Safety Manager

WARREN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Warren County Water District in Bowling Green, KY is seeking a Safety Manager to develop, implement, and oversee safety programs for water utility operations. You will work with multiple departments to maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The role requires strong training and incident investigation skills, ability to manage audits, emergency planning, and a proactive approach to safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, or related field preferred.
• CSP certification is a plus.
• Five years of progressive safety experience preferred.
• Experience in safety management in water utility or similar industry.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency with safety management software and incident reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement safety programs tailored to water utility operations.
• Provide safety training for employees and contractors.
• Investigate incidents and prepare detailed reports with corrective actions.
• Conduct safety inspections and audits.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and interdepartmental coordination.
• Maintain CDL reporting and testing oversight.

Skills

CMMS

GNSS

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Independent work

Deadline-driven

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety or related field

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Tools

Safety management software

Incident reporting systems

Job description

Job Title: Safety Manager

Position Type: Full time, Salaried

Reports to: General Manager

Work Schedule: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday; Must be able to respond to emergencies.

Revision Date: August 11, 2026

Summary/objective

Primary responsibilities will be to develop, implement, and oversee safety programs and protocols to mitigate risks associated with water district operations. Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to maintain a safe working environment and comply with all relevant safety regulations and standards.

Essential functions

• Develop and Implement Safety Programs
  • Create and maintain comprehensive safety polies, procedures, and programs specifically tailored to the water utility industry.
  • Identify potential hazards and risks associated with water utility operations and develop strategies to mitigate them.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Training and Education
  • Develop and deliver safety training programs to employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings. toolbox talks, and workshops to address specific safety concerns or issues.
  • Stay up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to safety and share relevant information with the team.
  • Develop/Maintain comprehensive Safety Manual for District.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting
  • Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses, and other safety-related events to determine the root causes and develop corrective action plans.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed reports on incidents, including the analysis of contributing factors, recommendations for improvement, and lessons learned.
  • Monitor the implementation of corrective actions and provide guidance to prevent future occurrences.
• Safety Inspections and Audits
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, and work areas to identify potential safety hazards.
  • Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure prompt and effective resolution of identified safety issues.
  • Maintain accurate records of inspections, findings, and actions taken to demonstrate compliance and progress over time.
• Emergency Preparedness
  • Develop and maintain emergency response plans to address potential incidents or disasters, such as water main breaks, floods, or contamination events.
  • Coordinate emergency drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of response plans and identify areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate with external agencies and stakeholders to establish effective communication and coordination during emergencies.
• Commercial Driver License Program
  • Maintain and submit required reports to state and federal government entities in compliance with state or federal regulations.
  • Coordinates CDL requirements including maintaining and updating Driver Qualification Files and overseeing CDL drug and alcohol testing.
• Keeps general manager advised of any informalities internal or external along with any overall personnel and customer problems or other needs within the organization.
• Keeps familiar with Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals, found or used in the work area.
• Works according to safety standards and polices adopted by Warren County Water District, is responsible for his or her own safety, and reports all incidents to his or her supervisor.
• Complies with all local traffic laws, regulations, and safe practices while operating any company vehicle.
• Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification upon employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of computer applications including CMMS, GNSS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Apply confidentiality to all areas of sensitive employee and customer information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Reporting relationships

• Reports to: General Manager
• Coordinates with: Operations Manager, Engineering Manager, Finance Manager, IT/GIS Manager, Human Resources & Communications Manager, Customer Service & Meter Reading Manager

Work environment

• Time is divided between office and field work. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather.
• Must be able to work a forty-hour week plus any extra time the position demands.

Physical demands

Lifting up to 50 pounds may be required.

Travel required

Travel in and around the system will be required. Occasional meetings with other utility officials are required.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Safety Professional – CSP) are a plus.
• Experience in occupational safety will substitute for the required post-secondary education on a year-for-year basis.
• Five years progressively responsible experience is preferred in a position of increasing responsibility in occupational safety.
• Proven experience in safety management, preferably in the water utility or a similar industry.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, standards, and best practices related to water utility operations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify potential hazards and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to deliver safety training and reports effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to promote a culture of safety. Proficiency in using safety management software, incident reporting systems, and other relevant tools.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• First Aid/CPR Instructor certification required, or able to be obtained within the first 6 months of hire.
• EMT and Medical Examiner certification is highly desirable.
• Must reside within one-hour response time of work location.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Warren County Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employerand is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the employment application and interview process. If you require an accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at 270-842-0052. Requests will be kept confidential and handled promptly.