Senior Safety Programs Specialist

swa; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX is seeking a Senior Safety Programs Specialist to lead development and continuous improvement of occupational safety programs. You will partner with stakeholders to drive compliance and strengthen safety outcomes across the company.

Responsibilities include overseeing safety policies, mentoring team members, and coordinating with SWA University for safety training. A strong background in OSHA regulations and Safety Management Systems is required.

Qualifications

• Experience writing and overseeing Occupational Safety Programs.
• Familiar with Safety Management Systems.
• Preferred: experience leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple units.
• Preferred: experience supporting workplace occupational safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on OSHA safety issues and programs.
• Develop, review and maintain Company Safety Programs and oversee safety initiatives.
• Evaluate and update Safety policies and compliance programs within the Safety Management System.
• Respond to Field and Corporate inquiries with guidance based on regulations and policy.
• Review internal/external communications for regulatory compliance.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and develop SWA Safety programs.
• Assist with OSHA letters, inspections, and citations responses.
• Mentor Safety Programs Specialist team members.
• Collaborate with SWA University to develop effective safety training.

Skills

OSHA knowledge

Verbal & written communication

MS Office

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Department: Safety & Security

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description

The Senior Safety Programs Specialist supports Southwest's Safety organization by leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of occupational safety programs across the Company. They'll serve as a subject matter expert for safety initiatives, partnering with Stakeholders across the business to drive compliance, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement meaningful enhancements that support a safe work environment. They'll monitor performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and proactively develop solutions that strengthen safety outcomes and operational readiness. The Senior Safety Programs Specialist leverages strong analytical, communication, and problem ‑ solving skills to influence change, foster a culture of Safety, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

Additional Details

The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on Southwest Airlines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety issues and programs
• Develop, review and maintain Company Safety Programs, including administration and/or oversight of Occupational Programs owned by Safety & Security
• Evaluate and update Safety policies, procedures and compliance programs as part of our Safety Management System
• Respond to issues from the Field and Corporate departments, and provide guidance based on Federal/state regulation, Company policy and industry best practices
• Review internal and external communications to ensure regulatory compliance
• Stay up to date with regulatory requirements and develop SWA Safety programs as needed
• Assist Field Support Team with responses to OSHA complaint letters, site inspections and citations
• Mentor Safety Programs Specialist Team members
• Work with Southwest Airlines University (SWAU) and Operating Departments to develop effective Safety training
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate knowledge of Occupational Safety regulations and resources
• Skilled in verbal and written communications
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite tools
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information in order to develop and evaluate options and implement effective solutions
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Education Required

High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Intermediate level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in: Writing and overseeing Occupational Safety Programs
• Safety Management Systems
• Preferred: Experience leading cross-functional initiatives, across multiple business units, from initiation through implementation and sustainment.
• Preferred: Experience supporting workplace occupational safety programs.

Licensing/Certification

• Required: OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certification, or equivalent Safety training
• Preferred: Professional Safety Certifications: ASP, CSP

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to perform assigned duties with potential exposure to excessive noise, vibrations and/or sensory conditions
• Ability to work at elevated heights

Other Qualifications

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age