Director of Safety

Job Title : Director of Safety Location : [ ] Travel Requirement : Approximately 30% About the Role : The Director of Safety is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring a safe and compliant work environment across all Sunrise Telecom underground and aerial construction operations. This includes overseeing all safety programs, conducting risk assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance (including OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA), and promoting a proactive safety culture at all levels of the organization. The Director will work closely with project management, field teams, fleet operations, and executive leadership to develop and implement effective safety strategies, reduce incidents, and support operational excellence. Key Responsibilities : Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs, policies, and procedures tailored to underground and aerial telecom construction environments. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA requirements. Lead safety audits, jobsite inspections, and hazard analyses, taking corrective actions as needed to eliminate unsafe conditions. Oversee DOT / FMCSA compliance including driver qualification files, Hours of Service (HOS), vehicle inspections, maintenance logs, and drug / alcohol testing programs. Serve as the company’s primary contact for safety-related matters, including incident response, root cause analysis, and regulatory inquiries. Conduct and coordinate safety training, certifications, and toolbox talks across crews and regions. Analyze safety metrics and trends to identify risks, reduce incidents, and drive continuous improvement. Partner with fleet management to ensure proper usage, maintenance, and compliance of all vehicles and equipment. Manage subcontractor safety onboarding and compliance. Promote a culture of safety through leadership, visibility, and consistent communication. Minimum Qualifications : 7 years of safety leadership experience in the construction, telecommunications, utility, or infrastructure sectors, with a focus on underground and aerial work. Hands-on experience managing OSHA and DOT / FMCSA regulatory compliance. Proven success developing and enforcing safety programs across multiple sites and teams. Experience conducting investigations, audits, and risk assessments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to train, lead, and influence field and office personnel. Preferred Qualifications : Certifications such as CSP, CHST, OSHA 500 / 510, or CDL-related safety training. Knowledge of traffic control, trench safety, confined space entry, fall protection, and fiber construction methods. Experience working in a multi-state operation or with large telecom carriers. Skills & Attributes : In-depth understanding of OSHA 1926 (Construction) and FMCSA Part 40 and 49 regulations. Strong leadership presence with the ability to lead safety initiatives in high-risk environments. Analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to identify trends and implement targeted solutions. Proficient in digital safety platforms and documentation tools. Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively across departments. Why Join Sunrise Telecom? At Sunrise Telecom, safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s at the core of how we operate. With a rapidly growing footprint across multiple states and markets, we're looking for a results-driven safety leader who can scale with us, uphold our high standards, and ensure every team member goes home safe - every day.