Safety Specialist 2 - Marine Construction

Kokosing, Inc.; New Carrollton (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kokosing, Inc. is seeking a Safety Specialist II to provide field support and assist in implementing Company and Client safety policies across marine construction, heavy equipment maintenance, and fabrication activities.

The role emphasizes incident prevention, regulatory compliance, and continual safety improvement. The candidate will train personnel, lead safety meetings, and coordinate with subcontractors while traveling within the region to support active projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health or equivalent combinations of technical training and experience.
• Experience with OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926) and EM 385-1-1 preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA, DOT, EPA, and applicable state/federal safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing strategies for reducing injuries, illnesses, and incidents to meet business targets.
• Provide training and education to personnel on safety and health requirements.
• Support pre-job safety planning meetings and develop emergency response plans for projects.
• Lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, training programs, and safety stand-downs.
• Conduct safety audits, evaluations, inspections, and behavioral observations; implement corrective actions.
• Assist in investigating injuries, illnesses, and near misses.
• Develop and issue regular safety correspondence and updates on regulatory changes.
• Identify personnel needing coaching or training and coordinate with teams to meet safety requirements.
• Coordinate project safety programs with subcontractors, vendors, and third-party personnel.
• Serve as a point of contact for OSHA and USACE representatives when Safety Manager is unavailable.
• Support marine construction activities including barges, docks, and dredging.

Skills

Safety program development

Training delivery

Regulatory compliance

Incident investigation

Risk assessment

Safety audits

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety and Health

Job description

Kokosing (www.kokosing.biz) is one of America's 50 largest General Contractors and services a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction. For over 75 years, Kokosing has successfully attracted the most qualified technical personnel in the construction industry by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards. With over $2.8 billion in annual sales and a commitment to its workforce, Kokosing is the winning team.

Job Description:

The Safety Specialist II is responsible for providing field support services and assisting managers, supervisors, and team members with the implementation of specific Company and Client Safety and Health policies and procedures. This position will primarily support marine construction operations, heavy equipment maintenance facilities, fabrication shops, equipment repair activities, and related construction projects. Responsibilities include regulatory compliance, incident prevention, risk reduction, and continual improvement of the overall performance of the Company in a manner that is consistent with the Company's Core Values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and implementing strategies for reducing and eliminating injuries, illnesses, property damage, environmental events, and other incidents in a manner that effectively ensures the attainment of business unit targets and objectives.
• Provide training and education to Company personnel regarding safety and health requirements.
• Support pre-job safety planning meetings to plan for potential hazards and problems prior to start of job and develop emergency response plans for projects. Develop work safety and health plans on time in a fast-paced environment.
• Initiate, coordinate, and lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, training programs, and safety stand-downs to ensure effective communication of Company policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Independently initiate, perform, and document safety audits, evaluations, inspections, behavioral observations, and compliance assessments throughout the Company's operations and communicate and facilitate the implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Assist in the investigation of injury, illness, near miss, and general liability incidents.
• Develop and issue regular safety correspondence.
• Provide updated information to team members regarding updates to Company or regulatory requirement changes.
• Self-identify team members, supervisors, or operations that require additional assistance, coaching, training, or support in meeting Company safety and health requirements
• Coordinate project safety programs with subcontractors, vendors, vessel operators, equipment suppliers, and third-party personnel to ensure adherence to Company and Client safety policies and procedures.
• Serve as a point of contact for federal, state, municipal, and client safety representatives, including OSHA and USACE personnel, when the Company Safety Manager is not available.
• Support marine construction activities including work on barges, docks, marine terminals, waterfront structures, dredging operations, pile driving activities, crane-supported work, and marine transportation operations.
• Partner with maintenance managers, shop supervisors, and fleet personnel to evaluate and improve safety programs related to heavy equipment maintenance, welding operations, fabrication activities, mobile equipment, and energy control procedures.
• Travel regularly within the assigned region to support active projects, maintenance facilities, shop operations, and incident response activities.

Targeting 5+ years of experience with safety and health in the construction industry is preferred, with experience in the aforementioned project types a strong plus.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety and Health or equivalent combinations of technical training and experience.

• Experience working under OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926) and EM 385-1-1 requirements preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of OSHA, DOT, EPA, and applicable state/federal safety regulations, as well as Company safety policies/procedures.
• Working knowledge of marine construction operations, crane and rigging activities, waterfront construction, dredging operations, heavy equipment maintenance, welding and fabrication processes, and mobile equipment safety.
• Familiarity with USACE EM 385-1-1 requirements, maritime safety requirements, and client-specific construction safety standards preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and interface with Company leadership, craft personnel, equipment operators, mechanics, contractors, and client representatives.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to independently prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Ability to think independently, communicate thoroughly, and influence the implementation of appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Ability to work in a high-production environment (50+ hours per week, including nights/ weekends) and respond quickly and effectively under pressure and deadlines.
• Ability to make independent judgments to manage and facilitate Company programs and policies as they relate to the safety of marine construction, maintenance, and operational activities.
• Ability to positively interact with and influence front-line supervisors and field personnel to create and maintain a safe work environment.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction and 10-Hour Trainer certification preferred.
• EM 385 40-Hour Construction Safety Hazard Awareness certification preferred.
• HAZWOPER or related professional certifications considered a plus.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.