Safety Specialist

Lewis Tree Service is a North American utility vegetation management company headquartered in New York, seeking an employee to serve as Safety Specialist. The position requires travel throughout New York state to provide governance and oversight during field visits with Safety Specialists, Operations Leadership, and field crews. Responsibilities Serve as a visible leader, influencing and motivating while modeling Lewis’s Operating Principles. Build and maintain strong partnerships with Operations to drive positive and continuous safety improvements. Participate in morning huddles and deliver safety tailgates/safety moments to job crews. Conduct worksite observations to identify potential risks and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements; provide feedback to Operations Leadership. Provide timely assistance and consistent interpretation of company safety policies/procedures and regulatory requirements. Train and coach employees on: Working safely with utility line clearance tools (saws, pruners, hanger poles, rigging tools, saddles, harnesses, aerial lifts, etc.). Technical skills from fundamentals to advanced (roping and rigging, collision avoidance, climbing techniques). Safety-related processes and risks (aerial rescue, electrical safety, First Aid/CPR). Investigate and analyze incidents using current methods to facilitate organizational learning and build capacity to fail safely. Prepare evaluations and provide summary reports and recommendations for Operations and Safety Leadership. Communicate safety program needs with regional leadership. Report timely and accurately to Safety and Operations Regional Leadership. Perform all other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate degree in a related field or equivalent combination of high school diploma/GED with safety/industry-related credentials (CUSP, CTSP, ASP, GSP, ISA Arborist) or equivalent experience. Minimum 1 year of experience in line clearance or related industry. Knowledge of OSHA and ANSI requirements; OSHA 30 Hour or equivalent. Valid driver’s license. Bilingual in Spanish/English is required. Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Safety Engineering, or Occupational Health and Safety. Minimum 1 year in a safety leadership role. Experience in line clearance, ISA Arborist, or related industry. Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) – required within 1 year of hire. Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP). Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong ability to lead teams and drive change. Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills. Proficiency with computers, smartphones, and MS Office Suite. Knowledge of vegetation management tools, practices, and procedures. Familiarity with OSHA, ANSI, DOT, and tree industry regulations and standards. Physical Demands Ability to: Write, type, file, and organize. Observe and respond to visual and oral instructions/messages. Adjust quickly and efficiently from task to task. Bend, reach, grasp, and organize materials. Communicate clearly in a professional manner. Perform in the presence of distractions or work frustrations. Maintain regular and timely attendance. Participate in employee and professional training events. Travel 30–40% of the time, including overnight. Environmental Conditions Regularly – Field environment with exposure to outdoor elements. Occasionally – Office environment, temperature extremes. Rarely – Hazardous materials, air quality issues. Tools & Equipment Computers, phones, tablets. Communication devices. Safety and training equipment. Utility vegetation management tools. Benefits Competitive pay $64,000 - $74,000. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Paid training and certifications. Health, dental, vision & HSA options. 401(k) + match. Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr