Damage Prevention Specialist - Northern Illinois/Chicago Area

Damage Prevention & Training SpecialistJoin the Future of Connectivity with Metronet! Are you ready to launch your career with one of the nation's fastest-growing fiber-optic powerhouses? Welcome to Metronet, where we don't just build networks; we build communities.As a Damage Prevention Specialist, you play a key role in protecting Metronet's network by preventing damage to underground facilities caused by third parties and contractors. This position promotes safe digging practices, conducts damage investigations to determine root cause and liability, and supports compliance with company and regulatory safety standards.The ideal candidate will build strong relationships with contractors and excavators, lead training and auditing efforts, and help enforce damage prevention programs at the local level while contributing to broader regional initiatives. This role also involves analyzing field risks, identifying trends, and developing proactive solutions to reduce and prevent future damage incidents.Essential Job Functions:Promote an organizational culture that fosters safe work practices through effective leadership.Facilitates post-damage investigations and report preparation within established guidelines to aid in identifying the root cause used to improve processes, training, and creating effective action plans. Provides corrective action recommendations. Ensure corrective actions are completed on time, and properly documented.Drives damage prevention strategies, evaluates their effectiveness, and educates associates and contractors to improve their skills and competencies.Perform individual, department, and contractor training needs analyses and develop the damage prevention training program in partnership with the director of safety & damage prevention. Coordinate the implementation of damage prevention and safety training and development programs (includes topics such as excavation safety, OSHA-10 & 30, competent person, NESC safety, directional drilling, utility locating, temp traffic control, etc.).Coaching and teaching regulatory, compliance, and Metronet safety training with associates, contactors, and management in a classroom or onsite location. Will create a culture of safety excellence by implementing safety training, policies and procedures, and programs designed to improve associate and contactor safe behaviors and eliminating, preventing, or controlling hazards/unsafe conditions.Conducting, facilitating, and reviewing damage prevention and safety audits/inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and Company policies. Provide worksite training as determined necessary.Serve as a resource to all levels of management who are responsible for carrying out safety and risk management initiatives and specifications regarding safety, OSHA rules and regulations, and Metronet safety policies.Identify, document and recommend resolution of potentially hazardous conditions identified through routine safety activities.Manages inventory and distribution of safety equipment/PPE including tracking and calibration.Participate in daily, weekly, and monthly safety meetings and joint audits with all levels of management, both internal and externally.Provide on-going training and feedback to management on conducting proper observations, competency checks, compliance activities, and properly documenting activities and properly documenting activities.Planning, Organizing and Measuring, and data analysis (Creates workable plans to achieve results; develops and monitors appropriate metrics; good use of tools to evaluate data)All other duties as assignedJob Qualifications and Requirements:BS/BA degree in related field and three (3+) years of related experience (damage prevention, utility operations, construction or EHS function w/experience conducting investigations)Working knowledge of Federal, state, and local safety, and OSHA standards.Certification in Rescue/CPR, OSHA, confined space, MOT, and defensive driving standards preferred.Willingness to obtain train-the-trainer certifications, OSHA and other training certificates, and licenses as necessary.Experience conducting training in group and individual settings, as conducting frequent training is required.Operate and maintain company vehicle/equipment safely and professionally.Valid driver's license/satisfactory driving recordWillingness to work as a team and independently.Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.Additional Job Requirements:Must have and maintain a valid vehicle driver's license and satisfactory driving record.Extensive experience in conducting detailed incident/damage investigations, reporting, and root cause analysis.Knowledge of excavation equipment, damage prevention standards, state and federal damage prevention regulations and state one-call laws.Preference will be given to individuals with professional credentials such as CSP or CIH and/or health and safety experience in telecommunications outside plant environment.Ability to read and interpret general business documents; operating and maintenance instructions; procedure manuals, and descriptions; and government regulations such as OSHA, ANSI and DOT requirements.Demonstrated ability to multi-task and thrive in an environment that is constantly changing and where numerous tasks and projects are occurring simultaneously.Results driven, detail oriented, able to anticipate needs and issues and proactively identify appropriate solutions.Influence, negotiation and conflict resolution skills (Uses relationships to influence decisions and actions, negotiates win-win solutions, effectively resolves issues)Display solid interpersonal management skills with the ability to build trust with all levels of the organization.Ability to communicate and obtain buy-in for damage prevention and safety vision, strategy, and local plan.Must be comfortable in challenging the status quo and developing effective implementation plans and timelines to achieve goals.May work in an office environment with extensive time spent traveling and performing onsite visits and inspections.Ability to travel 50-75% for work purposes.Join us and find out what it means to love your career! At Metronet, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge technology combined with exceptional customer care. Our 100% fiber-optic technology ensures that we provide our customers with some of the fastest internet speeds in the world. As industry leaders in fiber-to-the-premise TV, voice, and internet services, we're not just focused on expanding our networks—we're focused on enriching the lives of those we serve.We value our associates because they are the cornerstone of our success. By joining the Metronet family, you're stepping into a rewarding career in technology with a company dedicated to your growth and success. We're in it to win it, and a key part of our strategy is to strengthen our business-to-business technology sales team with talented and hard-working individuals who aspire to be the next generation of technology leaders.Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, we offer a competitive total compensation package, including 80% of medical premiums paid by the company, company-paid disability and life insurance, and a 401(k)-company match. Plus, enjoy discounted services within our coverage areas and thrive in a locally owned, friendly, and fun atmosphere.Discover more with Metronet—a company where your success builds stronger communities, and your future is limitless.Metro net is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, or veteran status. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/VeteranPay Range: $70-$75k/yr.#LI-AF1Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.