Safety Director chez Plainsman Company, LLC

Department: SAFETY 

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Worker Category: Full-Time 

Location: 2901 Avenue A, Lubbock, TX 79404

SUMMARY: plays a critical role in ensuring a safe and compliant working environment in a facility that processes cottonseed into oil and other byproducts. Here's a breakdown of the role, responsibilities, and key competencies:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Safety Program Development & Compliance

• Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and programs specific to the unique hazards of cottonseed milling.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, TCEQ, DOT, NFPA, and state/local regulations.

• Conduct regular audits and inspections of plant operations.

Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation

• Identify risks associated with combustible dust, confined spaces, heavy machinery, high-heat environments, and chemical use.

• Lead hazard assessments (JHAs) and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain the facility’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure proper chemical labeling and handling.

• Conduct regular Safety Audits to identify hazards, implement countermeasures, and adapt the Safety Program to prevent injuries.

Incident Response & Reporting

• Lead investigations of incidents, near-misses, and injuries to prevent recurrence.

• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure timely reporting to regulatory agencies.

• Develop and practice emergency response plans (e.g., fire, spill, explosion).

Training & Employee Engagement

• Conduct new hire safety orientation and recurring training for all staff (lockout/tagout, PPE, forklift, etc.).

• Promote a strong safety culture through toolbox talks, safety committees, and incentive programs.

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environmental & Health Oversight

• Manage environmental compliance related to air quality, water discharge, and waste disposal.

• Monitor employee exposure to dust, noise, and heat stress.

• Coordinate with occupational health providers for wellness and injury management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes

• Direct supervisor over fire control and others assigned by COO or Direct report.
• Review and approve timecards.
• Coach and reprimand direct reports.
• Complete performance evaluations during designated time period for direct reports.

USER-DEFINED:

• OSHA recordkeeping systems (300 logs)
• EHS management software (Applicable to company)
• PPE, Safety Permits, Safety Meetings
• Worker’s Comp & Training management platforms (Texas Mutual)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred but not required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Analytical thinking for risk assessments.  Problem solving abilities to address safety risk and issues.   Attention to detail for compliance and reporting..

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: OSHA 30/OSHA 500, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, CSP or CHST preferred. Driver's license preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel object, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. It is essential to know the following:

• Cottonseed dust can be highly combustible, so combustible dust program management is essential.

• Facilities may run 24/7, so shift-specific safety protocols and coverage are important.

• High turnover or seasonal labor requires continual safety reinforcement and multilingual training materials (e.g., Spanish/English). 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Use of personal protective equipment such as; safety glasses, respirators, hearing protectors, etc., is required in designated areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

                PLAINSMAN COMPANY, LLC. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and believe that a variety of perspectives foster innovation and success. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and training practices are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all employees.

PLAINSMAN COMPANY, LLC. complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and other relevant statutes.