Assistant Safety Manager

Benchmark Utility Services; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services is seeking an Assistant Safety Manager with a background in construction to help develop and oversee safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and PPE usage. This role reports to the Senior Safety Manager and Safety Manager.

The position emphasizes site inspections, audits, incident investigations, documentation, and fostering a strong safety culture across multiple job sites, including excavation and trenching safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two or more years of experience in a safety-related role, ideally within underground utility construction.
• OSHA 510 certification, or Safety Trained Supervisor–Construction (STSC) certification.
• Valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
• Familiarity with OSHA/DOT regulations and safety practices for excavation, traffic control, confined spaces, and utility coordination.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with field and office personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety reporting tools.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to travel to multiple job sites.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the implementation and monitoring of the company’s Safety and Health Management System (SHMS).
• Conducts regular site inspections and safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies.
• Help facilitate Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Pre-Task Plans, and Tailgate Safety Meetings.
• Monitors the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ensure all crew members are properly equipped.
• Participates in incident and near‑miss investigations; assists with root cause analysis and correction action tracking.
• Maintains and organizes safety documentation, inspection records, training logs, and incident reports.
• Provides field‑level support during high‑risk activities such as excavation, trenching, utility exposure, confined space work, and equipment operation.
• Promotes a positive safety culture by building relationships with field staff and encouraging safe work practices.
• Presents safety information and documentation to various General Contractors (GCs).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication skills

MS Office

Safety reporting tools

Driver's license

Bilingual: English/Spanish

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety or related field

Tools

Safety software

Job description

Company Overview

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site, and underground utility construction firm, completing over five hundred (500) projects spanning over ten (10) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

Position Summary

The Assistant Safety Manager must have a background in the construction industry, preferably with expertise in excavation and trenching safety. This individual assists in developing and overseeing safety protocols for the company, ensuring staff members are well-informed on emergency preparedness, use of protective equipment, and accident procedures. This role reports to the Senior Safety Manager and Safety Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the implementation and monitoring of the company’s Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)
• Conducts regular site inspections and safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies
• Conducts regular site inspections and safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies
• Help facilitate Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Pre-Task Plans, and Tailgate Safety Meetings
• Monitors the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ensure all crew members are properly equipped
• Participates in incident and near‑miss investigations; assists with root cause analysis and correction action tracking
• Maintains and organizes safety documentation, inspection records, training logs, and incident reports
• Provides field‑level support during high‑risk activities such as excavation, trenching, utility exposure, confined space work, and equipment operation
• Promotes a positive safety culture by building relationships with field staff and encouraging safe work practices
• Presents safety information and documentation to various General Contractors (GCs)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) or more years of experience in a safety‑related role, ideally within underground utility construction
• OSHA 510 certification, or Safety Trained Supervisor–Construction (STSC) certification
• Valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certification
• Familiarity with applicable safety regulations and best practices for excavation, traffic control, confined spaces, and utility coordination
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with field and office personnel
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety reporting tools
• Valid Driver’s license with the ability to travel to multiple job sites
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Excellent knowledge of OSHA standards and federal safety legislation
• One of the following certifications is strongly preferred: CSP, CHST, OSHA 500
• Solid understanding of potentially hazardous materials and practices in the workplace.
• Familiarity with writing health and safety policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of safety management software, such as HCSS

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and move around active construction sites for extended periods
• Capability to climb ladders, navigate uneven terrain, and enter excavations or confined spaces (as required for inspections)
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 25–50 lbs. of equipment or safety materials
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dust
• Adequate vision and hearing to identify hazards, read safety documentation, and communicate effectively on job sites
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, reflective vests, and respirators (if necessary)
• Regular travel to multiple job sites, sometimes with short notice

Why Join Benchmark Utility Services

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer.