Job Title: Safety Specialist ConstructionJob DescriptionThe Safety Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety policies and procedures across construction job sites. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, MSHA, and DOT, while providing guidance on safety compliance concerns and preventative actions. The Safety Specialist leads safety training, conducts inspections and investigations, and helps develop and upgrade safety programs to promote a culture of health and safety for all employees.Responsibilities
- Assist in planning, implementing, and maintaining safety policies and procedures in compliance with OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
- Advise the Safety Director on safety compliance concerns, emerging risks, and recommended preventative actions.
- Plan and deliver safety training for employees on worksite practices, procedures, and regulations, including confined space, excavation, fall protection, and other construction-related hazards.
- Maintain accurate and organized safety files, records, and documentation related to inspections, training, incidents, and corrective actions.
- Perform regular safety surveys and inspections of job sites, equipment, and vehicles to identify hazards and ensure safe working conditions.
- Prepare detailed written reports of inspection findings and recommendations for corrective or preventive measures, and follow up to verify implementation and effectiveness.
- Conduct post-accident investigations, analyze root causes and contributing factors, and prepare comprehensive reports identifying possible hazards and corrective actions.
- Accompany personnel to job sites to perform drug tests as required by company policy and regulatory standards.
- Assist in the development, evaluation, and upgrading of safety programs, policies, and procedures to improve overall safety performance.
- Lead and support safety efforts on large construction projects, including data centers and campus projects, ensuring consistent application of safety standards.
- Present safety procedures and regulations to small groups, respond effectively to questions from employees, leaders, and customers, and reinforce safety expectations.
- Utilize computer systems to document investigations, track training, maintain records, and prepare reports and presentations.
- Collaborate with project teams to integrate safety considerations into planning and execution, particularly for trenching, sloping, underground excavation, fall protection, confined space work, and installation of duct banks.
Essential Skills
- At least 3 years of safety-related experience in the construction industry, including hands-on exposure to OSHA requirements and construction site safety practices.
- 35 years of construction safety experience with demonstrated responsibility for job site inspections and compliance.
- Practical experience with OSHA standards, First Aid/CPR, confined spaces, DOT regulations, and excavation safety.
- Experience conducting safety inspections, audits, and surveys of job sites, equipment, and vehicles.
- Experience writing detailed safety reports, procedures, and documentation for investigations and corrective actions.
- Experience presenting safety information and training small groups, and effectively responding to questions from employees, managers, and customers.
- Strong computer skills for documentation, reporting, and communication.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with field personnel, leadership, and external stakeholders.
- Experience with trenching, sloping, fall protection, confined space, underground excavation, and installation of duct banks.
- OSHA 30 certification.
- OSHA 500 certification or equivalent advanced OSHA training.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in an environmental, occupational health and safety, or related field preferred.
- Civil or excavation construction experience preferred.
- CHST certification strongly preferred; support available to help attain it if not currently held.
- Ability to obtain CHST within approximately one year preferred.
- CSP certification or progress toward professional safety credentials is beneficial.
- Experience with safety audits in industrial or construction environments.
- Strong ability to evaluate and upgrade safety programs and policies.
- Ability to lead safety on large, complex construction projects and data center work.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field while collaborating effectively with project teams.
Work EnvironmentThis role is field-focused and primarily based in Iowa, with the option to sit out of Des Moines and travel between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, or sit out of Cedar Rapids and travel to Des Moines a few times per week. The Safety Specialist will spend significant time on active construction sites, including large data center projects and campus environments, working closely with crews performing trenching, sloping, underground excavation, confined space work, fall protection activities, and installation of duct banks. The schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 10-hour days, starting around 6:00 a.m. and continuing until the workday is complete, often totaling 1012 hours. Some travel is required a few days per month within roughly a two-hour radius. The dress code is practical field attire, including jeans, work boots, and work-appropriate t-shirts or sweatshirts. High-visibility vests, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, and other necessary personal protective equipment are provided on site. The organization offers an employee-focused culture with opportunities to lead some of the largest projects in the state, a 401(k) plan with matching, an employee assistance program, 100% paid health insurance upon direct hire, and participation in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), creating a collaborative environment where safety and long-term employee wellbeing are priorities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $130000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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