Construction Safety Specialist

Construction Safety Specialist

On-Board Engineering is hiring a Construction Safety Specialist in Colonial Heights, VA!

Position Details:

Position Type: Full Time, Contract (18 - 20 months)

Job Location: Colonial Heights, VA

Project: Large Expansion project (Q2 2026- Q4 2027)

Benefits: Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), Life Insurance, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays

Compensation: $40 - $55/hr, depending on qualifications

Overview / Summary:

In this position, you'll assist in providing technical support, safety training, and site safety oversight. You will be responsible for the enforcement of our Client's Health and Safety Plans and for providing safety oversight and support for large-scale construction projects at a chemical plant. You will work with our on-site lead, construction managers, project management, and contractors to manage the overall construction effort. You will actively support and contribute towards a positive safety culture. Safety will be your priority, as you contribute to "incident free" operations and maintain the highest standards of Health & Safety in everything you do.

Bilingual ability is strongly preferred.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:

• Act as Owner's Representative for safe execution of capital project at a chemical plant
• 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 Client's safety policies, standards, and procedures are implemented and followed
• 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 Client
• Perform safety stand-down as necessary with construction contractors.

Safety Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to OSHA standards, local regulations, and company safety policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Work with construction coordinators in planning project construction activities.
• Interface with key site and company personnel to make maximum use of available resources. Such functions will include, but not limited to, site engineering resources, purchasing, operations, systems, and business engineering, as well as equipment vendors, contracting firms.
• Familiarity with safety aspects of civil and structural construction activities such as excavation, working at heights, earth work, grading, trench work, underground sewer and utility piping, underground electrical lines.
• Familiarity with safety aspects of piping and mechanical systems such as isometrics, manual valves, specialty items, packaged skids, chillers, cooling towers etc...
• Familiarity with safe rigging practices for large cranes
• Familiarity with safety aspects of electrical system such as power distribution (transformers, switchgears, high voltage and medium voltage gear), Motor Control Centers, power, lighting, grounding design and cable & conduit sizing, Area Classification understanding and design & installation implementation
• Familiarity with safety aspects of instrumentation installation design such as types of instrumentation, instrument location plans, instrument index, interface with packaged equipment suppliers, instrumentation checkout including installation, loop checks, and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) and such.

Basic Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Construction Management, or related field (preferred)
• Certifications: OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Certification required
• Experience: 10+ years in construction safety or related field. Chemical / Petrochemical plant experience strongly preferred
• Skills: Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and construction safety practices
• Excellent communication and training skills. Bilingual (Spanish) ability is a huge plus
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports
• Proficiency in safety management software and MS Office.

Physical Requirements:

Work is located at a chemical plant and requires exposure to ambient temperature extremes Work may require using and wearing personal protective equipment such as fire-retardant clothing, hearing and eye protection, hard hat and steel-toed boots Day-to-day physical requirements involve standard office activities including sitting/standing for extended periods of time, attending meetings, use of keyboard and mouse repetitively, lifting and carrying less than 20 lbs frequently, etc Work requires moderate physical exertion including walking to operating areas and walking up stairs and climbing ladders. Background and Drug Screenings Required. In order to be considered for this role, you must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without sponsorship.