Safety Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Field Safety Specialist to support a major High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission construction project in San Jose, California. This role provides daily field safety leadership, ensures compliance with Cal/OSHA Title 8, and oversees safety performance across multiple subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Daily Field Safety Oversight
• Conduct daily safety walks across HVDC work areas, including converter stations, cable routes, trenching, and substation construction.
• Identify hazards, unsafe behaviors, and regulatory violations; verify corrective actions are completed.
• Support implementation of the project’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in accordance with Cal/OSHA1509.
• Subcontractor Oversight
• Monitor subcontractor safety performance and verify compliance with project safety requirements and Cal/OSHA Title 8.
• Review subcontractor Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), safety plans, and training records.
• Participate in subcontractor pre-task meetings and ensure hazard controls are understood and implemented.
• Coach subcontractor supervisors and crews to improve safety culture and accountability.
• Document and escalate repeated or serious violations when necessary.
• Project Safety Support
• Provide oversight for operations such as: excavation and trenching, fall protection and elevated work, crane and rigging operations, hot work, electrical work, confined space entry, silica-generating tasks, verify competent persons are present and performing required duties.
• Verify minimum approach distances, lockout/tagout, and de-energization procedures are followed.
• Support safe execution of energized testing and commissioning activities.
• Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain daily inspection logs, corrective action tracking, and subcontractor safety documentation.
• Assist with incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and follow-up corrective actions.
• Ensure all safety documentation is accurate, timely, and available for Cal/OSHA review.
• Training & Communication
• Participate in daily pre-task huddles and weekly toolbox/tailgate meetings.
• Communicate new hazards, changes in site conditions, and required controls to crews.
• Support onboarding and site-specific safety orientations for employees and subcontractors.
• High-Risk Work Monitoring
• Provide oversight for: Crane and rigging operations, excavation and trenching, hot work, heavy equipment operations, verify competent persons are present and controls are in place.
• Emergency Preparedness
• Ensure emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, AEDs, rescue gear) is in place and accessible.
• Support emergency drills and response procedures.
• Aid in coordinating with local emergency services when needed.
• Promote a Positive Safety Culture
• Build rapport with field crews and subcontractors.
• Encourage hazard reporting, near-miss communication, and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example through professionalism, consistency, and strong field presence.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction safety experience (utility, transmission, or electrical preferred).
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification. OSHA 500 (preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA Title 8.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between project locations.
• Preferred HVDC, substation, or transmission line experience.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Professional safety credential (CHST, CSP, CUSP, OHST, etc.).
• Experience with cable pulling, grounding systems, or commissioning activities.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

Outdoor construction environment with exposure to weather, noise, energized equipment, and heavy machinery. Requires walking, climbing, standing, use arms, hands, and legs fully; push, pull, lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; stoop, kneel, balance, crouch, crawl, and climb to perform job tasks. Must be able to wear required PPE, including (including but not limited to- safety toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, arc-rated clothing, etc.). May need to work at heights and must be able to abide by all safety and fall-protection requirements; must be able to wear and utilize all safety equipment required for work at heights. See well (either naturally or with correction). Hear well (either naturally or with correction.) Coordinate the use of eyes, hands, and feet.