Project Industrial Health & Safety Specialist

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Project Industrial Health & Safety Specialist to support a construction and inspection project in Orange County, California. This is a contract assignment expected to begin in late August and potentially continue through the end of the year.

The primary focus of this position will be contractor safety management , serving as the Owner’s Safety Representative for construction and inspection activities associated with a chemical-related project. The Safety Specialist will provide daily on-site oversight, identify and mitigate hazards, ensure regulatory compliance, and work closely with contractors and project leadership to maintain a safe working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Owner’s Safety Representative and provide daily safety oversight of contractors and assigned construction activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain project-specific health and safety policies, procedures, and programs.
• Conduct risk assessments, hazard analyses, and task-specific safety assessments.
• Review and complete work permits and verify appropriate safety controls are established before work begins.
• Identify hazards associated with new equipment, new processes, construction activities, and the introduction of new workforces.
• Develop and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Monitor contractor activities and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, AQMD , and other applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular jobsite safety inspections and audits of work areas, equipment, and contractor activities.
• Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, and near-misses and develop corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct safety orientations, training, and educational programs for employees and contractors.
• Communicate daily and weekly project priorities, progress, safety risks, and mitigation plans to project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with contractors, management, and employees to promote a strong safety culture.
• Maintain accurate documentation of safety inspections, incidents, training, work permits, risk assessments, and compliance activities.
• Monitor industry best practices and regulatory changes that may impact project activities.
• Assist with emergency response planning, procedures, and drills.
• Identify and anticipate technical or safety-related issues that could impact project schedule, cost, or execution and recommend appropriate solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene , or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of health and safety experience within a manufacturing, industrial, construction, or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, AQMD , and other applicable health and safety regulations.
• Experience providing hands-on safety oversight for contractors and active construction work.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments, hazard analyses, work permit reviews, and jobsite safety inspections.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify safety risks and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to evaluate potential safety issues that could affect project schedules, budgets, or critical-path activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with contractors, employees, project managers, and leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and EHS management software.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced project environment.
• Must be able to work on-site in Orange County, CA from 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM .
• Due to export compliance requirements, candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person .

Preferred Qualifications

• CSP, CIH, or other recognized Occupational Health & Safety certification.
• Experience with ISO 45001 or similar health and safety management systems.
• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, chemical, or complex manufacturing environments .
• Experience supporting major transformation, construction, or manufacturing launch projects.
• Experience introducing new equipment, processes, and workforces into an active manufacturing environment.
• Experience conducting safety risk assessments associated with equipment installation and process changes.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices.
• Experience conducting ergonomic assessments.
• Knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and practices.
• Experience working within a matrixed project organization.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.