Safety & Compliance Specialist

Pipe Strong, LLC a Member of The 3E Family; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Ongoing professional development and safety training

Job summary

A leading safety services provider in Schaumburg, IL seeks a Safety Specialist responsible for ensuring safe work practices in pipeline construction. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, and excellent communication skills. Duties include monitoring job-site safety, conducting inspections, and managing DOT compliance. This position offers competitive compensation and benefits, with opportunities for professional development and certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in safety or related field.
• Experience in pipeline construction or utility work.
• Willingness to pursue further certifications.
• Travel to active job sites required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety practices on job sites for compliance.
• Lead safety meetings and communicate expectations.
• Assist in managing DOT compliance and Drug/Alcohol testing.
• Conduct safety inspections, JSAs, and documentation; support corrective actions.
• Coordinate emergency response and maintain safety records.

Skills

Knowledge of OSHA regulations

Effective communication

Strong organizational skills

Hazard identification

Flexibility for project needs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety or related field

Tools

OSHA certifications

CPR/First Aid certification

OQ certifications

OQ Certifications

HAZWOPER

Job description

Role Overview

As a Safety Specialist supporting pipeline construction and natural gas distribution projects, you will be a boots‑on‑the‑ground champion for safe work practices. You’ll work directly with field crews, foremen, subcontractors, and leadership to ensure safe, compliant operations across excavation, installation, maintenance, and restoration activities. This role requires regular travel to active pipeline job sites and calls for strong communication, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset that helps crews work safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Field Safety & Compliance

• Monitor safety practices across natural gas distribution and pipeline construction job sites to ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA, DOT (PHMSA), and state utility regulatory requirements.
• Identify job‑site hazards such as line‑strike exposure, confined spaces, hot work, pressure testing, energized utilities, and heavy equipment interactions; support teams in implementing practical controls.
• Lead Daily Job Briefs, tailgate meetings, and toolbox talks tailored to pipeline operations, including line locating, trenching/shoring, fusion, pressure testing, and live‑system tie‑ins.
• Conduct routine safety inspections, JSAs, equipment checks, and behavioral observations; document findings and help guide corrective actions.
• Support emergency and incident response, including excavation damage investigations, near‑miss reviews, pressure‑event response, and root cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation of pipeline safety activities including training logs, inspection forms, utility damage reports, job brief records, and corrective actions.
• Stay informed on changes in OSHA, DOT/PHMSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 191, 192, 195), and state public utility requirements; communicate updates to crews and supervisors.

DOT Compliance & Drug/Alcohol Program Oversight

• Assist in managing DOT compliance requirements relevant to pipeline operations, including driver qualification files, vehicle inspections, CDL standards, and hours‑of‑service documentation.
• Support implementation of the DOT‑mandated Drug & Alcohol Testing Program for covered employees performing safety‑sensitive pipeline functions.
• Coordinate drug and alcohol testing (pre‑employment, random, post‑accident, and reasonable suspicion) and maintain accurate, confidential records.
• Work with third‑party administrators (TPAs), labs, and collection sites to ensure proper scheduling, documentation, and compliance.
• Support supervisors in recognizing and responding to reasonable suspicion scenarios according to DOT standards.
• Ensure timely submission and record retention of all required DOT and PHMSA compliance documentation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Lead onsite safety meetings and clearly communicate pipeline safety expectations to crews and subcontractors.
• Partner with field leadership to identify trends, reduce job‑site risks, and develop practical safety improvements tailored to pipeline work.
• Ensure subcontractors follow all company safety policies, operator qualification (OQ) requirements, and pipeline safety standards.
• Perform additional safety‑related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in pipeline construction, natural gas distribution, utility work, or energy‑sector safety strongly preferred.
• Willingness to pursue additional professional development and industry‑specific certifications.

Skills & Strengths

• Strong understanding of OSHA construction regulations, DOT/PHMSA requirements, pipeline safety standards, and general excavation/utility safety fundamentals.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact confidently with crews, foremen, subcontractors, and leadership.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing travel, training, site visits, and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to identify hazards, recommend corrective actions, and support safe work planning.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule based on project timelines and field needs.

Certifications & Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• OSHA 10 required; OSHA 30 preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Additional relevant credentials such as OQ certifications (NCCER, Veriforce, MEA), HAZWOPER, or Safety Trainer certifications are a plus.

Pipe Strong, LLC provides a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Ongoing professional development, safety training, and OQ certification opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pipe Strong, LLC is committed to equal employment opportunity. We value a diverse workforce and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected status.