• Lead the development, implementation, and enforcement of a comprehensive safety management system in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant standards.
• Work alongside our Safety Manager to monitor and audit workplace conditions and practices to eliminate hazardous activities and ensure a zero-incident culture.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on OSHA 1915 (Shipyard Employment Standards)
• Direct incident investigations and root cause analyses for accidents, injuries, and near misses; lead corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and oversee employee safety training programs, including OSHA 10/30-hour courses, confined space entry, hot work, fall protection, and PPE usage.
• Manage the HSE team, safety supervisors, and coordinators; conduct regular team meetings and safety briefings.
• Maintain all safety records, including OSHA logs, training documentation, and inspection reports.
• Conduct and supervise routine inspections, audits, risk assessments, and emergency response drills.
• Work closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Maintenance teams to promote a collaborative approach to safety.
• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to executive leadership on key safety metrics and program progress.
• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging federal, state, and local regulations impacting shipyard safety.
• Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership to integrate safety objectives into operational goals and corporate strategy.
• Champion a proactive safety culture through leadership visibility, communication, and accountability across all departments.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 45001 or similar management systems.
• Reduction in incident rate and lost-time accidents.
• Compliance audit scores (OSHA EPA).
• Employee training completion and engagement rates. • Leading indicators such as near-miss reporting participation and hazard identification.
• Proficiency with safety management systems (SMS), digital incident reporting tools, and data analytics software.
• Experience leveraging technology to monitor and report key safety performance metrics.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s Degree highly preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive safety leadership experience in shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or maritime environments. • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent strongly preferred.
• OSHA Authorized Trainer (10 & 30-hour general industry or construction) is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA 1915 & 1926 standards, ABS rules and regulations, and environmental compliance regulations (EPA, USCG, etc.).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs in a large workforce environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-risk industrial environment
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and drive behavioral change.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and engage employees at all levels.
• Decisive, calm under pressure, and solution-oriented in emergency situations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Working Conditions:
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, in and around shipyard operations including vessels, scaffolding, confined spaces, and elevated work areas.
• Regular exposure to noise, moving equipment, and hazardous materials.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds as required.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k)-match program.
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
