Safety Specialist

Position Summary

Cardinal Civil Contracting is a heavy civil and site development contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group (Nasdaq: CDNL), a publicly traded infrastructure company with operations across the Carolinas and Atlanta metro and expansion underway into Florida and Georgia.

The Safety Specialist is Cardinal Civil’s day-to-day safety presence on Triad job sites. Working with the Safety Manager, this role inspects sites, trains crews, investigates incidents, and keeps OSHA records accurate so every employee goes home safe. Success is measured by timely closure of corrective actions, complete and accurate recordkeeping, and a visibly stronger safety culture on every crew.

Key ResponsibilitiesJobsite Inspections & Hazard Control

• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of active Triad job sites to assess compliance with OSHA standards and Cardinal’s safety program; document findings and track corrective actions to closure

• Identify hazards proactively — including excavation and trenching, heavy equipment, work zone traffic, and utility work — and recommend practical controls to reduce injuries, accidents, and health risks

• Stop any operation or activity that poses an imminent risk to employees, the public, or equipment, and work with field supervision to correct it before work resumes

• Verify that safety equipment, PPE, and protective systems are in place, properly maintained, and used correctly

Training & Orientation

• Deliver new hire safety orientation for Triad field employees, and lead or support toolbox talks and site safety meetings

• Conduct employee training on applicable safety standards, including First Aid/CPR/AED as a certified instructor

• Review existing safety training and recommend revisions, improvements, and updates to the Safety Manager

Incident Investigation & Recordkeeping

• Respond to and document incidents, injuries, near misses, and equipment or property damage; conduct root-cause investigations (evidence gathering, witness interviews) and provide clear written findings to the Safety Manager

• Maintain accurate OSHA injury and illness records (Forms 300, 300A, and 301) and complete required reports on time

Program Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Safety Manager to develop, prepare, and implement safety policies and procedures

• Work closely with project managers, superintendents, and foremen so safety is planned into every phase of work, not added after the fact

• Provide technical and administrative support to the Safety department, including documentation, reporting, and safety management software

Safety & Compliance

• Model and enforce Cardinal’s safety program; lead site safety meetings, and review incident reports

• Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations, and NCDOT, environmental, and erosion control requirements applicable to the role

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules

Other related duties as assigned

Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty

• 2+ years of experience in a construction field or safety role, preferably in heavy civil, site development, or general contracting

• Proven experience conducting job site inspections and audits, incident investigations with root-cause analysis, and OSHA 300/300A/301 recordkeeping

• Working knowledge of OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926) and federal, state (NC OSHA), and local safety regulations, with the ability to apply them in the field

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and safety management or inspection software

• Strong verbal and written communication; comfortable training groups with varied backgrounds and experience levels; the confidence and judgment to stop unsafe work and make sound decisions under pressure

• High school diploma or equivalent; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Bilingual English/Spanish

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or a related field

• Professional safety credential such as CHST, ASP, or CSP

• Additional certifications, e.g., OSHA 30-Hour Construction; First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor certification, OSHA 500/510, excavation competent person, work zone traffic control, NCDEQ erosion and sediment control

Physical Demands

• Regularly walk active job sites on uneven terrain, climb in and out of trucks and equipment, and stand for extended periods; occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

• Access excavations, elevated work areas, and roadway work zones as needed to perform inspections, using required protective systems

Work Environment

• Primarily active heavy civil construction sites across the Triad, with some office or job-trailer time for documentation and training

• Exposure to outdoor weather, heat, noise, dust, moving equipment, and live traffic. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites

• Schedule aligned with crew start times (early starts); extended hours, occasional weekends, and on-call incident response as project needs require

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; company vehicle + gas card

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. This job description does not create an employment contract, and employment with Cardinal Civil Contracting is at-will.

Cardinal Civil Contracting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying for employment, please contact Talent Acquisition at careers@cardinalcivil.com.

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