Safety Specialist

Harper Brothers Construction LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent construction firm in Houston is looking for a skilled Safety Specialist to oversee safety for major infrastructure projects. This role includes enforcing safety standards and DOT compliance, conducting inspections, and leading safety briefings. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of construction safety experience, particularly in underground utilities, and relevant certifications like OSHA 30. This full-time position offers competitive pay and the chance to lead safety initiatives in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of construction safety experience, underground utilities required.
• Strong understanding of SWPPP, TPDES permits, BMPs, and stormwater regulations.
• OSHA 30 certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-time safety oversight for civil construction operations.
• Conduct safety inspections and enforce OSHA regulations.
• Lead daily safety briefings and document incidents.

Skills

Underground utilities safety

SWPPP compliance

DOT compliance

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Tools

SiteDocs

Job description

Safety Specialist

About the Role

Harper Brothers Construction is seeking a highly skilled Safety Specialist to support a major infrastructure project in Downtown Houston. This individual will serve as the on-site safety leader responsible for enforcing safety standards, environmental compliance, DOT/traffic control requirements, and company procedures.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in:

• Underground utilities safety
• Revegetation/restoration activities
• DOT compliance and traffic control plans (TCPs)

This position requires a proactive safety mindset, strong field presence, and the ability to work collaboratively with crews, subcontractors, environmental teams, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

Field Safety Leadership

• Provide full-time, on-site safety oversight for Downtown Houston civil construction operations.
• Conduct daily field safety inspections, hazard analyses, and equipment audits.
• Enforce all HBC safety policies and OSHA 1926 regulations.

Underground Utilities Safety

• Monitor trenching, excavation, manhole access, and utility installation.
• Ensure proper sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding are in place.
• Verify JHAs, utility locates, and competent person designations.
• Enforce SWPPP requirements and maintain stormwater records.
• Inspect and maintain BMPs (silt fencing, inlet protection, rock check dams, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with TPDES Construction General Permit rules.
• Conduct environmental walkthroughs and implement corrective actions.
• Support and document each Stagegate milestone.
• Verify safety and environmental controls before advancing to the next phase.
• Collaborate with PMs to ensure compliance gaps are resolved promptly.
• Inspect erosion control, restoration and revegetation activities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental restoration specifications.

DOT COMPLIANCE & TRAFFIC CONTROL

• Ensure DOT compliance for equipment, fleet, and trucking operations.
• Conduct walk-throughs of haul routes, delivery paths, and access points.
• Verify driver certifications, logs, inspections, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure all traffic control plans (TCPs) are implemented correctly.
• Inspect signage, barricades, lane closures, flagging operations, and detours.
• Coordinate with city inspectors, traffic engineering, and third-party MOT providers.
• Ensure TCP modifications are approved and compliant with MUTCD standards.

Training, Documentation & Reporting

• Lead daily safety briefings and weekly toolbox talks.
• Track training, inspections, and certifications using SiteDocs.
• Conduct and document incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Communicate with regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, and inspectors.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of construction safety experience (underground utilities required).
• Strong understanding of SWPPP, TPDES permits, BMPs, and stormwater regulations.
• Experience with TCP implementation, barricades, lane closures, and traffic control safety.
• Knowledge of DOT compliance programs, regulations, and vehicle inspection requirements.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to interpret civil drawings, TCPs, and environmental plans.

Preferred

• CHST, COSS, or other safety certifications.
• Previous experience working within urban environments or DOT roadway projects.
• SiteDocs or digital safety software experience.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Consulting

Industries: Construction and Operations Consulting