Construction Safety Manager

Position Overview

The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Sonoma Underground’s Safety Program to ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and client-specific standards. This role drives a proactive safety culture that supports our goal of Incident and Injury-Free work. The Safety Manager will lead safety initiatives, provide training, conduct audits, and partner with leadership and field teams to ensure safety remains a core value across all operations.

Accountabilities

1. Program Ownership:
Maintain and continuously improve Sonoma’s Safety Program, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

2. Safety Planning:
Develop job-specific JHAs and site-specific safety plans; update field safety forms as laws and regulations change.

3. Training & Certification:
Deliver onboarding and annual safety refreshers; manage OSHA and specialty certifications.

4. Compliance & Auditing:
Conduct jobsite inspections and audits; ensure adherence to OSHA, DOT, and client-specific standards.

5. Incident Management:
Investigate accidents and near misses; implement corrective actions and reporting.

6. Project Safety and Site Support:
Coordinate field-related activities, conduct quality checks, and maintain onsite presence to support safe and efficient project execution.

7. Culture Development:
Promote safety awareness and engagement across all levels of the organization.

Detailed Expectations

Program Management

• Own and update the Safety & Health Manual and specialized programs (Fall Protection, Excavation Safety,
Confined Space, Silica, etc.).

• Maintain OSHA logs and compliance documentation.

• Review subcontractor safety programs for alignment with project requirements.

Safety Planning

• Develop and maintain job-specific JHAs and site-specific safety plans.

• Update safety forms and documentation as regulations change.

Training

• Deliver onboarding safety training for new hires and client-specific requirements.

• Conduct annual safety refreshers for all field employees.

• Schedule and lead toolbox talks, weekly safety meetings, and annual refresher courses.

• Manager certifications (OSHA 10/30, confined space, trench safety, etc.).

Compliance & Auditing

• Perform regular jobsite safety inspections and document findings.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and client-specific safety requirements.

• Prepare for and manage OSHA inspections.

• Track and interpret changes in safety regulations.

Incident Management

• Investigate all incidents and near misses, complete root cause analysis and corrective action plans.

• Communicate findings to leadership and maintain insurance compliance.
Project Safety and Site Support

• Call in utility locates for projects.

• Manage jobsite restoration after work completion.

• Perform quality control checks after crews finish work.

• Attend client and project meetings to represent Sonoma’s safety program.

• Provide on-site safety coaching and support to crews and supervisors.

Culture & Communication

• Act as a safety motivator and advisor for management and field teams.

• Collaborate with project managers and field superintendents to implement safety best practices and ensure compliance across all job sites.

• Report safety metrics to leadership and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

•

Experience:

3+ years in construction safety management (utility or heavy civil preferred).

•

Education:

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

•

Certifications:

CSP, CHST, OSHA Authorized Trainer strongly preferred;
First Aid/CPR required.

•

Skills:

Strong knowledge of OSHA standards, risk assessment, training delivery, incident investigation, and safety planning.

• Other:
Excellent communication and leadership skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with safety management software (e.g., Procore).

• Personal Attributes:
Assertive yet collaborative, detail-oriented, calm under pressure, committed to building a proactive safety culture.