Job Details

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.
• Enforce all HBC safety policies and OSHA 1926 regulations.

Underground Utilities Safety

• Monitor trenching, excavation, manhole access, and utility installation.
• Ensure proper sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding are in place.
• Verify JHAs, utility locates, and competent person designations.

Environmental & Storm Water Compliance

• 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.
• Conduct environmental walkthroughs and implement corrective actions.

Construction Stagegate Compliance

• Support and document each Stagegate milestone.
• Verify safety and environmental controls before advancing to the next phase.
• Collaborate with PMs to ensure compliance gaps are resolved promptly.

Revegetation & Restoration Oversight

• 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.