Safety Director - Operations

At La Plata Electric Association
, our mission is to provide our members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible. We are shaping the future by building trustworthy community partnerships as an innovative, forward-thinking industry leader, delivering excellence in our member-owned cooperative.

The Director, Field Safety promotes and upholds a strong culture of safety for employees and the public. This role ensures field compliance with safety regulations, conducts safety inspections, and leads technical training initiatives for LPEA’s field‑based employees. The position works closely with the Director of Safety, Security and Compliance and the safety committee to maintain a safe, compliant, and productive work environment across LPEA’s operations.

• Conduct field safety inspections, audits, and job observations; recommend and track corrective actions. This includes:
  • Documenting and reporting safety findings to department leadership and the executive team.
  • Identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Addressing and correcting unsafe behavior or noncompliance with safety procedures; recommending accountability measures.
  • Issuing stop‑work orders when hazardous conditions are identified.
• Provide technical guidance on high‑voltage electrical construction standards and fieldwork procedures.
• Identify field‑based technical training needs; develop and conduct in‑house training or coordinate third‑party training programs. This includes compliance training courses.
• Track training completion through LMS or other means.
• Participate in or lead incident investigations to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with others to:
  • ensure proper documentation of incidents, near misses, and injuries.
  • ensure timely distribution of updated policies, SOPs, and best practices to employees and contractors.
  • ensure consistent application of safety policies, SOPs, and best practices across all LPEA campuses.
  • Advise and instruct employees, supervisors, and managers on the proper use of safety equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Journeyman Lineman and successful completion of a 4‑year accredited apprenticeship program.
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree in safety, electrical, or a related field, plus 6 years of experience in transmission and distribution.
  OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• In‑depth knowledge of safety regulations and industry hazards within electric utilities.
• Strong understanding of federal and state safety standards, electrical construction practices, and field procedures.
• Experience with safety reporting, incident investigations, and industrial hygiene.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Experience delivering technical training and safety education.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certified.

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must obtain Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) certification within 24 months via NRECA.
• Must complete OSHA #501 and #503 30‑hour courses within 24 months.