Safety Officer - Coldwater, MI

Location : Coldwater, MI (onsite)

About Novak Construction
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Chicago, Novak Construction is a premier national general contractor and construction management firm. We deliver complex, high-profile projects across retail, healthcare, industrial, and cold storage sectors. Our commitment to safety, excellence, and client satisfaction has made us a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Summary
The Site Safety Officer ensures safety is embedded in every phase of our projects. Initially, this role will be full-time on our project (~1 year), with occasional overnight trips to other regional sites as needed. After project completion, the position transitions into a full-time traveling Safety Officer role, supporting multiple projects across multiple states. Responsibilities include enforcing OSHA standards, identifying hazards, implementing controls, and fostering a proactive safety culture on complex job sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular site safety inspections and audits; document hazards and ensure timely corrective actions
• Assist with subcontractor onboarding and site-specific safety orientation
• Enforce company and owner safety requirements on-site
• Maintain and update the site-specific safety plan and related documentation
• Monitor compliance with OSHA and applicable regulations
• Participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs), toolbox talks, and safety meetings
• Assist with incident and near-miss investigations; support root cause analysis
• Coordinate and provide training on PPE use, fall protection, and other key topics
• Maintain accurate safety records: inspections, training, incident reports, permits, etc.
• Support collaboration between project managers, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies
• Promote a proactive safety culture through daily engagement and hazard recognition
• Conduct and document quality control inspections as needed
• Assist with site reporting and documentation (e.g., logs, photos, safety metrics)
• Support emergency response planning and drills

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction safety on complex commercial or industrial projects
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and compliance requirements
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification and First Aid/CPR preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety & Health, Industrial Hygiene, or related field preferred
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented with strong observational and documentation abilities
• Physically able to navigate large job sites, climb ladders, and lift up to 75 lbs occasionally
• Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Bluebeam, AutoDesk, or Procore a plus
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Weekly allowances for auto, fuel and mobile phone
• Ongoing safety training and support for continuing education

Equal Opportunity Employer
Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.