Westfield, NJ Job Details Full-time $150,000 - $180,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Fuel card Paid holidays Paid time off Retirement plan Qualifications Federal construction safety regulations Public works construction inspection Conducting hazard assessments Safety management experience within construction industry Leading investigations following a construction safety incident Team leadership Job-specific skills training (staff training program) Working on construction projects in a civil infrastructure role Transportation safety regulations Safety audits for hazard identification Occupational safety risk assessments Safety management experience within transportation industry Professional development training Full Job Description Join a respected heavy highway contractor as Assistant Director of Safety with a clear path to Director of Safety leadership. About the Opportunity A well-established and highly respected heavy highway and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Safety to join its leadership team. This is a unique long-term opportunity for a safety professional with a strong heavy highway, bridge, roadway, and civil construction background who is looking to take the next step into a Director-level position. The successful candidate will work directly alongside the company's current Director of Safety during a planned transition period , gaining an in-depth understanding of the company's safety programs, projects, personnel, clients, and procedures before ultimately assuming responsibility for the Director of Safety position upon the current Director's retirement .
Responsibilities:
Work closely with the current Director of Safety throughout the transition period Eventually assume overall responsibility for the company's safety program across active heavy highway and heavy civil projects Develop, implement, and continuously improve company-wide safety policies, procedures, and programs Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and jobsite visits across active projects Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel to identify and mitigate safety risks Ensure compliance with
OSHA, NJDOT, NJDEP, MUTCD
, and other applicable federal, state, and project-specific requirements Review and develop site-specific safety plans, JHAs/JSAs, activity hazard analyses, and other required documentation Lead incident investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and follow-up Oversee safety orientations, toolbox talks, training programs, and employee safety education Monitor subcontractor safety performance and ensure compliance with company and project requirements Maintain OSHA records and required safety documentation Work with project teams on excavation, traffic control, paving, bridge construction, concrete, utility, equipment, and other heavy civil/highway-related safety exposures Track safety metrics and provide regular reporting to senior leadership Assist with workers' compensation and insurance-related safety matters Build strong relationships with field leadership and create a culture of accountability and proactive safety Eventually serve as the primary safety leader and point of contact for the organization
Required Experience:
8+ years of construction safety experience , with significant experience in heavy highway/heavy civil construction Strong background working on roadway, bridge, highway, paving, transportation, or infrastructure projects Experience working directly with field operations, including Superintendents, Foremen, Project Managers, and subcontractors Strong knowledge of OSHA construction regulations and applicable New Jersey safety requirements Demonstrated experience conducting jobsite inspections, safety audits, incident investigations, and employee training Experience developing and enforcing site-specific safety plans and hazard assessments Strong understanding of the safety risks associated with active highway and heavy civil construction environments Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively with both field and executive-level personnel Willingness to regularly travel between active project sites throughout New Jersey and the surrounding Tri-State area
Preferred Qualifications:
OSHA 500 CSP CHST OSHA 510 ASP
Other recognised construction safety certifications are a plus Experience with
NJDOT, NJ
Turnpike Authority, NJ Transit, Port Authority, or other major public infrastructure projects is highly desirable
Leadership & Succession Opportunity:
The most important aspect of this position is the planned succession opportunity . The current Director of Safety is preparing for retirement, and the company wants to bring in the next generation of safety leadership early enough to allow for a thorough transition. The incoming Assistant Director will have the opportunity to: Learn directly from the current Director Become familiar with the company's safety culture, procedures, and project teams Build relationships with field and executive leadership Gradually assume additional responsibility Ultimately transition into the Director of Safety role The ideal candidate is therefore someone who is not only technically strong in construction safety, but who wants to build a long-term career with a well-established heavy highway contractor and eventually take ownership of the company's entire safety function.
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary based on experience from $150k-$180k Comprehensive benefits package Retirement benefits Paid time off and holidays Long-term career growth opportunity Truck, Gas Card, Easy Pass Clear path to Director of Safety This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Safety Manager, Assistant Safety Director, or experienced Heavy Highway Safety professional who is ready to position themselves for a Director-level role. INDH