Safety & Risk Manager

Position Closing Date

This position is expected to be filled by July 31, 2026
. To receive full consideration, please submit your application before that date. This posting may remain open after July 31, 2026, until a qualified candidate has been selected.

Western States Water is a leading multi‑state civil construction and water infrastructure company serving communities mostly across Colorado and surrounding regions. With more than 300 employees, we are committed to delivering complex infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

The Safety & Risk Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and continuously improving the company's safety, compliance, and risk management programs across multiple operating companies, construction projects, and field locations. This role provides strategic leadership in workplace safety, regulatory compliance, incident prevention, claims management, and risk mitigation while supporting operational excellence and employee well‑being.

• Manage, maintain, and continuously improve the company's integrated safety and risk management programs, including reviewing and updating the Safety Manual, policies, procedures, and training materials as needed to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Create and conduct new hire safety orientations and ongoing employee safety training to ensure OSHA and industry compliance.
• Perform regular job site inspections, hazard assessments, safety audits, and compliance reviews.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action planning.
• Track and report key safety performance indicators (KPIs), including incident rates, near misses, training completion, inspections, and compliance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA, DOT/FMCSA, MSHA, and other applicable requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for safety inspections, documentation, regulatory reporting, and agency inquiries.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through field engagement, employee coaching, and leadership collaboration.
• Maintain company compliance within contractor management and safety pre‑qualification platforms, including IS Networld, Veriforce, and other client‑required systems.
• Manage and maintain FMCSA Driver Qualification (DQ) files and support DOT compliance requirements.
• Administer and monitor fleet safety, driver qualification, and vehicle compliance programs.
• Manage the company's drug and alcohol testing program and related compliance requirements.
• Maintain company Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inventory, distribution records, and replenishment processes.
• Manage Workers' Compensation claims, including documentation, coordination with medical providers, return‑to‑work programs, and claim follow‑up.
• Manage property damage, vehicle, and general liability claims, coordinating with insurance carriers, employees, and management throughout the claims process.
• Attend injured employee medical appointments (when necessary) to support proper care and claim management.
• Coordinate emergency response planning, drills, and preparedness initiatives.
• Coordinate and complete special safety projects, audits, compliance initiatives, and other safety‑related assignments as needed.
• Provide support for English and Spanish safety communications, training materials, meetings, and incident investigations as needed.
• Assist operations and leadership teams with risk management strategies and continuous safety improvement initiatives.

• Minimum 5 years of safety management experience in construction, utilities, heavy civil, industrial, or related environments.
• Proven experience managing safety programs across multiple job sites and operating divisions.
• Experience with Workers' Compensation claims management, DOT/FMCSA compliance, and contractor safety management systems preferred.

• OSHA 500, CHST, CSP, OSHA 30, or equivalent safety certifications preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Risk Management, Construction Management, or…