Occupational Safety and Health Co-op Spring 2027

Position Summary

The role of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit within the MassDOT Highway Division is to evaluate and understand safety and health risks to the workforce on-the-job, and to put measures in place to eliminate where feasible or reduce those risks. The highest priority of the Unit is to prevent worker fatalities and life-altering injuries.  Measures developed and utilized by the Occupational Safety and Health Unit include safe work practices, safety training, technical selection of necessary safety equipment and personal protective equipment, roadway crash investigation, workforce injury response and investigation, as well as the inspection and evaluation of work sites and work practices in the field.    

MassDOT Highway Division is seeking Co-Ops to help support our overall mission of providing a safe working environment for our workforce and for the public utilizing our infrastructure.  The position will be a direct report to the Manager of Occupational Safety and Health to assist with applying the principles, practices and techniques of occupational safety and health learned through educational and related job experience.  Through the guidance of senior level Industrial Safety and Health Inspectors, Co-Ops will be provided with procedural guidance and on-the-job training to learn the functional operations of the MassDOT Highway Division, and the role of an Industrial Health and Safety Inspector.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Co-Ops will be partnered up with Industrial Safety and Health Inspectors to assist with the following work functions in a hands-on environment:Safety inspections and investigations involve interviewing parties involved with workplace accidents/injuries and/or safety violations.

• Inspection of:  equipment, vehicles, materials, operations, buildings, and infrastructure, including the tunnel systems in the Boston region.

• Responding to highway emergencies including serious crashes and hazardous materials spills.

• Evaluating construction, maintenance and permit work zone set-ups.

• Conducting research on job safety planning and implementation.

• Providing assistance with respiratory program safety training sessions.

• Increasing safety awareness and contributing to the update or development of new safety outreach materials such as:

  • Tailgate Talks

  • Safety Videos

  • Safety Bulletins

• Performing other related duties as assigned or required. 

It shall be noted that Co-Ops could be exposed to occupational hazards such as active roadways, hazardous materials, confined spaces, heights, and work with people under emotional distress while working alongside the MassDOT Industrial Health and Safety Inspectors.  It is recommended that Co-Ops have taken OSHA-10 training and have a valid certification.  MassDOT Highway Division indoctrination training will be provided.

 About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) takes great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include: Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions. 

Minimum Entrance Requirements 

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply. 

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.  

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.

• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.

• For a disability -related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857-274-1935.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.