Safety and Compliance Manager

The Company

S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned business with over forty years of industry experience. Operating in four different states and headquartered in Jordan, Minnesota, we utilize industry leading technology to increase efficiency and provide value add for clients in the specialized areas of infrastructure, including the build of roads, bridges and the installation of public utilities including sewer, water, and stormwater systems.

Position Overview:

The Safety & Compliance Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the company's safety, health, and regulatory compliance programs to ensure a safe work environment across all highway and heavy civil construction projects. This role works closely with project managers, field supervisors, and craft employees to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations—including OSHA, DOT, MSHA (if applicable), environmental standards, and contractual requirements.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in heavy civil construction operations, with strong leadership and communication skills. This position plays a critical role in cultivating a culture committed to safety excellence, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety Program Leadership

• Develop, update, and maintain the company's safety program, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and support safety planning for all major projects, including pre-construction hazard assessments and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Serve as subject matter expert on OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (Construction Standards), state OSHA requirements, DOT/FMCSA regulations, and applicable civil construction safety standards.
• Ensure company-wide alignment with best practices and evolving regulatory requirements.

Field Safety Oversight

• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and safety observations across active projects to verify compliance and identify corrective actions.
• Support field teams with safe work planning, equipment inspections, traffic control setups, trenching/excavation requirements, and heavy equipment safety.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, property damage, and injuries; lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure subcontractor compliance with company safety standards.

Training & Employee Development

• Develop and deliver safety training, including new hire orientations, toolbox talks, and topic-specific training (e.g., fall protection, confined space, excavation safety).
• Maintain training records, certifications, and ensure compliance with project-specific and regulatory requirements.
• Coach and mentor field staff to reinforce safe behaviors and promote accountability.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, environmental, and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and maintain required logs, reports, permits, and documentation (e.g., OSHA 300/301 logs, DOT vehicle and driver files, environmental permits).
• Support auditing processes and represent the company during regulatory inspections.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in the development and review of safety plans, SWPPPs, traffic management plans, and emergency response plans.
• Monitor trends in leading and lagging indicators to recommend improvements.
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing incidents, improving training effectiveness, and enhancing company-wide safety culture.
• Lead and support safety planning for all major projects, including pre-construction hazard assessments and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Serve as subject matter expert on OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (Construction Standards), state OSHA requirements, DOT/FMCSA regulations, and applicable civil construction safety standards.
• Ensure company-wide alignment with best practices and evolving regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Required
• 5 years of safety experience in heavy civil, highway, bridge, or construction environments.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Professional certifications such as CHST, CST, OHST, CUSP, or CSP.
• Experience with safety management software systems.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA construction standards, DOT regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and safety-related documentation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites regularly.

Compensation & Work Environment:

• Starting salary of $85,000 per year, depending on experience & education.
• Full-time, exempt
• 50/50 in-office & in the field traveling from jobsite to jobsite.
• Competitive benefits package available.

S.M. Hentges & Sons Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages female, minority, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Applicant will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, familial status, membership or activity in local human rights commission, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000