Senior Safety Specialist

Harper Brothers Construction – Safety Specialist

Location: Austin, TX

Company Summary: Built to Deliver

Harper Brothers Construction isn't just building infrastructure, we're building what matters most: people, partnerships, and lasting impact. Founded in 2014 by second-generation builders, we bring grit, innovation, and proven expertise to every project we take on.

With operations across Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, our mobile crews and powerful fleet allow us to go where the work is and deliver safely, efficiently, and without compromise. At HBC, safety isn't a priority, it's our culture, driving everything we do from the ground up.

About the Role

We're seeking a proactive, and solutions-driven Safety Specialist to join our growing team. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted safety professional across multiple construction projects, partnering closely with operations teams to prevent incidents before they occur and foster a culture of accountability and safety excellence.

This position requires an independent leader who can confidently make decisions in the field, build strong relationships with project teams, and support the successful execution of complex heavy civil construction projects.

What You'll Do

• Conduct comprehensive safety inspections, audits, risk assessments, and hazard analyses.
• Proactively identify safety concerns and develop practical corrective actions to eliminate or reduce risk.
• Serve as a resource to project managers, superintendents, foremen, and field personnel on safety-related issues and best practices.
• Drive a proactive safety culture through coaching, mentoring, and consistent field engagement.
• Conduct incident, injury, and near-miss investigations, perform root cause analysis, and develop sustainable corrective action plans.
• Monitor project activities to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company standards, and client requirements.
• Lead employee safety orientations, toolbox talks, and training programs.
• Independently manage assigned projects and prioritize safety initiatives based on project risks and operational needs.
• Evaluate work plans, operations, and changing site conditions to anticipate hazards before they impact personnel or project performance.
• Develop project-specific safety plans and support operations teams in implementing effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Review safety performance metrics and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support subcontractor management and ensure alignment with HBC's safety expectations.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, compliance audits, and safety documentation management.
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across all projects.

What You Bring

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification required; OSHA 500 preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
• CHST, CSP, ASP, or other professional safety certifications are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 3+ years of construction safety experience.
• Previous experience supporting heavy civil, infrastructure, earthwork, concrete, utilities, transportation, or other large-scale construction projects highly preferred
• Experience working directly on active construction sites with heavy equipment and multiple trades.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead safety initiatives with limited oversight.

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of OSHA regulations, ANSI standards, and construction industry best practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and implement solutions, not just identify issues.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment in fast-paced field environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety reporting systems.
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and accountability.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct inspections and evaluations on active construction sites.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain, climb ladders, navigate excavations, and work around heavy equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility apparel, gloves, and protective footwear.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and travel to project sites as needed.

Why Join Harper Brothers Construction?

• Be part of a company that puts people and safety first.
• Work alongside experienced construction professionals on challenging and meaningful projects.
• Gain exposure to diverse projects and multi-state operations.
• Opportunities for growth and leadership development.
• Play a key role in shaping and advancing HBC's safety culture.
• Great benefits including PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), medical, vision, dental, and more.

This position requires frequent travel to active construction sites where exposure to noise, heavy equipment, moving vehicles, dust, and construction materials is common. The role requires regular interaction with field personnel and project leadership and demands a visible presence in the field to support safe operations and project success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harper Brothers Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.