Safety Director

Director, Safety – Transmission & Distribution

Position Summary

The Director of Safety – Transmission & Distribution (T&D) is responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety programs across all transmission and distribution operations within California. This role ensures full compliance with California-specific regulatory requirements, promotes a strong safety culture, and drives operational excellence to minimize risk and protect employees, contractors, and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of safety strategies supporting T&D operations, including electric transmission lines, substations, and distribution systems.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, with a strong emphasis on Cal/OSHA, CPUC, and California labor code requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison for regulatory agencies, including Cal/OSHA and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), including inspections, audits, and reporting.
• Oversee compliance with California-specific safety programs, including Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Heat Illness Prevention, Wildfire Mitigation, and Workplace Violence Prevention requirements.
• Partner with operations leadership to embed safety as a core value and operational priority across union and non-union environments.
• Develop and monitor key safety performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing trends to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead serious incident investigations in accordance with California reporting thresholds and timelines; ensure timely reporting to Cal/OSHA and other agencies as required.
• Oversee root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions, ensuring sustainability and regulatory alignment.
• Direct safety training programs aligned with California requirements, including high-voltage electrical safety orders, confined space, and qualified electrical worker standards.
• Manage field safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all T&D operations and capital projects.
• Lead contractor safety management programs, ensuring compliance with California contractor and multi-employer worksite requirements.
• Support wildfire risk reduction strategies, including public safety power shutoff (PSPS) readiness and vegetation management safety practices.
• Collaborate with HR and Legal on California-specific compliance matters, including workers’ compensation, return-to-work programs, and regulatory reporting.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to executive leadership on safety risks, regulatory exposure, and mitigation strategies within California.
• Lead and develop a team of safety professionals, fostering accountability, engagement, and a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive safety experience, including leadership roles within transmission & distribution, utilities, or heavy industrial environments.
• Deep knowledge of California regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA, CPUC General Orders, and California Labor Code.
• Experience working in high-risk utility environments (e.g., energized electrical work, confined space entry, fall protection, trenching/excavation, and heavy equipment operations).
• Experience working in unionized environments and managing contractor safety in California.
• Proven ability to lead during regulatory inspections, audits, and enforcement actions.
• Strong ability to influence leadership and drive cultural change.
• Professional certifications preferred (e.g., CUSP, CHST).

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• California Regulatory Expertise
• Risk Management & Mitigation
• Incident Investigation & Reporting Compliance
• Change Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making

Work Environment & Travel

• Combination of office and field environments, including active construction, utility, and wildfire-prone areas.
• Frequent travel required across California operating territories.