Safety Manager-West Texas Field Assignment (Extended Stay)

M5 Utilities; Boerne (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

M5 Utilities is seeking a Safety Manager to lead and enforce comprehensive safety programs for underground utility construction across West Texas. The role focuses on excavation, trenching safety, confined spaces, heavy equipment safety, and regulatory compliance.

It is an onsite assignment at the project site, away from the San Antonio-area office, with relocation as needed. You will direct onsite crews, develop OSHA-based policies, and conduct inspections, trainings, and investigations, while

Qualifications

• OSHA-based safety program leadership required for underground utilities.
• Experience with excavation and trenching safety and confined spaces.
• Ability to conduct field audits and safety training in active sites.
• Strong communication and documentation skills; bilingual a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and enforce safety programs for underground utility projects.
• Develop and maintain OSHA-compliant safety policies and procedures.
• Oversee excavation/trenching safety per Subpart P and soil classifications.
• Conduct site inspections, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Lead safety orientations, toolbox talks, and field trainings.
• Coordinate with inspectors, carriers, and regulators; keep records.
• Ensure subcontractor compliance with safety plans and standards.
• Support traffic control planning per TxDOT/MUTCD.

Skills

Safety management

OSHA standards knowledge

Communication skills

Travel to Texas sites

Plan review

Microsoft Office

Training & audits

Education

OSHA 30 Construction Certification

OSHA 500 or 510 (preferred)

CPR / First Aid Certified / AED

Trenching & Excavation Certified

Confined Space Certified

CHST or CSP (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary:

The Safety Manager is responsible to lead and enforce safety programs for underground wet and dry utility construction projects, including water and sewer installations in the West Texas area. This role focuses on excavation and trenching safety, confined spaces, heavy equipment operations, and regulatory compliance while promoting a strong safety-first culture across Texas jobsites.

This is an onsite position based at the project jobsite, away from our San Antonio-area home office. The selected candidate must be available to stay in or near the project area for the duration of the assignment. This position is not structured for daily travel to and from the home office.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directs onsite crew members of jobsite safety protocol.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain safety policies and procedures in compliance with OSHA, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
  guidelines, and applicable state and local requirements
• Oversee and enforce excavation and trenching safety in accordance with OSHA Subpart P, including shoring, shielding, sloping, and soil classification
• Ensure compliance with confined space entry procedures for manholes, lift stations, vaults, and other utility structures
• Conduct regular jobsite safety inspections and audits across multiple underground utility projects
• Lead incident, accident, and near-miss investigations and implement corrective actions
• Deliver safety orientations, toolbox talks, and ongoing field training tailored to underground utility work
• Serve as the primary point of contact for OSHA inspections, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies
• Maintain all safety documentation, including OSHA logs, training records, JSAs, and inspection reports
• Partner with project managers, superintendents, and foremen to proactively identify hazards and improve jobsite safety
• Enforce safety policies consistently and recommend disciplinary action when necessary
• Verify subcontractor compliance with company safety standards and project-specific safety plans
• Support traffic control and public safety planning in accordance with TxDOT and MUTCD standards

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 3–5+ years of safety management experience in underground utilities, civil, or heavy construction
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA standards, with emphasis on:
• Excavation & Trenching (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)
• Confined Space (Permit & Non-Permit)
• Heavy equipment and utility installation safety
• Experience conducting safety training and field audits in active construction environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage field crews effectively
• Ability to travel between jobsites across Texas
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient in reviewing civil construction plans and elevations.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish (preferred)

Education and Experience:

• OSHA 30 Construction Certification (required)
• OSHA 500 or 510 (preferred)
• CPR / First Aid Certified/ AED
• Trenching & Excavation Certified
• Confined Space Certified
• CHST or CSP (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

• Able to walk and inspect active underground constructions sites
• Ability to enter trenches, manholes and confined spaces when required
• Ability to climb ladders, work around heavy equipment and navigate uneven terrain
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times