Safety Specialist

Job Title: Site Safety Specialist

Location: Portland, Oregon

Position Summary:

The Site Safety Specialist is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving safety programs across complex heavy civil construction projects. This role focuses on fostering a proactive safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing risk in dynamic, high-hazard environments such as underground utilities, pipelines, and large-scale infrastructure work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily safety activities on active construction sites, including safety meetings, briefings, and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
• Monitor field operations to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and client-specific requirements.
• Identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions in real time to mitigate risks.
• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and safety observations, documenting findings and tracking corrective measures.
• Partner with project managers, superintendents, and craft personnel to integrate safety into all phases of construction planning and execution.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions; prepare detailed reports and recommend preventive strategies.
• Deliver safety training programs, including new hire orientations, equipment safety, confined space entry, trenching and excavation, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain accurate safety records, logs, and compliance documentation.
• Support environmental health and safety (EHS) initiatives, including spill prevention, waste management, and environmental compliance.
• Act as a safety advocate, promoting a culture where all employees take ownership of safe work practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3 years of safety experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA standards, particularly those related to excavation, confined space, and heavy equipment operations.
• OSHA 30-hour certification required; additional certifications (e.g., CHST, CSP) preferred.
• Proven ability to influence and engage field teams in safety practices.
• Excellent communication, observation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in physically demanding environments, including outdoor job sites in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with trenchless technologies, pipeline construction, or large-diameter utility installations.
• Familiarity with safety management systems and digital reporting tools.
• Experience supporting multi-crew, fast-paced construction projects.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily field-based, requiring frequent presence on active construction sites. The role involves exposure to heavy equipment, confined spaces, excavation zones, and varying environmental conditions.

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.