Safety Specialist

Phillips Infrastructure; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Phillips Infrastructure is seeking a Safety Specialist to join our field-based team in Virginia. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with safety protocols, conducting inspections, and delivering safety training for vegetation management crews.

Expect frequent travel to multiple project sites under supervision of experienced safety professionals. You will support the Safety Manager, assist in incident investigations, and help prepare safety documentation while maintaining up-to-date knowledge

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health or related field required or equivalent experience.
• Certified safety professional credentials (ASP or GSP) preferred.
• TCIA CTSP or ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist preferred.
• Two years safety management experience or five years in related safety/vegetation management roles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular safety inspections of vegetation management worksites and yards.
• Inspect equipment and PPE for safe operation and compliance.
• Identify hazardous conditions and document corrective actions.
• Assist in preparing safety documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with Safety Manager to plan inspections and manage supplies.
• Assist in investigations of incidents and compile data as required.
• Participate in job briefings and issue safe work permits as needed.
• Support safety inspections and audits by authorities and clients.
• Conduct onboarding and ongoing safety training for crews (First Aid/CPR, aerial rescue, equipment safety).
• Maintain knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations and standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Decision making

Confidentiality

Diversity collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and Health

ASP or GSP certification (preferred)

CTSP or ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist (preferred)

2+ years safety management experience or 5 years related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

This Safety Specialist position is primarily field-based, involving frequent travel to multiple vegetation management project sites under the supervision of experienced safety professionals. The role supports the Safety Manager and focuses on ensuring compliance with safety protocols, conducting inspections, and facilitating training for vegetation management crews. Candidates will occasionally be assigned to specific projects as needed. This position will require heavy travel.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct regular walk-through inspections of vegetation management work sites, rights-of-way, equipment yards, and workshop areas to ensure compliance with company, client, and regulatory safety standards, including ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements.
• Observe crew work practices and inspect equipment, including aerial lifts, chippers, chainsaws, and vehicles, to verify safe operation and proper use of PPE.
• Identify, document, and recommend resolutions for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, such as electrical hazards, hazard trees, traffic exposure, and unstable terrain; follow up to ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Assist in the preparation of safety documentation, including inspection reports, accident-related forms, and corrective procedure recommendations.
• Collaborate with the Safety Manager to plan inspections, manage safety supplies, and prepare for upcoming work.
• Assist in investigations of personal injury, vehicle incidents, and property damage, compiling data and reports as required by company procedures and regulatory standards.
• Participate in and support job briefings, and issue safe work permits for operations as needed.
• Support federal, state, local, and client safety inspections and audits.
• Conduct onboarding and training for new hires, and deliver ongoing safety training to crew members, including aerial rescue, first aid/CPR, and equipment safety.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all applicable health and safety regulations and industry standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Requirements

• Ability to work in various weather conditions and stand or walk for extended periods, including on uneven terrain.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with an ability to effectively manage workload, including planning, coordination, and prioritization.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, or a related field.
• Professional safety certification (ASP or GSP designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals) preferred. TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) or ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist also preferred.
• At least two years of safety management-related experience, or five years of experience in professional, technical safety management, vegetation management, line clearance, and/or electric utility operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Candidates who accept an offer of employment are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. This exam ensures that all potential employees meet the necessary health and fitness standards for the role. The examination includes a series of tests and evaluations conducted by a certified medical professional to assess overall physical health, identify any potential medical conditions that could interfere with job performance, and verify that the candidate is capable of safely performing the essential duties of the position.

Completion and clearance of this physical are mandatory steps in the hiring process.