Safety Specialist

ExplorUS Corporate; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ExplorUS Corporate in Chicago is looking for a Safety Specialist who will support the implementation and administration of safety programs in a corporate setting. This role involves conducting safety training, managing compliance with OSHA regulations, and conducting safety assessments across various concessionaire operations.

Ideal candidates will have an Associate's degree in a related field and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential as you work collaboratively to foster a proactive safety culture.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of safety or risk management experience.
• Experience conducting employee safety training.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of safety programs across locations.
• Conduct safety training programs for employees.
• Perform safety inspections and audits at assigned locations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associate's degree in Safety or related field

Tools

OSHA regulations knowledge

Job description

The Safety Specialist is a corporate-based role responsible for supporting the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of safety, fire & life safety, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance programs across multiple concessionaire operations. Based in the corporate office, this position provides remote support to field locations and travels periodically to conduct training, perform safety assessments, support investigations, and reinforce company safety standards.

Working closely with site leadership and the Corporate Director of Risk & Safety, the Safety Specialist helps foster a proactive safety culture, reduce operational risk, and support regulatory compliance across a diverse portfolio of hospitality, food & beverage, retail, marina, lodging, and recreation operations. This role serves as a key resource for field teams by providing safety guidance, training, incident support, and compliance assistance while helping ensure company safety programs are consistently implemented across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Program Support

• Support the implementation and ongoing administration of company safety programs, policies, and procedures across multiple locations.
• Promote a positive safety culture through employee engagement, coaching, and hazard awareness initiatives.
• Serve as a safety resource for General Managers, Operations Leaders, and department managers.
• Encourage proactive reporting of hazards, near misses, and safety concerns.
• Assist with company-wide safety campaigns and continuous improvement initiatives.

Training & Workforce Development

• Conduct and coordinate safety training programs, including:
  • OSHA awareness and workplace safety practices
  • Fire & Life Safety fundamentals
  • Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and evacuation procedures
  • Hazard Communication
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Fall protection, confined space awareness, and hot work safety
  • Incident reporting and hazard recognition
• Support onboarding and safety orientation programs for new employees.
• Assist managers and supervisors with safety coaching and training reinforcement.
• Maintain training records and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled safety inspections, audits, and operational assessments at assigned locations.
• Identify hazards, compliance concerns, and operational risks, and work with site leadership to develop corrective actions.
• Monitor and track corrective action plans through completion.
• Support compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Maintain required safety documentation and records.

Incident Management & Investigations

• Assist with investigations involving workplace injuries, near misses, vehicle incidents, and property damage events.
• Gather information, document findings, and support root cause analysis efforts.
• Identify trends and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
• Support claims management processes through timely documentation and reporting.

Fire & Life Safety / Emergency Preparedness

• Support fire prevention, life safety, and emergency preparedness programs across assigned operations.
• Assist with emergency drills, exercises, and preparedness activities.
• Help evaluate the readiness of life safety equipment, emergency lighting, signage, evacuation routes, and related systems.
• Support site emergency response planning and business continuity initiatives.

Program Administration

• Assist with implementing corporate safety initiatives and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain safety reports, inspection records, training documentation, and compliance files.
• Participate in safety meetings and communicate recommendations for improvement.
• Provide feedback on field observations, trends, and opportunities for risk reduction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's degree in Safety, Risk Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Fire Science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of safety, risk management, or related operational experience.
• Experience conducting employee safety training and orientations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and general workplace safety practices.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

Preferred

• Experience supporting safety programs across multiple locations or operational sites.
• Experience in hospitality, parks, recreation, lodging, food service, marina, retail, or similar operations.
• OSHA 30-Hour certification or other safety-related certifications.
• Experience conducting workplace inspections, audits, and incident investigations.
• Familiarity with fire & life safety programs and emergency preparedness planning.

Core Competencies

• Safety Awareness & Coaching
• OSHA Compliance
• Training & Employee Development
• Workplace Inspections & Auditing
• Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
• Organization & Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.