Site Safety & Environmental Specialist

Summary

The Site Safety & Environmental Specialist is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs across active construction project sites. This role serves as a primary on-site HSE representative, working closely with project teams, field supervision, and subcontractors to promote safe work practices, identify and mitigate hazards, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company standards.

What you'll do:

The Site Safety & Environmental Specialist collaborates closely with project managers, field supervisors, employees, subcontractors, and the HSE team to support safe, compliant, and efficient construction operations. This position plays an essential role in preventing workplace incidents, promoting environmental stewardship, and reinforcing a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

This is a field-based position supporting construction project sites throughout Illinois, with approximately 25–40% in-state travel required.

Site Safety Oversight & Hazard Prevention:

• Conduct routine site safety inspections, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and risk assessments to identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, and potential hazards.
• Monitor compliance with OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926), company safety policies, and site-specific safety plans.
• Partner with field supervisors and crews to implement effective hazard controls related to fall protection, electrical safety, equipment operation, excavation and trenching, confined spaces, and hot work.
• Participate in daily safety huddles, toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and project kickoff meetings.
• Provide hands-on safety guidance and support to field personnel and subcontractors to promote safe work practices.

Environmental Compliance & Stewardship:

• Support compliance with applicable environmental regulations, permits, and site-specific environmental management plans.
• Monitor environmental requirements related to stormwater pollution prevention (SWPPP), spill prevention, waste management, air emissions, and material handling.
• Conduct environmental inspections and audits, document findings, and track corrective actions through completion.
• Assist with spill response, reporting, and follow-up activities in coordination with the HSE team.
• Promote environmentally responsible work practices, including proper material storage, handling, and disposal.

Safety Training & Workforce Engagement:

• Conduct site safety orientations and environmental awareness training for employees, temporary workers, and subcontractors.
• Support employee onboarding, competency verification, and training documentation requirements.
• Promote a positive safety culture through field engagement, coaching, safety observations, and proactive communication.
• Assist in developing and distributing safety alerts, lessons learned, and HSE communications.
• Collaborate with project leadership to reinforce safety expectations and encourage employee participation in safety initiatives.

Incident Investigation & Prevention:

• Lead or support investigations involving workplace incidents, electrical exposures, first aid cases, and near misses.
• Identify root causes and coordinate the implementation and follow-up of corrective and preventive actions.
• Participate in emergency response planning, safety drills, and immediate hazard mitigation efforts.
• Communicate incident findings and lessons learned to project teams and HSE leadership to help prevent recurrence.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate HSE records, inspection reports, permits, incident documentation, and training records.
• Support regulatory inspections, internal audits, and compliance reviews.
• Provide timely reporting to project leadership and the HSE department regarding site conditions, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Monitor corrective action progress and ensure identified safety and environmental concerns are appropriately addressed.

What you'll need for success:

• Associate’s degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in construction safety, site safety, or environmental compliance.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain.
• Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST) certification or equivalent preferred.
• Environmental compliance or stormwater certification preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 construction standards and applicable environmental regulations.
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA, and other applicable construction and electrical safety standards.
• Experience supporting safety programs in active construction environments; electrical construction experience preferred.
• Ability to identify workplace hazards, assess risks, and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage, coach, and collaborate with field personnel and subcontractors.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital inspection and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with HSE management systems, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, preferred.
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with project teams and HSE leadership.
• Ability to travel approximately 25–40% within Illinois and maintain a regular presence at active construction project sites.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, navigate uneven terrain, work at heights, and enter confined spaces as required.
• Ability to occasionally lift 25–40 pounds, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and work in environments with exposure to weather, noise, dust, and construction-related hazards.

Founded in 1912, Continental Electrical Construction Company is the number one electrical construction company in Chicago and its suburbs, as well as one of the largest in the Midwest. Dozens of landmark structures bear our imprint. From high rises to health care facilities, factories to financial centers, data centers to educational facilities, hotels to recreational and shopping centers, Continental satisfies all electrical construction needs.

Working for Continental Electrical Construction provides:

• Assistance, tools, and resources for success
• A collaborative, engaging, and respectful workplace
• Fulfilling career opportunities and skills development
• A values-based working environment:

E : Everyone United

N : Nurture Communication

E : Enforce Accountability

R : Relationships Matter

G : Growth and Development

Y : You Make the Difference

Continental Electrical Construction offers a competitive salary that may vary based on the scope and responsibilities of the role and the candidate’s relevant experience, education, and skills. We also offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; profit sharing; retirement benefits; company-provided life and disability insurance; generous paid time off; paid holidays; parental leave; volunteer time off; tuition assistance; Employee Assistance Program; and company-subsidized wellness programs.

Continental Electrical Construction is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status, arrest or conviction record, source of income, or credit history.