Safety Specialist

DSS GENERAL ADMIN, 655 W CLAY ST, STOCKTON, CA 95206, USA

• Pay or shift range: $70,000 USD to $80,000 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

General

Summary:

Ready for a challenging, fast-paced career where you are literally laying the groundwork that builds communities. Knife River is a construction materials & contracting company that believes in building things that last, and you can be a big part of our future.

As a Safety Specialist, you get to support the Safety Team in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that reduce workplace risks, ensure compliance with MSHA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, and promote a strong safety culture. This role involves assisting with hazard identification, safety training, compliance monitoring, and incident prevention to minimize occupational injuries, illnesses, and financial losses. By collaborating across teams, you will help drive continuous improvement in safety performance while supporting the company’s competitive EDGE objectives.

• Education & Certification – associate’s degree in occupational health & safety, Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
• Experience – Minimum two years of proven experience in safety program management within construction, aggregates, ready‑mix concrete, cement, or a related heavy industry or extensive industry experience with a strong safety focus and record.
• Regulatory Knowledge – Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations, with experience ensuring compliance in industrial or construction environments.
• Safety Program Implementation – Experience working with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Behavior‑Based Safety (BBS) programs, including conducting risk assessments, safety training, and incident investigations.
• Technology & Communication Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint); ability to effectively communicate, coach, and influence safety culture at all levels of the organization.
• Work Style & Leadership – Self‑motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently while collaborating across teams. Strong ability to influence change and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Additional Requirements – Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and willingness to travel to company locations, including potential overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements:

• Education & Industry Knowledge – bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field or certification such as Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) or Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST). Equivalent industry experience will be considered, along with a strong knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to the construction materials industry (aggregates, ready‑mix concrete, and cement).
• Regulatory Knowledge – Strong working knowledge of MSHA, OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA regulations, with experience ensuring compliance in industrial or construction environments.
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis – Experience leading incident investigations and root cause analysis, preferably using ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method).
• Occupational Health & Hygiene – Knowledge of occupational health, hygiene systems, and related regulations, with experience implementing exposure control measures.
• Training & Development – Certified trainer or significant experience developing and delivering safety training programs at various organizational levels.
• Business & Operations Awareness – Familiarity with construction materials, equipment, and operations, along with a general understanding of insurance, financial considerations, and compliance related to safety programs.
• Additional Requirements – Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce and ensure compliance with employment regulations.

What you’ll get to do:

• Champion Safety and Compliance – Lead by example in promoting a…