Safety Specialist
16 days ago
Houston
Job description: About the Role Harper Brothers Construction is seeking a highly skilled Safety Specialist to support a major infrastructure project in Downtown Houston. This individual will serve as the on-site safety leader responsible for enforcing safety standards, environmental compliance, DOT/traffic control requirements, and company procedures. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in: • Underground utilities safety, • Stormwater environmental regulations, • TPDES Construction General Permit compliance, • Construction Stagegate requirements, • Revegetation/restoration activities, • DOT compliance and traffic control plans (TCPs) This position requires a proactive safety mindset, strong field presence, and the ability to work collaboratively with crews, subcontractors, environmental teams, and project management. Key Responsibilities Field Safety Leadership • Provide full-time, on-site safety oversight for Downtown Houston civil construction operations., • Conduct daily field safety inspections, hazard analyses, and equipment audits., • Monitor trenching, excavation, manhole access, and utility installation., • Ensure proper sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding are in place., • Enforce SWPPP requirements and maintain stormwater records., • Inspect and maintain BMPs (silt fencing, inlet protection, rock check dams, etc.)., • Ensure compliance with TPDES Construction General Permit rules., • Support and document each Stagegate milestone., • Verify safety and environmental controls before advancing to the next phase., • Inspect erosion control, restoration and revegetation activities., • Ensure compliance with environmental restoration specifications. DOT COMPLIANCE & TRAFFIC CONTROL This is a critical component of the position. The Safety Specialist will: • Ensure DOT compliance for equipment, fleet, and trucking operations., • Conduct walk-throughs of haul routes, delivery paths, and access points., • Verify driver certifications, logs, inspections, and compliance documentation., • Ensure all traffic control plans (TCPs) are implemented correctly., • Inspect signage, barricades, lane closures, flagging operations, and detours., • Coordinate with city inspectors, traffic engineering, and third-party MOT providers., • Ensure TCP modifications are approved and compliant with MUTCD standards. Training, Documentation & Reporting • Lead daily safety briefings and weekly toolbox talks., • Track training, inspections, and certifications using SiteDocs., • Conduct and document incident investigations and root cause analyses., • Communicate with regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, and inspectors. Qualifications Required • 3–5 years of construction safety experience (underground utilities required)., • Strong understanding of SWPPP, TPDES permits, BMPs, and stormwater regulations., • Experience with TCP implementation, barricades, lane closures, and traffic control safety., • Knowledge of DOT compliance programs, regulations, and vehicle inspection requirements., • OSHA 30 certification., • Strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills., • Ability to interpret civil drawings, TCPs, and environmental plans. Preferred • CHST, COSS, or other safety certifications., • Previous experience working within urban environments or DOT roadway projects., • SiteDocs or digital safety software experience., • Bilingual English/Spanish.