EHS Manager II

Gridworks; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the renewable energy sector is seeking a Senior Safety Manager II to oversee Environmental, Health, and Safety operations at Battery Energy Storage and Photovoltaic sites. This critical role involves managing comprehensive EHS programs, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations, and fostering a strong safety culture among teams. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in industrial construction safety management, exemplifying leadership and a commitment to operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5 years in industrial construction safety management, with 2 years on utility-scale BESS/PV projects.
• Expert-level knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety principles.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage EHS plans tailored to BESS and PV construction hazards.
• Conduct site inspections and audits to identify hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Lead hazard mitigation strategies and cultivate a proactive safety culture.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Associate's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

EHS management software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Virginia - Virginia

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Description

Position: Senior Safety Manager II

Supervisor: Director of Safety

Classification: Full-time, Exempt Salary

Pay: Based on Experience

We’re looking for a highly skilled Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager to join our team and lead safety operations on our Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Photovoltaic (PV) construction sites.

This is a critical leadership role for someone passionate about safety, compliance, and sustainability in high-risk, utility-scale renewable energy environments. The ideal candidate will bring:

Proven experience managing EHS programs on large-scale construction projects
Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations
Ability to lead hazard mitigation strategies and cultivate a proactive safety culture
A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

If you’re a proactive safety leader ready to make an impact in the clean energy space, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary:

The Site Construction Safety Manager II for BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) and PV (Photovoltaic) projects is a highly critical and specialized leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and rigorously overseeing comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs on our complex renewable energy construction sites. This position requires a proactive and expert approach to ensuring absolute compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local EHS regulations, as well as strict adherence to company policies and project-specific safety plans. The Safety Manager will be instrumental in cultivating a robust, proactive safety culture, meticulously mitigating the high-risk hazards inherent in large-scale BESS and PV installations, and relentlessly driving continuous improvement in overall safety performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage site-specific EHS plans, procedures, and programs tailored to BESS and PV construction hazards (e.g., high-voltage electrical, battery handling, LOTO, fall protection, confined spaces, fire prevention).
• Ensure strict compliance with OSHA (29 CFR 1910, 1926), NFPA 70E, local codes, and client requirements.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly site inspections and audits to identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and at-risk behaviors.
• Lead Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Pre-Task Planning (PTP) meetings, and daily toolbox talks for critical activities.
• Specifically address and mitigate hazards related to battery thermal runaway, arc flash, electrical shock, working at heights on solar arrays, heavy lifting, excavation, and mobile equipment.
• Lead or assist in incident investigations (accidents, near misses, first aid), identifying root causes and developing corrective actions.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all incidents to internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and deliver EHS training programs, including site orientations and specialized hazard training (LOTO, arc flash, fall protection, confined space, battery safety, emergency response).
• Promote a strong safety culture through consistent communication, engaging talks, and positive reinforcement.
• Maintain comprehensive EHS documentation (permits, inspection records, training logs, incident reports).
• Prepare and submit all required EHS reports to corporate EHS, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Stay current with evolving EHS regulations and industry best practices for renewable energy construction.
• Review subcontractor EHS plans and performance, ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Conduct EHS audits of subcontractor activities and provide guidance for improvement.
• Develop, implement, and regularly test site-specific emergency response plans (fire, medical, hazardous spills, severe weather).
• Coordinate with local emergency services and ensure appropriate emergency equipment is available.
• Serve as the primary EHS point of contact on site, providing expert guidance and support.
• Foster open communication where personnel feel comfortable reporting concerns and suggesting improvements.
• Lead by example, demonstrating unwavering commitment to safety in all actions.
• May be required to perform other duties as requested by Project Management or EHS Leadership.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily works on active construction sites, involving exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, uneven terrain, energized electrical systems, and hazardous materials.
• Requires physical ability to frequently walk, stand, climb, stoop, kneel, and lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent travel to various project sites across different geographies is a fundamental requirement.
• This is a full-time position. Hours often follow those of a typical construction work week. However, you may be required the work weekends or after normal business hours from time to time.

Our Commitment to Safety:

At Gridworks, safety is not merely a priority; it is our paramount value and an integral part of our operational DNA. We are profoundly dedicated to providing an unequivocally safe and healthy work environment for all our employees, subcontractors, and partners. The Site Construction Safety Manager for BESS & PV Projects plays an absolutely pivotal role in upholding this unwavering commitment, driving our vision of an incident-free workplace, and ensuring that every individual returns home safely at the end of each day.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 5 years in industrial construction safety management, with 2 years directly on utility-scale BESS and/or PV solar projects, including commissioning.
• Certifications:
  • Required: OSHA 510
  • Highly Preferred: Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), OSHA 500.
  • Required: Current First Aid/CPR/AED.
  • Required: NFPA 70E certification/training (Arc Flash Safety) with practical application.
  • Preferred: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
• Knowledge:
  • Expert-level knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (Construction) and 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry).
  • Deep understanding and practical application of electrical safety principles (LOTO, grounding, arc flash, NFPA 70E).
  • Comprehensive familiarity with battery energy storage technologies, associated hazards (thermal runaway, off-gassing, electrolyte exposure, fire suppression), and safe handling.
  • Proficiency in fall protection systems, excavation safety (soil classification, protective systems, utility locates), confined space entry, and heavy equipment safety.
  • Solid knowledge of environmental regulations (waste management, storm water, hazardous materials).
  • Understanding of industry best practices and consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, ASTM).
• Skills:
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication, training, influencing, and motivational abilities.
  • Superior analytical and critical thinking, capable of root cause analysis and practical solution development.
  • Outstanding organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHS management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisive actions.
  • Proven leadership presence, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to build trust.
  • Ability to enforce safety policies consistently, firmly, and fairly.
  • Must meet company minimum driving and insurability standards