Senior Safety Programs Specialist

Southwest Airlines; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fly for free

401(k) Company match

Health insurance

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Southwest Airlines is seeking a Senior Safety Programs Specialist to lead development and continuous improvement of safety programs across the company. You will serve as a subject matter expert, partnering with stakeholders to drive compliance, evaluate program effectiveness, and strengthen safety outcomes and operational readiness.

This role requires OSHA expertise, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to mentor a safety team.

Qualifications

• OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certification or equivalent training.
• Experience writing and overseeing Occupational Safety Programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple business units.
• Professional Safety Certifications such as ASP/CSP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on safety issues and OSHA programs.
• Develop, review and maintain Company Safety Programs, including administration/oversight of Safety & Security programs.
• Evaluate and update Safety policies, procedures and compliance programs as part of the Safety Management System.
• Respond to issues from Field and Corporate departments with guidance based on regulation and policy.
• Review internal and external communications to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Stay up to date with regulatory requirements and develop Safety programs as needed.
• Mentor Safety Programs Specialist team members.
• Develop effective Safety training with Southwest Airlines University and Operating Departments.

Skills

OSHA knowledge

Verbal/written comms

MS Office

Problem solving

Analytical reasoning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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.

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
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Ability to travel and work extended hours based on operational needs

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive market salary from $81,200.00 per year to $90,200.00 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the Company.

Benefits You’ll Love

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
• Pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.
• 401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.
• Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Posting End Date

09/22/2026