Utility Locating Safety Specialist

nllocating; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Lights Locating is hiring a Safety Specialist in Chicago to oversee and implement safety programs, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with OSHA, local, state, and federal regulations. You will work with the Safety Manager to drive safety initiatives and maintain proper records.

This full-time role requires extensive travel, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to train staff across departments.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail with accuracy in all tasks.
• Willingness to travel (75%+) for field audits, training, and meetings.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise in the utility locate industry preferred.
• Strong teamwork mentality and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Northern Lights policies.
• Pass drug and alcohol screening and have a valid driver’s license.
• Available for after-hours emergency calls.

Responsibilities

• Assist Safety Manager with daily tasks related to safety programs.
• Coordinate safety initiatives across departments.
• Track safety metrics and prepare reports for the Safety Manager.
• Serve as liaison between employees and management on safety concerns.
• Support audits, inspections, and budget management for safety.

Skills

Attention to detail

Travel 75%+

Troubleshooting

Safety knowledge

Communication

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Science, or related field

CSP, ASP, CHMM certifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reading utility maps

Job description

Salary Range $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 Salary/year

Position Type Full Time

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Safety Specialist is responsible for overseeing and implementing safety programs and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. This role involves monitoring workplace conditions, conducting safety audits, and providing guidance on safety compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Safety Manager in daily operational tasks related to safety programs, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating safety activities and meetings.
• Collaborate with the Safety Manager to coordinate and implement safety initiatives across various departments, ensuring alignment with company-wide safety goals.
• Help track safety metrics and performance indicators, assist in compiling data for safety reports, and present findings to the Safety Manager.
• Act as a liaison between employees and management regarding safety concerns, helping to address questions, feedback, and suggestions about safety programs.
• Assist with the follow-up on reported incidents and ensure corrective actions are taken, ensuring compliance with safety policies and company protocols.
• Help schedule and organize regular safety audits and inspections, ensuring that all areas of the facility are covered as per safety compliance requirements.
• Support the Safety Manager in maintaining and managing the safety department’s budget, including tracking expenditures for safety equipment and training programs.
• Assist with organizing, filing, and maintaining safety documentation, ensuring proper records are kept up to date for compliance audits and future reference.
• Help monitor and review changes in safety regulations and standards, assisting the manager in adjusting policies to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in coordinating with external vendors and service providers for safety equipment, training programs, and any other safety-related services.
• Help collect and analyze employee feedback on safety programs through surveys, meetings, or informal discussions, and report findings to the Safety Manager for improvement initiatives.
• Help implement and regularly review emergency response plans, assist with drills and ensuring all personnel are familiar with procedures.
• Provide support for safety-related projects, whether it’s implementing a new safety system, conducting a hazard analysis, or introducing new safety initiatives.
• Ensure company compliance with OSHA, local, state, and federal safety regulations and industry standards.
• Work closely with management to continuously improve the company's safety culture and practices.
• Perform job site audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety policies and recommend corrective actions where needed.

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Attention to detail; strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Willingness to travel (75% +) for field audits, training sessions, and meetings.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise in the utility locate industry preferred.
• Ability to maintain a consistent teamwork mentality.
• Knowledge and understanding of Northern Lights policies.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to pass a drug and alcohol screen.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Be available at all times to answer calls for emergencies, to include after-hours, ensuring continuous communication and support.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in reading utility maps.
• Ability to present professionally and foster a learning environment to respond to questions from groups of trainees, managers, and employees.
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CSP, ASP, CHMM) are strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other relevant regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Dayshift work primarily, with occasional alternative shift work.
• Exposure to dust, dirt, foul odors, irritating noises, extreme weather conditions, and other safety hazards. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, equipment, fumes, airborne particles, high places, toxic chemicals, and electrical shock risk.
• Loud noise level environments.
• Employees are expected to have, utilize, maintain, and wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by Northern Lights Locating, the client and any other applicable regulatory agency or management directive.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and perform field audits in various weather conditions.