Health & Safety Advocate II

To be considered

For each position of interest, please send a separate email with an attached cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

Also, include the position title, and if you are a current member of an AFSCME Local, in the subject line of your email.

Department:
Research & Collective Bargaining
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Grade:
USU Grade 9
Salary Range:
$97,652 – $146,488
Benefits:
List of benefits
Posting Date:
September 04, 2026

This position is responsible for performing a wide variety of activities that improve the health and safety of AFSCME members, and for providing assistance to AFSCME affiliates with health and safety concerns. This position responds to a variety of requests from the Union’s more than 4,000 affiliates; leads training activities; develops resources for affiliates and AFSCME members, advocates for AFSCME occupational health and safety priorities at federal, state and local agencies; and conducts research on health and safety issues.

Areas of focus, inquiry, and research include, but are not limited to workplace violence, biological hazards, workplace exposure to infectious diseases, illness and injury data, handling and storage of chemicals, protective contract language, and health and safety committees.

At this level, incumbents work independently in formulating strategies and designing analyses to respond to requests and arranging a demanding workload to meet deadlines. Work includes regular travel and providing on-site technical assistance.

Duties:

  • Develops and maintains expertise in occupational safety and health issues and related issues as assigned.
  • Research health and safety topics in response to requests from affiliates. Prepares written responses to answer such requests.
  • Develops various health and safety educational and training programs, curriculum and materials for AFSCME staff and rank and file members to address specific needs. This preparation includes the translation of highly technical information into a format that is easy to understand and use. Facilitates training programs for workers and peer trainers.
  • Travel to affiliates and worksites to provide training and workshops as assigned.
  • Upon request, conducts inspections of hazardous, unhealthy, and unsafe worksites. Serves as a subject matter expert for affiliates at meetings with management representatives concerning such matters.
  • May serve as staff liaison to one or more advisory committees and prepare or discuss the union’s position on health and safety issues before city councils, county officials and state legislatures, and with the media. Serves as a staff resource to these committees, preparing meeting agendas and materials, following up on actions recommended, and drafting recommendations.
  • Identifies and collaborates with other international unions and organizations with which to form coalitions to advocate issues/topics of mutual interest and concern.
  • May assist in preparing proposals to request funds or renew existing grants to establish/continue activities and programs designed to improve health and safety conditions in the workplace. May assist in administering grants, including preparing budgets and periodic reports.
  • Advises AFSCME affiliate union leaders and staff on state and local legislation, laws, regulations, and negotiations over health and safety issues. This includes conducting research and providing written analyses and recommendations. 
  • Advises department staff engaged in contract negotiations or other advocacy with AFSCME members’ employers on relevant policy issues; consults those same department staff in the development and analysis of policy solutions.
  • Informs and advises AFSCME and affiliate union leaders and staff about federal laws, regulations and related matters.
  • Writes occasional articles, manuals and fact sheets on program areas of concentration.
  • Collaborates with other AFSCME departments as appropriate, including identifying crosscutting issues and projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work health, industrial hygiene, environmental issues, and/or related field or comparable life experience and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in occupational health and safety which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

  • Ability to develop training programs and make presentations.
  • Considerable experience in a variety of occupational safety and health topics.
  • Considerable experience in organizing and presenting workshops and training programs for participants.
  • Considerable knowledge of investigating unsafe workplace conditions.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Travel and Work Hours:

  • Extensive travel, extended work hours, including weekends required.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.