Safety Specialist

Job Summary

As part of the Orion Engineers Constructors team, the Safety Specialist will serve as the Owner’s Representative for the safe execution of capital projects at a client site in Colonial Heights, Virginia. This position is responsible for promoting strong safety awareness, ensuring consistent implementation of safety policies and procedures, and supporting construction safety activities throughout a large expansion project.

The role requires close coordination with project management, construction management, construction contractors, site personnel, and company resources to ensure compliance with OSHA standards, local regulations, company safety policies, and project-specific safety requirements.

Responsibilities and Functions

• Act as Owner’s Representative for safe execution of capital projects execution at Honeywell, Colonial Heights.
• Advocate for strong safety awareness with a consistent implementation of policies and procedures and participate in construction safety audits and contractor safety meetings. Enforce strong safety culture and target zero Recordables.
• Assist Project Manager and Construction Manager with enforcing safety standards
• Conduct field walks and field safety observations of construction contractors.
• Ensure that Solstice safety policies, standards, and procedures are implemented and followed
• Support in monitoring/managing Honeywell safety programs
• Participate in project safety reviews, analyses, auditing, and risk mitigation
• Perform other safety-related duties that may arise from time to time, at the direction of Solstice.
• Perform safety stand-down as necessary with construction contractors.

Skills & Qualifications

• Basic understanding of OSHA regulations related to confined spaces, hazardous work environments, PPE, lockout/tagout, and hazard communication.
• Familiarity with hot work, line breaking, and permit-required confined space entry procedures.
• Experience in a safety, field monitoring, or technician role within an industrial, manufacturing, petroleum, or chemical facility.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out safety inspections, incident reporting, and hazard assessments.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive through extended shifts and monitoring sessions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide feedback, coaching, and collaborate across varying teams (company, client, contractors).
• Ability to complete required safety documentation clearly and accurately, using paper forms or electronic systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with personnel at all site levels and with other departments.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and client-requested background check, as well as pre-employment and ongoing/random drug screenings.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Preferred but not required: Safety training or certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30-hour, confined space entry/attendant, HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR).

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Health, Construction Management, or related field preferred but not mandatory.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Certification required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in construction safety or a related field.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• This position is based at a client’s operating plant, with the work location and schedule determined by the client’s operational needs.
• Must be able to work in conditions typical of an industrial facility, following the client’s safety culture and pace. This includes extended standing or walking, climbing, bending, stooping, exposure to process equipment, noise, varying weather conditions, and hot climates.
• Requires normal hearing; clear close and distance vision; depth perception; and the ability to focus, reach, and maintain balance.
• May involve periods of desk work requiring use of standard office equipment, keyboards, and computers.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle to and from job sites or office locations if required.
• PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, hard hat, gloves, and eye/ear protection, must be worn during facility job walks or field work.
• Travel to other client locations within the region may be required.

Additional Information

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Orion Engineers Constructors is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse environment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in the E-Verify system.