Safety Director

Cottonseed Management Full Time Lubbock, TX, US

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

Department: SAFETY

Reports To:

Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status:
Exe mpt

Worker Category:
Full-Time

Plainsman's Safety Director plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy, and compliant working environment within a facility that processes cottonseed into oil and other byproducts. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing safety programs, identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

The Safety Director is expected to work closely with frontline operators, supervisors, and departmental leadership to understand operational challenges and develop practical, effective safety solutions. Recognizing frontline employees as key internal customers, the position should demonstrate responsiveness, accessibility, and a commitment to supporting employees in performing their jobs safely.

Success in this role also requires strong collaboration with departmental peers, effective communication, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach that supports both employee safety and operational excellence.

• Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and programs specific to the unique hazards of cottonseed milling and processing. This position is expected to go beyond developing an intuitive policy and also introduce the resources to facilitate safe work standards for front-line operators of the process.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, TCEQ, DOT, NFPA, and state and local regulations.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of plant operations to identify safety deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and other departments to ensure safety programs are effectively implemented and integrated into daily operations.
• Maintain accurate safety documentation, regulatory records, and required reports.
• Evaluate safety program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on operational needs, employee feedback, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the role’s direct manager or company management to support operational needs, departmental objectives, and the overall success of the organization.
• Identify and evaluate risks associated with combustible dust, confined spaces, heavy machinery, high-temperature environments, chemical use, and other industrial hazards.
• Lead Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), risk assessments, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain the facility's Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling.
• Conduct regular safety audits to identify hazards, implement countermeasures, and adapt safety programs to prevent injuries.
• Engage frontline operators and supervisors in identifying workplace hazards and developing practical risk-reduction measures.
• Work with departmental leadership to prioritize corrective actions and ensure their timely completion.
• Exercise appropriate authority to address unsafe conditions, including stopping work when necessary to protect employees.
• Lead investigations of incidents, near misses, and workplace injuries to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with affected employees, supervisors, and departmental leaders in developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate incident documentation and ensure timely reporting to applicable regulatory agencies.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically practice emergency response plans addressing fires, spills, explosions, and other potential emergencies.
• Communicate incident findings, lessons learned, and preventive measures to appropriate personnel.
• Monitor corrective action progress and verify that identified deficiencies are effectively addressed.

• Conduct new-hire safety orientation and recurring training for employees on topics including lockout/tagout, PPE, forklift operation, confined spaces, and other applicable safety requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture through toolbox talks, safety committees, near-miss reporting, safety observations, and employee recognition programs.
• Ensure proper selection, use, and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain an active presence in plant operations and…