Safety Director-Heavy Civil/Water/Wastewater

About the Company

The company is a long-standing water and wastewater treatment plant contractor dedicated to delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens communities and protects the environment. They specialize in complex civil and environmental construction projects across the Midwest and South, with a strong emphasis on ground-up water and wastewater treatment facilities.

About the Position

The company is seeking an accomplished and highly proactive Safety Director to lead all corporate and project-level safety initiatives. This role is central to cultivating a culture where safety is prioritized, championed, and embedded throughout every project and process.

The Safety Director will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of companywide safety programs across large-scale heavy civil projects. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, conducting training and inspections, leading incident investigations, identifying hazards, and partnering closely with project leadership to mitigate risk. This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will serve as a visible, hands-on leader across all regions of operation.

Key Responsibilities Include:

1. Lead, develop, and maintain comprehensive safety programs across all active projects.
2. Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulations, along with client requirements.
3. Conduct site safety audits, inspections, and job hazard analyses on complex treatment plant projects.
4. Oversee incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
5. Lead and facilitate safety training programs, toolbox talks, onboarding, and competency-based instruction.
6. Partner with project teams to identify hazards early and implement risk mitigation strategies.
7. Track and analyze safety data to support continuous improvement and strategic planning.
8. Act as a mentor and resource for project staff to strengthen safety awareness and accountability.
9. Represent the company during safety-related meetings, audits, and regulatory interactions.

Requirements

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
2. Experience:
1. 10+ years of experience managing safety programs and controls.
2. Minimum 3 years of experience in civil construction, ideally with wastewater/water treatment projects.
3. Certifications:
1. OSHA 30
2. CSP or CHST strongly preferred
4. Technical & Industry Expertise:
1. Knowledge of ground-up construction of water/wastewater treatment plants.
2. Strong understanding of heavy civil construction safety practices, regulations, and hazard mitigation.
5. Leadership & Soft Skills:
1. Proven ability to lead, influence, and engage field and project teams.
2. Strong communication, training, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Strategic mindset with hands-on field presence.

Benefits

1. Compensation: $125,000 – $175,000, depending on experience and location.
2. Discretionary performance-based bonuses
3. Health, dental, and vision insurance
4. 401(k) with company match
5. Paid time off and holidays
6. Professional development support and training