Department: SAFETY Reports To: Chief Operating Officer FLSA Status: Exempt Worker Category: Full-Time
SUMMARY: 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety Program Development & Compliance
- 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.
Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation
- 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.
Incident Response & Reporting
- 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.
Training & Employee Engagement
- 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 establish effective working relationships with frontline employees.
- Encourage employee participation in identifying safety concerns and recommending improvements.
- Develop training programs that are practical, relevant, and understandable to the employees performing the work.
- Coordinate training activities with departmental leadership to ensure effective scheduling and minimize unnecessary operational disruptions.
- Respond to employee safety concerns in a timely and professional manner, providing appropriate follow-up and resolution.
Environmental & Health Oversight
- Manage environmental compliance related to air quality, water discharge, waste disposal, and other applicable environmental requirements.
- Monitor employee exposure to dust, noise, heat stress, and other occupational health hazards.
- Coordinate with occupational health providers regarding employee wellness, workplace injuries, and injury management.
- Collaborate with Human Resources and Operations on workers' compensation matters, return-to-work programs, and employee health initiatives.
- Ensure environmental and occupational health programs remain aligned with regulatory requirements and company objectives.
Leadership, Collaboration & Accountability
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with departmental peers, supervisors, and company management.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Human Resources, and other departments to address safety concerns and implement effective solutions.
- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and a willingness to consider differing perspectives when addressing operational or safety challenges.
- Communicate safety expectations clearly and consistently while remaining receptive to employee and management feedback.
- Take ownership of assigned safety initiatives and ensure timely follow-through on commitments, corrective actions, and improvement projects.
- Proactively communicate progress, obstacles, and resource needs to appropriate management personnel.
- Promote shared accountability for workplace safety while recognizing the operational responsibilities of other departments.
- Exercise sound judgment in balancing safety requirements with operational considerations, without compromising regulatory compliance or employee protection.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer or company management in support of company operations and organizational objectives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
- May supervise departments or personnel within fire control and/or other areas assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.
- Review and approve employee timecards.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and corrective action to direct reports as appropriate.
- Complete performance evaluations within designated company timelines.
- Establish performance expectations and hold direct reports accountable for assigned responsibilities.
- Participate in the plant's Operations supervisory weekend rotation schedule as assigned.
SYSTEMS & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- OSHA recordkeeping systems, including OSHA 300 logs.
- Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management software applicable to the company.
- PPE management, safety permitting systems, and safety meeting administration.
- Workers' compensation and training management platforms.
- Incident investigation, hazard assessment, and corrective action tracking.
- Microsoft Office applications and other applicable reporting and documentation systems.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred but not required.
- Relevant experience in industrial safety, preferably within manufacturing, agricultural processing, chemical processing, or a related industrial environment.
- Experience implementing safety programs, conducting risk assessments, and working with operational personnel to resolve safety concerns is preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to read, interpret, and communicate safety procedures, regulatory requirements, operating instructions, and company policies.
- Ability to prepare clear written reports, correspondence, training materials, and other documentation.
- Ability to effectively communicate information in one-on-one, small-group, and larger-group settings involving frontline employees, supervisors, departmental peers, and company management.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving percentages, ratios, measurements, and unit conversions.
- Ability to interpret safety performance data, incident rates, and other relevant safety and operational metrics.
REASONING ABILITY
- Ability to apply sound judgment and analytical thinking to identify hazards, assess risks, and develop effective corrective actions.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate operational challenges and identify practical solutions.
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities, make timely decisions, and follow through on assigned initiatives.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others while maintaining accountability for safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Attention to detail in regulatory compliance, reporting, and safety program administration.
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CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
OSHA 30/OSHA 500, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, CSP, or CHST preferred, as applicable to assigned responsibilities. Valid driver's license preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
PLAINSMAN COMPANY, LLC. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and believe that a variety of perspectives foster innovation and success. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and training practices are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all employees. PLAINSMAN COMPANY, LLC. complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and other relevant statutes.