Construction Safety Specialist

Job Overview:

We are seeking a qualified Construction Safety Specialist to support the Port Authority Resident Engineering Office and the Office of Safety Management at JFK Airport. The successful candidate will play a critical role in promoting and enforcing compliance with all federal, state, and local fire and safety regulations across Port Authority and JFK leaseholder construction sites. This field-based position demands strong technical expertise, a proactive safety mindset, and effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review project contracts, construction drawings, and safety documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Monitor contractor operations for adherence to OSHA, FDNY, NYC DOB, and other applicable safety standards.

• Conduct field audits to assess job site safety programs, hazard analyses, and contractor work practices.

• Inspect construction equipment, work conditions, and safety procedures across all project phases.

• Document and report daily safety findings, deficiencies, and corrective actions, including photographs.

• Lead and support accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, including root cause analysis and preventative recommendations.

• Submit preliminary investigation reports and communicate safety observations to Port Authority staff.

• Collaborate with Port Authority Resident Engineers, safety representatives, integrity monitors, stakeholders, and insurance teams.

Position Requirements:

• Must pass a fingerprint-based SIDA background check and maintain credentials throughout employment.

• Ability to conduct daily field audits across multiple active construction sites at JFK.

• Must be capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Physically fit to walk, climb, bend, and navigate large and active construction environments.

• Flexible to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and overtime as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in construction safety inspection, including incident prevention and investigation.

• NYC DOB Site Safety Supervisor (SST) Card.

• OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Certification.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Strong communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience on major capital projects involving heavy civil construction.

• Knowledge of relevant codes and regulations, including:

  • OSHA 1926

  • NYC Building Code

  • FDNY rules & procedures

  • NFPA and other national fire safety standards

  • Local agency laws (DOT, DEP, etc.)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital safety management platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CHST Certification or other recognized safety credentials.

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Experience with OCIP/CCIP insurance programs.

• Previous work on Port Authority projects.

Salary: $68 per hour