, Construction, or General Industry certification within six months of employment.
- HAZWOPER Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification within six months of employment.
- Hazardous Waste Management Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)/WA Dangerous Waste Management certification within six months of employment.
- Incident Command System Certification: Ability to obtain Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications within six months of employment.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Professional Safety Program Leadership: Ability to design, lead, or support occupational safety and health programs at a professional or lead level within a marine, shipyard, or general industry setting.
- Regulatory Agency Coordination: Demonstrated ability to serve as the employer point of contact with L&I/DOSH throughout inspections, citation response, abatement, and appeals.
- Safety Committee Experience: Experience serving as a safety committee representative in a maritime, construction, or general industry setting.
- Respiratory Protection: Competency in performing qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing.
- Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Experience planning and leading cross-functional projects to completion.
Important Notes
- First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32), and/or Western states Regional Council of Carpenters who have completed all identified required training and meet the qualifications for the position.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-G0090 in the subject line.
Description
First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32) and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Health and Safety Specialist to support the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and help foster a safe, healthy, and productive workplace for employees and visitors. This position provides frontline safety expertise, identifies and helps mitigate workplace hazards, promotes safe work practices, and supports compliance with occupational health and safety requirements. Working closely with employees and management, this role strengthens a culture of shared accountability, continuous improvement, and proactive risk prevention. By helping ensure maintenance activities are performed safely and responsibly, this position directly supports the reliable operation of WSF vessels and terminals and the essential transportation services they provide to communities across Washington.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Health and Safety Specialist will:
- Conduct scheduled and unscheduled safety and health inspections at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility (EHMF), including shops, yard areas, and vessels, to identify hazards, unsafe practices, and compliance concerns.
- Provide frontline safety guidance to employees, supervisors, and management; recommend corrective actions and solutions to mitigate immediate and foreseeable workplace hazards.
- Document inspection findings, safety observations, non-conformities, corrective actions, and trends; prepare reports and recommendations for EHMF management and the Health and Safety Program Manager.
- Support occupational health and safety programs, including respiratory protection, fit testing, hearing conservation, Shipyard Competent Person activities, employee safety training, and required documentation.
- Serve as EHMF’s fall protection competent person, including evaluating work activities, inspecting fall protection equipment and systems, assessing anchorages and controls, and recommending appropriate protective measures.
- Chair the EHMF Health and Safety Committee and coordinate safety matters with employees, management, WSF programs, WISHA/L&I, and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor regulatory and industry requirements, review safety policies and procedures, and recommend improvements to maintain compliance and strengthen EHMF safety programs and practices.
- Provide on-call emergency safety support and fulfill assigned Incident Command System (ICS), EHMF Contingency Plan, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) responsibilities.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Regulatory Research, Interpretation, and Compliance: Ability to independently research and interpret overlapping federal and state requirements, determine when requirements apply, and defend compliance determinations to regulators and management.
- Occupational Safety and Health Program Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate occupational safety and health programs, policies, and procedures in a maritime or industrial environment, including evaluating program effectiveness using lagging and leading indicators.
- Independent Site Safety Representation: Experience serving as an independent site safety representative and providing safety oversight and guidance.
- Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards, including confined space, fall, and shipyard-specific risks, and apply applicable federal, state, and maritime safety regulations, including OSHA, WAC, and USCG requirements.
- Organization and Safety Project Coordination: Ability to organize workload, set priorities, and log, track, and coordinate multiple safety projects and investigations while meeting established and shifting schedules, timelines, and deadlines.
- Safety and Stakeholder Communication: Ability to convey complex or nuanced safety requirements clearly, verbally and through documentation, to diverse stakeholders, including frontline employees, managers, and senior managers.
- Computer and Microsoft Proficiency: Demonstrated competency using a personal computer and proficiency utilizing Microsoft products and tools.
- Database and Maritime Systems Proficiency: Competency in database management and ability to adopt internal maritime systems such as AOSS crewing and dispatching software and the Washington State Online Learning Center.
- Safety Hazard Recognition and Response: Ability to recognize and address safety hazards and unsafe practices.
- Initiative, Independence, and Collaboration: Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate as part of an inclusive, diverse, and cohesive team.
- Maritime Security Credential: Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within six months of employment.
- Fall Protection Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Fall Protection Competent Person & Inspection certification within six months of employment.
- Shipyard Competent Person Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain Shipyard Competent Person (SCP) certification within six months of employment.
- First Aid and Emergency Response Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months of employment.
- OSHA Safety Certification: Ability to obtain OSHA 30-Hour Maritime, Construction, or General Industry certification within six months of employment.
- HAZWOPER Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification within six months of employment.
- Hazardous Waste Management Certification: Ability to obtain Hazardous Waste RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)/WA Dangerous Waste Management certification within six months of employment.
- Incident Command System Certification: Ability to obtain Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications within six months of employment.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Professional Safety Program Leadership: Ability to design, lead, or support occupational safety and health programs at a professional or lead level within a marine, shipyard, or general industry setting.
- Regulatory Agency Coordination: Demonstrated ability to serve as the employer point of contact with L&I/DOSH throughout inspections, citation response, abatement, and appeals.
- Safety Committee Experience: Experience serving as a safety committee representative in a maritime, construction, or general industry setting.
- Respiratory Protection: Competency in performing qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing.
- Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Experience planning and leading cross-functional projects to completion.
Important Notes
- First consideration and/or preference will be given to WSF employees represented by Puget Sound Metal Trades Council (IBEW Local 46, IAMAW Local 79, SMART Local 66, IBT Local 117, IBB Local 104, and UA Local 32), and/or Western states Regional Council of Carpenters who have completed all identified required training and meet the qualifications for the position.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-G0090 in the subject line.
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Entry Level Health And Safety Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level health and safety specialist job?
Entry level health and safety specialist roles favor candidates who can show hands-on experience, even if it came from an internship, cooperative education program, or volunteer safety committee work. A degree in occupational health, environmental science, or a related field helps, and earning a foundational certification such as the OSHA 30-hour card signals readiness. Tailoring your resume to show specific compliance tasks, hazard assessments, or incident reporting gives you a clear edge at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level health and safety specialists?
Companies hiring entry level health and safety specialists right now include ATCC, SSR Mining, and hims & hers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Manufacturing firms, construction contractors, logistics providers, and large healthcare systems tend to post the most junior-level openings because their operations require on-site compliance support year-round.
Are there remote entry level health and safety specialist jobs?
Yes, though most positions at this level involve on-site or field work. About 0% of entry level health and safety specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those roles typically focus on documentation, audit coordination, or training program development rather than direct facility inspections.
Are these new grad health and safety specialist jobs?
Yes, the listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior health and safety specialist roles. A new grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or coursework as qualifying background, and does not require professional licensure before hiring. Look for language like "will train," "recent graduates encouraged," or "entry level" in the job description to confirm fit.
Which industries hire the most entry level health and safety specialists?
Entry Level health and safety specialist roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because strict regulatory requirements and high workplace incident rates create a steady demand for junior compliance and safety support staff.