Safety Specialist

UES; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a Safety Specialist to implement and manage safety programs across our engineering and field operations. You will serve as a subject matter expert on training, compliance, and risk assessments to ensure the organization meets current safety regulations.

Travel up to 40% may be required; you will conduct investigations, perform hazard analyses, develop corrective actions, and deliver training to diverse teams while collaborating with multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a safety-related role.
• OSHA certifications or related training.
• Professional CSP CHST certifications.
• Experience in conducting safety audits and inspections.
• Proficiency with safety management software and tools.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles in safety programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct accident investigations and develop preventative procedures.
• Perform job hazard assessments and risk analysis with control measures.
• Work with internal departments to minimize occupational health and safety risks.
• Manage safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and deliver safety training.
• Draft and update safety training materials and train staff.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.).
• Write reports documenting observations, sampling results, and recommendations.
• Perform root cause analysis and propose corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with current safety regulations.

Skills

Safety audits

Hazard analysis

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Project travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Safety software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Safety Specialist functions as a subject matter expert responsible for implementing and managing safety programs, training, compliance, and risk assessments. Ensures organization is compliant with all current safety regulations.

Position Overview

The Safety Specialist functions as a subject matter expert responsible for implementing and managing safety programs, training, compliance, and risk assessments. Ensures organization is compliant with all current safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts accident investigations and works with departments to correct safety hazards and develop preventative procedures.
• Performs job hazard assessments and risk analysis and recommends measures to control exposures, including substitution of less hazardous materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), work practice changes, and engineering controls.
• Works with internal departments to minimize occupational health and safety risks and manage compliance with applicable regulations.
• Manages safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and deliver safety training
• Drafts and updates safety training materials and trains staff on safety protocols and preventative
• Ensure regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.)
• Writes reports documenting observations, sampling results, and recommendations.
• Performs root cause analysis on accidents and work hazards and proposes corrective actions.
• Ensures organization is compliant with all current safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., mechanical, industrial, chemical, nuclear), occupational health and safety, environmental science, or related discipline from an accredited institution is typically required.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a safety-related role, preferably within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• OSHA certifications or related training (e.g., OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR)
• Professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CHST)
• Experience in conducting safety audits and inspections.
• Proficiency in safety management software and tools for hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Understanding of engineering principles and technology application in safety programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with various teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects effectively

Travel Requirements

• This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements.

Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here