Safety Manager

Safety Manager
CP Ward, Inc.

Location: Scottsville, NY (with travel to project sites throughout Western and Central New York)
Reports To: Management / Operations Manager
Compensation: $75,000-$105,000 (depending on experience)

About CP Ward
CP Ward is one of New York State's most respected heavy civil contractors, with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects safely, efficiently, and professionally. Our work includes highway, bridge, site development, utility, and public works projects that improve the communities we serve.
We are seeking a motivated, Safety Manager who understands construction operations and jobsite realities and is eager to grow within our organization. This position is ideal for a safety professional who has field experience and wants to build a long-term career with a company that values mentorship, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Position Summary
The Safety Manager will help lead and support CP Ward's safety program across multiple heavy civil construction projects. This individual will work closely with project managers, superintendents, foremen, and field crews to promote a culture where safety is integrated into daily operations—not simply enforced through compliance.
The ideal candidate understands how construction sites operate, can effectively communicate with field personnel, and has the potential to grow into a senior safety leadership role within the company.

Key Responsibilities
Field Safety Leadership

• Conduct routine project site inspections and safety audits.
• Identify hazards and work with field leadership to develop practical corrective actions.
• Participate in project planning meetings to proactively address safety concerns.
• Support project teams in maintaining compliance with OSHA, DOT, and client safety requirements.
• Promote a positive, solutions-oriented safety culture throughout the organization.

Training & Education

• Conduct new employee safety orientations.
• Assist with development and delivery of toolbox talks and safety training programs.
• Mentor field employees on safe work practices and hazard recognition.
• Support leadership development initiatives related to safety performance.

Incident Management

• Assist with investigations of incidents, near misses, and property damage events.
• Identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate incident documentation and reporting records.
• Track safety metrics and prepare reports for management review.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain safety records, training documentation, and compliance files.
• Assist with development and updates to company safety policies and procedures.
• Support project-specific safety plans and client-required documentation.
• Stay current on regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Relationship Building

• Serve as a trusted resource to project teams.
• Build strong relationships with field personnel through regular site presence.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to balance safety, productivity, and project success.

Qualifications
Required

• 5-10 years of construction safety experience, preferably in heavy civil, highway, bridge, utility, or infrastructure construction.
• Understanding of construction operations and jobsite workflows.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and construction safety standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple project sites.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to regional project locations.

Preferred

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Safety, Construction Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with DOT, NYSDOT, excavation, utility, traffic control, crane, or heavy equipment operations.

What Success Looks Like

• Becomes a respected partner to field operations rather than simply an enforcer of rules.
• Develops strong relationships with superintendents and crews.
• Helps reduce incidents and improve proactive hazard identification.
• Contributes to a culture where safety is viewed as a shared responsibility.
• Grows into increasing levels of leadership responsibility within the organization.