Safety Supervisor

Rumpke Waste & Recycling; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is seeking a Safety Supervisor to oversee safety operations across regional hauling, landfills, and facilities. The role emphasizes field oversight, inspections, and coaching to prevent injuries and ensure regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in safety, strong DOT/OSHA knowledge, and proven documentation skills. This is a hands-on, field-based leadership position with flexible hours and weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• Waste industry experience is a plus.
• Understanding of DOT and OSHA requirements is required.
• 5+ years experience keeping detailed and accurate records in a safety environment.
• 5+ years experience reading and interpreting federal, state and local safety regulations.
• Strong background in dealing with people under difficult circumstances.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and DOT regulations.
• Strong investigative and documentation skills.
• Ability to influence frontline employees and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular site visits across regional operations.
• Perform yard audits, landfill inspections, shop walkthroughs, and route observations.
• Identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; provide immediate corrective coaching.
• Respond to workplace injuries, vehicle incidents, and near misses.
• Assist with investigations, root cause analysis, and documentation; ensure timely reporting.
• Follow up to confirm corrective actions are implemented.
• Monitor high‑risk driving behaviors and assist with coaching sessions.
• Support accountability efforts in alignment with company discipline policy.
• Assist in maintaining OSHA logs and safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT/FMCSA, and company policies.
• Prepare sites for internal audits and regulatory inspections.
• Verify completion of required safety training.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

DOT regulations

OSHA compliance

Vehicle mechanics

Windows

AS400

Lotus Notes

Waste industry knowledge

Physical stamina

Tools

Windows

AS400

Lotus Notes

Job description

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry.

Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Safety Supervisor is responsible for supporting daily safety operations across assigned hauling, landfill, recycling, and transfer station facilities within the region. This role provides direct field oversight, conducts inspections, reinforces safe work practices, and ensures consistent application of company safety policies. The Safety Supervisor works closely with Operations, Maintenance, and site leadership to reduce injuries, prevent vehicle incidents, and maintain regulatory compliance. This position is highly field-based and hands‑on.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular site visits across regional operations
• Perform yard audits, landfill inspections, shop walkthroughs, and route observations
• Identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; provide immediate corrective coaching
• Respond to workplace injuries, vehicle incidents, and near misses
• Assist with investigations, root cause analysis, and documentation. Ensure timely reporting and completion of required forms
• Follow up to confirm corrective actions are implemented
• Monitor high‑risk driving behaviors and assist with coaching sessions
• Support accountability efforts in alignment with company discipline policy
• Assist in maintaining OSHA logs and safety documentation
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT/FMCSA, and company policies
• Prepare sites for internal audits and regulatory inspections
• Verify completion of required safety training
• Perform additional duties as needed

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed For Position

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must have knowledge of DOT regulations and OSHA/industrial safety compliance as they relate to the waste hauling industry
• Knowledge and understanding of the mechanical functions of commercial vehicles and equipment
• Computer skills; working knowledge of Windows applications, Microsoft applications, AS400, and Lotus Notes applications a plus
• Knowledge of the waste industry and hauling operations
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the job (physical exertions, including sitting, standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, and climbing)

Experience & Knowledge Needed For Position

• Waste industry experience is a plus
• Understanding of DOT and OSHA requirements is required
• 5+ years experience in keeping detailed and accurate records in a safety environment
• 5+ years experience in reading & interpreting federal, state and local Safety regulations
• Must have a strong background in dealing with people under difficult circumstances
• Working knowledge of OSHA and DOT regulations
• Strong investigative and documentation skills
• Ability to influence frontline employees and supervisors

Physical Requirements In a Regular Workday

• Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 35 lbs
• Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs
• Frequently working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
• Frequently working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Rarely stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
• Rarely climbing and/or balancing
• Continuously sitting/standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects

• Must be at least 19 years of age
• No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
• Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.