What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Safety Specialist position at HELS?
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
Salary : $68
