Safety Specialist

Job Title: Safety Specialist
Location: Murrells Inlet, SC
Duration: Full time/direct hire
Hours: In office M-F (M-T: 7A-5P, F: 7A-3P)
Salary: $55,000-$65,000 DOE

Position Overview
The Safety Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Safety Manager to ensure a safe, compliant, and engaged work environment across underground utility construction projects. This position is responsible for performing field inspections, assisting with employee training, documenting incidents, and supporting daily safety operations. The Safety Specialist serves as an on-site safety resource for field employees and helps strengthen the company’s safety culture while ensuring adherence to OSHA, DOT, and internal safety standards.

Key Responsibilities
1. Field Safety Support

• Conduct routine job-site safety walks and inspections under the guidance of the Safety Manager.

• Identify hazards and communicate corrective measures to supervisors and field personnel.

• Assist with Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and verify completion of daily safety checklists.

• Assign and review toolbox talks and pre-task planning documentation.

• Support basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, verify proper tagging/lockout steps, and escalate issues as necessary.

• Assist in enforcing all company and site-specific safety policies.

2. Training & Employee Engagement

• Conduct new-hire safety orientations, refresher trainings, and CPR/First Aid sessions as needed.

• Reinforce safe practices including PPE use, trenching/excavation safety, confined space procedures, and equipment operation.

• Maintain accurate training logs, sign-in sheets, and certification records.

3. Incident Response & Reporting

• Assist with documenting incidents, near misses, and corrective actions.

• Gather statements, photos, and supporting documentation for investigation records.

• Track open safety items and help ensure timely resolution.

4. Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Support the upkeep of safety documents required for OSHA and internal compliance.

• Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly safety performance reports.

• Confirm that all required signage, permits, and postings are properly displayed at job sites.

5. Promoting a Strong Safety Culture

• Engage employees in discussions to strengthen safe behaviors and awareness.

• Encourage open communication regarding safety concerns and ensure timely reporting.

• Demonstrate leadership by modeling the company’s safety values in the field.

Qualifications
Education

• Associate degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related field preferred
  — or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience

• 1–3 years of construction safety experience, preferably in underground utilities or heavy civil construction.

• Working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 standards.

Skills

• Strong observational and communication skills.

• Detail-oriented; able to follow processes and document findings accurately.

• Comfortable working in the field under varying weather and site conditions.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic reporting tools.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable MVR required.

Certifications

• CPR/First Aid Certification (preferred).

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification (required or must be obtained shortly after hire).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, climb, kneel, and stand for extended periods on active job sites.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Primarily field-based role with regular regional travel between job sites.

• Occasional office responsibilities for reporting, documentation, and meetings.