Construction Safety Specialist – Solar

The Planet Group; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group seeks a Senior Construction Safety Specialist for a field-based, on-site role in Surry, VA, focusing on solar and BESS construction safety. This 1-year contract requires coordinating with contractors, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards on active projects.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in safety-related fields, at least 5 years of construction safety experience, and strong knowledge of OSHA standards along with hazardous materials

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA construction standards.
• Ability to reference applicable OSHA standards when addressing safety concerns in the field.
• Experience with digital safety reporting tools and platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Skills

OSHA construction standards

Field inspections

Hazardous materials management

Communication skills

PPE compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Digital safety reporting tools

Job description

Senior Construction Safety Specialist – Solar & Battery Energy Storage (BESS)

Location: Surry, VA 23883

Assignment: 1-Year Contract

Travel: Required for onsite project work

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA construction standards.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and reference applicable OSHA standards when addressing safety concerns in the field.
• Strong computer skills and experience with digital safety reporting tools and platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with contractors, subcontractors, project leadership, and construction crews.
• Strong knowledge of fire protection standards.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous material/chemical management and transportation.
• Ability to work effectively in active construction environments.
• Strong observation, documentation, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting utility‑scale solar construction projects.
• Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Experience in utility, power generation, renewable energy, or other large‑scale industrial construction environments.
• Experience working as an Owner’s Safety Representative or in an owner‑facing safety role.
• OSHA certifications such as OSHA 30 are highly desirable.

This is a field-based construction safety position. The candidate should be comfortable with:

• Walking long distances across large project sites.
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Working around construction crews, heavy equipment, and active construction operations.
• Spending significant time in the field conducting inspections and observations.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintaining a strong onsite presence and engaging directly with construction personnel.

Additional Assignment Requirements

• Unescorted Nuclear Access Required: Yes. Candidate must be able to qualify for and obtain the required unescorted access.