Training Specialist; Utility Construction

Training Specialist (Utility Construction) Position Summary

The Training Specialist (Utility Construction) is responsible for developing, coordinating, delivering, and continuously improving field-based safety and operational training programs across utility construction operations. This role serves as a key liaison between Safety, Operations, Human Resources, and field personnel to ensure employees are properly trained, compliant, and equipped to work safely and efficiently in high-risk utility construction environments.

The Training Specialist plays a hands-on leadership role in supporting safety culture initiatives, regulatory compliance, workforce development, onboarding, and continuous improvement efforts across electric, and civil utility construction projects.

This position requires extensive field presence and direct interaction with crews, foremen, superintendents, subcontractors, and operational leadership.

• Deliver hands-on safety and operational training programs to field employees across utility construction operations.
• Coordinate and facilitate:
  • New hire safety orientation
  • OSHA-required training
  • Utility client-specific training
  • Apprenticeship Training
  • Equipment operation safety
  • Excavation and trenching safety
  • Traffic control training
  • Confined space training
  • Fall protection
  • Defensive driving
  • Utility hazard awareness
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Emergency response protocols
• Conduct field demonstrations, toolbox talks, and practical safety exercises.
• Reinforce company safety expectations, policies, and operational procedures in the field.

• Actively visit jobsites to observe work practices, coach employees, and reinforce safe behaviors.
• Provide direct mentoring and coaching to:
  • Foremen
  • Operators
  • Laborers
  • Apprentices
  • New hires
  • Supervisors
• Identify unsafe behaviors and operational risks and provide immediate corrective guidance.
• Support field leadership with safety communication strategies and crew engagement.
• Assist operational teams in implementing best practices and standard work procedures.

• Ensure training programs comply with:
  • OSHA standards
  • DOT requirements
  • State and local regulations
  • Apprenticeship Standards
  • Utility owner standards
  • Company safety policies
  • Client-specific requirements
• Maintain accurate training documentation, certifications, and compliance records.
• Track employee qualifications, certifications, and expiration dates.
• Coordinate recurring and refresher training programs.
• Assist with audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance reviews.

• Support incident investigations and root cause analysis efforts.
• Develop and deliver corrective action training following incidents, near misses, or safety observations.
• Analyze trends in safety performance and recommend targeted training solutions.
• Participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Collaborate with Safety leadership to reduce incident frequency and severity.

• Lead onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
• Assist in evaluating craft skill levels and training needs.
• Support apprenticeship and workforce development initiatives.
• Help establish employee development pathways for craft and field leadership roles.
• Assist with training standardization across regions and operational groups.

• Promote a proactive safety culture through leadership presence and employee engagement.
• Build positive working relationships with field crews and supervisors.
• Encourage employee participation in safety initiatives and hazard reporting.
• Support company-wide safety campaigns, stand-downs, and awareness programs.
• Recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviors in the field.

• Maintain training schedules, attendance records, and certification tracking systems.
• Assist with Learning Management System (LMS) administration and reporting.
• Prepare reports related to:
  • Training completion
  • Compliance metrics
  • Safety observations
  • Incident trends
  • Workforce development progress
• Assist with creation and maintenance of:
  • Training manuals
  • SOPs
  • Field guides
  • Safety bulletins
  • Digital learning content

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5-8+ years of experience in utility construction, heavy civil construction, or infrastructure operations.
• 3-5+ years of field safety, training, or operational leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • OSHA regulations
  • Utility construction safety practices
  • Excavation/trenching standards
  • Heavy equipment safety
  • Utility hazard recognition
• Experience delivering classroom and field-based training.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with field personnel.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively to jobsites.

• OSHA 30 Certification.
• OSHA…