Safety Manager

Benchmark Utility Services; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional growth

Job summary

Benchmark Utility Services is seeking a Safety Manager with a strong background in excavation and trenching safety within the construction industry. This role oversees safety protocols, emergency preparedness, PPE usage, and accident procedures across projects.

You will develop SSPs, perform site audits, and lead incident investigations while coordinating with project managers and subcontractors to ensure safe work practices and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years safety management experience in underground utility construction or similar.
• OSHA 500/510 Certification required.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of utility coordination and excavation safety (811).
• Experience with trench safety, confined spaces, and energized systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain SSP and site safety policies.
• Act as primary safety resource for specific job sites and audits.
• Ensure OSHA/DOT/NESC compliance and regulatory reporting.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with owners, PMs, and subcontractors on safe practices.
• Monitor PPE, shoring, traffic control, and utility locating practices.
• Provide safety briefings and JHAs for high-risk tasks.
• Maintain safety training documentation and reports.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Education

OSHA 500/510 certification

Bachelor's degree (preferred) in safety/engineering

Tools

MS Office

Safety reporting software

Job description

Benchmark Utility Services is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 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. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

Position Summary

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

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages the Site-Specific Safety and Health Policy and Procedures (SSP)
• Serves as the primary safety resource and authority for a particular job site
• Conducts regular job site audits and inspections to ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, NESC, and company safety policies
• Manages and maintains documentation related to safety training, incident reporting, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance
• Provides safety leadership and support for field crews and Assistant Safety Manager during high-risk tasks such as excavation near live utilities, working around traffic, and operating heavy equipment
• Conducts and documents Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Pre-Task Plans, and Safety Briefings
• Leads in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and track implementation of corrective/preventive actions
• Assists the Senior Safety Manager to coordinate with utility owners, project managers, and subcontractors to plan safe work practices
• Ensures proper use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), shoring systems, traffic control devices, and utility locating practices
• Monitor compliance with DOT regulations for drivers and vehicles used in utility operations
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations and update company policies as needed
• Presents safety information and documentation to various General Contractors (GCs)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Five plus (5+) years of safety management experience in underground utility construction or similar industry
• OSHA 500/510 certification
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting statistics
• Knowledge of utility coordination practices, and excavation safety (including 811 One Call processes)
• Experience with trench safety, confined space entry, and energized systems
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills
• Proficiency with safety reporting software and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Excellent knowledge of OSHA standards and federal safety legislation
• CSP, CHST, or other professional certifications strongly preferred
• 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

Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employer.