Safety Manager - Newark, NJ

Watco; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is hiring a Safety Manager to lead health and safety programs across its rail, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. The role focuses on controlling incidents, hazards, and unsafe behaviors while maintaining productivity.

The position requires developing training, conducting on-site safety briefings, and ensuring compliance with FRA/OSHA standards as well as Watco policies. A valid driver’s license and FRA readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience maintaining and auditing EHSS programs.
• Knowledge of FRA, OSHA regulations, and safety standards.
• Ability to develop safety training and conduct on-site briefings.
• Must have valid driver’s license and be insurable.
• Ability to become Conductor and Engineer per FRA rules.

Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and audit safety programs for compliance with regulations and Watco policies.
• Assist site managers in developing and delivering required safety training.
• Participate in safety meetings and on-site briefings to promote awareness and compliance.
• Ensure EHSS activities meet regulatory requirements and Watco policy standards.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and performance reporting to identify trends and improvements.
• Identify and reinforce safe work procedures to protect productivity and safety.
• Collaborate with management to develop corrective and preventive actions.

Skills

Hazardous materials

FRA Regulations

OSHA Regulations

Crane Safety

Ladder Safety

Lockout/Tagout

Electrical Safety

Emergency Action

Site Security

Maritime Safety

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Safety Manager is responsible for accomplishing the duties of leading, conducting, instructing, performing, and developing a health and safety program that assures control and prevention of incidents, injuries and hazards. Safety Manager must be able to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions or unsafe behaviors of all associated tasks and jobs of the operations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Review, evaluate, and audit safety programs and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and company policies
• Assist site managers and leaders in developing, coordinating, and delivering all required safety training programs
• Participate in safety meetings and job briefings with supervisors and team members while on site to promote awareness and compliance
• Ensure all environmental, health, safety, and security (EHSS) activities are completed in accordance with regulatory requirements and Watco policy standards
• Conduct regular walkthrough inspections, audits, task evaluations, safety briefings, and performance reporting to identify trends and areas for improvement
• Identify, implement, and reinforce safe work procedures that promote a strong safety culture without compromising operational productivity
• Observe work practices and conduct efficiency testing to identify unsafe behaviors or poor procedures, and develop corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with the General/Site Manager and Safety Director

Qualifications

To become a Safety Manager, one must possess a combination of educational qualifications, certification, and practical experience.

• Hazardous Material Handling/Labeling/Shipping Hazard Communications and SDS
• FRA Regulations
• OSHA Regulations
• Equipment Safety
• Crane Safety, Hoist and Rigging Equipment Inspections
• Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
• Fire Safety, Prevention and Protection
• Fall Protection and Elevated Work
• Ladder Safety
• Lockout/Tagout Safety
• Machine Guarding Safety
• Emergency Action and Response
• Site Security
• Hearing Conservation Program
• Electrical Safety, Grounding and Bonding
• Contractor and Visitor Safety Programs
• Maritime Safety Knowledge is a plus
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate a company vehicle and equipment
• Have the ability to become a qualified Conductor and Engineer according to FRA regulations

Education

Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent