Site Safety & Health Officer; SSHO; Lexington, KY

Job Title:

Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO)

Location: Lexington, KY
Start Date: ASAP
Employment Type: 1099 Contractor
Duration: 2-Year Project Assignment

Rate: $54 to $58 per hour
Per Diem: Not available (Local candidates strongly preferred)
Pay Frequency: Weekly

Hours: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week
Additional Work: Occasional overtime as project demands

This role provides full-time on-site safety leadership for a federal new-build construction project at the USDA Forage-Animal Production Research Unit in Lexington, KY. The Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) will partner closely with project management, field supervision, and federal stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with EM 385-1-1 standards, proactive hazard mitigation, and continuous safety performance improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide comprehensive site safety oversight in accordance with EM 385-1-1 and federal project requirements
• Conduct daily, documented safety inspections, audits, and hazard assessments
• Lead new hire orientations, toolbox talks, and site-specific safety training
• Monitor subcontractor compliance and enforce corrective actions when necessary
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions, implementing preventive measures
• Maintain accurate digital and written safety documentation and reports
• Coordinate closely with project leadership, contractors, and federal inspectors
• Promote a strong, visible, and accountable safety culture on site

• EM 385-1-1 Certification (Mandatory)
• Minimum 10 years of relevant construction safety experience
• Proven experience working on federal or government-regulated projects
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, USACE, and federal safety standards
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and compliance-focused
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to confidently lead safety meetings and corrective action processes
• Professional, reliable, and capable of managing long-term project assignments

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification paths:

• EM 385-1-1 (Mandatory)
• 10+ Years Relevant Experience
• BCSP Certification (STSC, CHST, CSP, or Equivalent)

• EM 385-1-1 (Mandatory)
• 10+ Years Relevant Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Safety or Related Field

• EM 385-1-1 (Mandatory)
• 10+ Years Relevant Experience
• OSHA 500 Authorized Trainer

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Experience with digital safety management and reporting platforms
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping capabilities
• Ability to utilize mobile and cloud-based compliance systems

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.