SAFETY SPECIALIST

General Summary

Ready for a challenging, fast-paced career where you are literally laying the groundwork that builds communities. Knife River is a construction materials & contracting company that believes in building things that last, and you can be a big part of our future.

As a Safety Specialist, you get to support the Safety Team in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that reduce workplace risks, ensure compliance with MSHA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, and promote a strong safety culture. This role involves assisting with hazard identification, safety training, compliance monitoring, and incident prevention to minimize occupational injuries, illnesses, and financial losses. By collaborating across teams, you will help drive continuous improvement in safety performance while supporting the company’s competitive EDGE objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Education & Certification – associate’s degree in occupational health & safety, Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
• Experience – Minimum two years of proven experience in safety program management within construction, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, cement, or a related heavy industry or extensive industry experience with a strong safety focus and record.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations, with experience ensuring compliance in industrial or construction environments.
• Safety Program Implementation – Experience working with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs, including conducting risk assessments, safety training, and incident investigations.
• Technology & Communication Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint); ability to effectively communicate, coach, and influence safety culture at all levels of the organization.
• Work Style & Leadership – Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently while collaborating across teams. Strong ability to influence change and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Additional Requirements – Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and willingness to travel to company locations, including potential overnight stays.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Education & Industry Knowledge – bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field or certification such as Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) or Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST). Equivalent industry experience will be considered, along with a strong knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to the construction materials industry (aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and cement).
• Regulatory Knowledge – Strong working knowledge of MSHA, OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA regulations, with experience ensuring compliance in industrial or construction environments.
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis – Experience leading incident investigations and root cause analysis, preferably using ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method).
• Occupational Health & Hygiene – Knowledge of occupational health, hygiene systems, and related regulations, with experience implementing exposure control measures.
• Training & Development – Certified trainer or significant experience developing and delivering safety training programs at various organizational levels.
• Business & Operations Awareness – Familiarity with construction materials, equipment, and operations, along with a general understanding of insurance, financial considerations, and compliance related to safety programs.
• Additional Requirements – Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce and ensure compliance with employment regulations.
  
  

What You’ll Get To Do

• Champion Safety and Compliance – Lead by example in promoting a safety-first culture, actively driving and supporting corporate and local safety initiatives while ensuring all HR programs align with safety objectives.
• Drive a People-First Culture - Champion Knife River’s and Hawaiian Cement’s Core Values (People, Safety, Quality, Environment, Aloha, Trust, Adaptability, and Excellence), fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement, well-being, and performance.
• Monitor & Assist with Compliance – Help ensure adherence to MSHA, OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other applicable regulations, coordinating with site teams to maintain compliance and address safety concerns.
• Identify & Mitigate Risks – Support the identification and assessment of workplace hazards, recommending corrective actions to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.
• Assist with Safety Training & Awareness – Help develop and deliver safety training programs, ensuring employees are aware of policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Conduct & Support Safety Audits – Assist in safety inspections, audits, and compliance assessments, working with teams to implement necessary improvements.
• Incident Response & Investigation – Support incident investigations, root cause analyses (e.g., ICAM methodology), and reporting, helping to implement corrective actions and prevent reoccurrence.
• Data Analysis & Reporting – Assist with compiling, analyzing, and interpreting safety metrics and trends, preparing reports that support continuous improvement and compliance efforts. Assist with identifying KPIs that support the safety program’s performance.
• Assist with Claims Management – Work with Risk Management and HR to monitor and support workers' compensation and liability claims, helping to analyze loss trends and develop prevention strategies.
• Coordinate Safety Programs & Initiatives – Assist in implementing and maintaining accident-prevention and loss-control programs, ensuring alignment with company safety goals.
• Provide Technical Safety Support – Serve as a resource to employees and managers, offering guidance on safety procedures, best practices, and regulatory updates.
• Liaison with External Organizations – Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and safety organizations to stay informed on safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Support Emergency Preparedness – Help develop and maintain emergency response plans, ensuring employees are trained and ready for crisis situations.
• Participate in Industry Engagement – Represent the company in safety-related industry meetings, committees, and regulatory discussions to enhance safety leadership and compliance awareness.
• Adapt & Respond to Business Needs – Be available for travel on short notice to support operations across locations, assisting with safety initiatives as needed.
• Perform Additional Duties as Assigned – Take on special projects and leadership initiatives that enhance the company’s people strategy and organizational effectiveness.
• Administrative Duties – Helping with maintaining claim files, organizing training records, tracking corrective actions, ensuring all documentation is up to date and properly filed etc.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Safety & Regulatory Knowledge – Strong understanding of MSHA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, including experience supporting compliance audits and risk assessments.
• Construction Safety Expertise – Knowledge of construction materials operations, required safety practices, and industry-specific training needs.
• Training & Communication – Strong ability to develop and deliver safety training, communicate effectively across all levels, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Problem-Solving & Crisis Management – Skilled in risk assessment, troubleshooting, and crisis management, with the ability to respond effectively to safety-related challenges.
• Technical & Analytical Skills – Ability to research, analyze, and develop safety plans and schedules, using data-driven insights to support decision-making.
• Technology Proficiency – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other safety-related reporting tools for compliance tracking and documentation.
• Workstyle & Adaptability – Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, work independently or collaboratively, and travel as needed to support operations.