safety manager - Portland, OR

As the Safety Manager for Knife River's Oregon operations, you are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that support our I Choose Safety Program, eliminate occupational injuries and illnesses, reduce workplace risks, ensure compliance with MSH ...

Job description

As the Safety Manager for Knife River's Oregon operations, you are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that support our I Choose Safety Program, eliminate occupational injuries and illnesses, reduce workplace risks, ensure compliance with MSHA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, and promote a strong safety culture. This role involves assisting with hazard identification, safety training, compliance monitoring, and incident prevention to minimize occupational injuries, illnesses, and financial losses. By collaborating across teams, you will help drive continuous improvement in safety performance while supporting the company's competitive EDGE objectives. You will also serve as the state representative on company committees, working groups, and industry organizations, aligning regional and corporate safety priorities.

Minimum Requirements
(Minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently while collaborating across teams. Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams, delegating tasks, and driving results. Strong ability to influence change and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Bachelor's degree in occupational health & safety, Construction Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field or certification such as Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST), or Safety Trained Supervisor (STS). Equivalent industry experience and a strong knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to the construction materials industry (aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and construction) will be considered.
• Strong working knowledge of MSHA, OSHA, DOT, and FMCSA regulations, with five years of proven experience ensuring compliance in industrial or construction environments.
• Experience working with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs, including conducting risk assessments, safety training, and incident investigations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint); ability to effectively communicate, coach, and influence safety culture at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information responsibly and professionally.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and willingness to travel to company locations, including potential overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements (preferred Requirements Ie. Certifications, Software Use Etc.)

• Ten or more years of proven experience demonstrating a strong working knowledge of health and safety regulations specific to the construction materials industry, including aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and construction operations, with at least five years in a leadership role.
• Certified trainer with significant experience in developing and delivering safety training programs to employees at all levels of an organization.
• Experience leading incident investigations and root cause analysis, preferably using ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method).
• Advanced safety certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management Professional (SMP), or Associate Safety Professional (ASP).
• Strong knowledge of insurance and financial matters related to health and safety programs, including workers' compensation, auto & general liability management, and loss control measures.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce and ensure compliance with employment regulations.

Duties And/or Responsibilities
(Summary of components that make up the job) an asterisk (*) indicates essential job functions that cannot be modified to fulfill the job requirements.

What You'll Get To Do

• *Champion Safety – Lead by example in promoting an I Choose Safety culture, actively driving and supporting corporate and local safety initiatives while ensuring safety program alignment.
• *Drive a People-First Culture—Champion Knife River's Core Values (People, Safety, Quality, and Environment), fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement, well-being, and performance.
• *Safety Program Management – Implement, administer, and coordinate safety programs to reduce injuries, illnesses, and financial losses.
• *Regulatory Compliance & Inspections – Ensure compliance with MSHA, OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations, coordinating with site teams to maintain compliance and address safety concerns. Monitor inspections, address public safety complaints, and participate in regulatory inspections.
• *Identify & Mitigate Risks – Identify and evaluate workplace hazards, recommending corrective actions to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.
• *Incident Response & Investigation – Support incident investigations, root cause analyses (e.g., ICAM methodology), and reporting, helping to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Compile statistical data, analyze trends, and identify areas of improvement.
• *Workers' Compensation & Insurance Management – In coordination with Risk Management and HR, monitor workers' compensation, general liability, and auto insurance claims. Analyze loss data and design safety initiatives to mitigate risks.
• *Safety Training & Communication – Develop, implement, and lead safety training programs to ensure employees understand company policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Provide ongoing coaching and enforcement.
• *Safety Culture Development – Proactively create and reinforce a strong safety culture by engaging employees, implementing initiatives, and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
• *Loss Prevention & Control – Develop and implement accident-prevention programs, loss control measures, and safe work procedures.
• *Safety Audits & Program Evaluation – Design and conduct safety program audits, evaluate compliance, and implement improvements to enhance workplace safety.
• *Operational Safety Support – Troubleshoot and problem-solve safety-related situations, including material quality, equipment operation, and production challenges. Collaborate with teams to resolve safety concerns.
• *Regulatory Engagement & Advocacy – Stay informed of regulatory changes impacting the construction materials industry. Actively participate in industry committees, national/regional meetings, and working groups, positioning Knife River as an employer of choice and industry leader.
• *Benchmarking & Best Practices – Compare safety performance with industry benchmarks, monitor inspections, and implement best practices to improve safety outcomes.
• *Emergency Response & Preparedness – Develop and oversee emergency response plans, ensuring employees are trained and prepared for workplace emergencies.
• *Implement Safety Best Practices & Performance Metrics – Drive Safety operational excellence by establishing KPIs, leading process improvements, and implementing industry best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• *Partner with Operations for Strategic Safety Planning – Collaborate with operations leaders to align safety initiatives with business priorities, ensuring safety strategies support operational goals and workforce demands.
• *Lead & Develop Safety Team – Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development for safety team members, building strong teams that deliver high-quality safety support and drive employee engagement.
• *Travel & Field Support – Travel regularly to all company operations across Oregon to provide on-site safety support, training, and compliance oversight. Must be able to travel on short notice and for extended periods as needed. Travel to out-of-state regional locations or corporate offices may be required.
• Perform Additional Duties as Assigned – Take on special projects and leadership initiatives that enhance the company's people strategy and organizational effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
(types and extent of knowledge, skills incumbent must possess to complete the job responsibilities satisfactorily)

• Safety & Regulatory Knowledge – Strong understanding of MSHA, OSHA, and DOT regulations, including experience supporting compliance audits and risk assessments.
• Construction Safety Expertise – Knowledge of construction materials operations, required safety practices, and industry-specific training needs.
• Training & Communication – Strong ability to develop and deliver safety training, communicate effectively across all levels, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Problem-Solving & Crisis Management – Skilled in risk assessment, troubleshooting, and crisis management, with the ability to respond effectively to safety-related challenges.
• Technical & Analytical Skills – Ability to research, analyze, and develop safety plans and schedules, using data-driven insights to support decision-making.
• Technology Proficiency – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other safety-related reporting tools for compliance tracking and documentation.
• Workstyle & Adaptability – Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, work independently or collaboratively, and travel as needed to support operations.

Additional Information
Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Safety Incentives
• Years of Service Recognition

How To Apply
To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call to speak with a human resources representative.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Veterans: Put Your Skills to Work with Us
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Below are examples of the many jobs within the military that are transferable to our position.

Air Force: Safety Manager

Navy: Safety Engineer, Surface Safety Officer, Weapons Safety Officer

Marines: Ground Safety Officer, Aviation Safety Officer