Job Summary
The Safety Specialist is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and supporting safety programs for Substation construction projects throughout the Eastern Region. This position provides field safety leadership for direct-hire employees and subcontractors by promoting a culture of safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting training, and supporting risk management initiatives.
The Safety Specialist serves as a trusted resource to project teams by identifying hazards, developing mitigation strategies, conducting investigations, and ensuring work activities are performed safely and efficiently. This role requires extensive travel and a strong field presence supporting multiple projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee and support safety programs for Substation construction projects throughout the East Region.
- Conduct routine field safety observations, audits, and inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance with company, client, and regulatory requirements.
- Develop, conduct, and document safety training related to substation construction activities, hazard recognition, and safe work practices.
- Lead incident, injury, property damage, and near-miss investigations and determine root causes.
- Develop, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive action plans.
- Create and maintain Project Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
- Partner with project management, supervisors, craft personnel, and subcontractors to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
- Facilitate safety meetings, toolbox talks, and employee engagement activities.
- Monitor subcontractor safety performance and ensure adherence to project safety standards.
- Maintain safety records, training documentation, inspection reports, and project metrics.
- Support compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and customer-specific safety requirements.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, mentoring, and positive safety leadership.
- Participate in project planning activities to ensure safety considerations are integrated into project execution.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification required.
- Minimum of five (5) years of construction safety experience.
- Experience supporting electrical utility, industrial, energy, or construction projects.
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations, incident investigation techniques, and risk assessment processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple projects.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout the Eastern United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Substation construction projects.
- OSHA 500 and/or OSHA 501 Authorized Trainer Certification.
- CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor Certification.
- Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP).
- Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Certification.
- Knowledge of NFPA 70E and electrical safety standards.
- Experience overseeing subcontractor safety performance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of construction safety principles and best practices.
- Ability to recognize and control workplace hazards.
- Effective incident investigation and root cause analysis skills.
- Strong organizational and documentation abilities.
- Excellent coaching, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build relationships with field personnel and project leadership.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety excellence and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions
- Extensive travel throughout the Eastern United States, including overnight travel.
- Work performed primarily in active Substation construction environments.
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, dust, and electrical construction activities.
- Ability to walk long distances on construction sites and occasionally climb ladders and structures.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours based on project demands or emergency response needs.