DOT Compliance Field Safety Specialist

Job Summary:

The DOT Compliance Field Safety Specialist is responsible for promoting and ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations across the company's operational divisions. This role serves as a field-based compliance representative tasked with conducting inspections, audits, training, coaching, and operational reviews to improve regulatory compliance and driver safety performance.The position requires extensive travel to field locations and job sites, with up to 75% travel expected throughout the operating footprint.

Essential Duties

Field Compliance Audits & Inspections

• Conduct routine field audits of commercial motor vehicle operations to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations and company policies.
• Perform driver observations and compliance inspections at terminals, yards, customer locations, and project sites.
• Review Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) for accuracy, completeness, and corrective action follow-through.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment for compliance with DOT standards and company maintenance requirements.
• Verify compliance with vehicle inspection, maintenance, and documentation requirements.
• Conduct pre-trip, en route, and post-trip observation audits.

Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance

• Monitor driver compliance with Hours-of-Service regulations.
• Assist in identifying recurring HOS violations and trends.
• Conduct field reviews of Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records.
• Investigate unassigned drive time, unidentified driving events, and log discrepancies.
• Provide coaching and training on proper logbook management and ELD utilization.
• Assist operations personnel with understanding HOS limitations and scheduling impacts.

Driver Training & Development

• Deliver hands-on safety and compliance training for drivers and field personnel.
• Conduct new-hire compliance orientation as assigned.
• Train employees on FMCSA regulations; Hours of Service requirements; Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs); Electronic Logging Device (ELD) usage; vehicle inspections; cargo securement requirements; accident and incident reporting procedures; and company transportation safety policies.
• Provide corrective coaching for drivers identified through inspections, audits, or performance metrics.

Cargo Securement & Load Compliance

• Inspect loads and securement systems to ensure compliance with FMCSA cargo securement regulations.
• Verify proper use of chains, binders, straps, dunnage, blocking, and tie-down devices.
• Conduct field observations of loading and unloading activities.
• Assist with development and delivery of cargo securement training programs.
• Provide recommendations to improve load securement practices and reduce risk.

Safety Monitoring & Risk Reduction

• Identify unsafe behaviors, compliance deficiencies, and operational risks.
• Conduct ride-alongs and field evaluations as needed.
• Support corrective action plans for drivers and operational teams.
• Assist with accident investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Recommend process improvements designed to strengthen compliance and safety performance.

Compliance Documentation & Reporting

• Document audit findings, inspections, observations, and coaching activities.
• Maintain accurate records of compliance reviews and training activities.
• Assist with preparation for DOT audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.

Incident & Accident Investigation

• Respond to crash, incident, and near-miss events.
• Conduct field investigations and gather facts, photos, and statements.
• Review ELD records, dash camera footage, DVIRs, and other relevant data.
• Prepare investigation reports and corrective action recommendations.
• Assist with post-accident drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Support accident review meetings and driver coaching efforts.
• Assist with regulatory, insurance, and customer information requests related to incidents.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Fleet Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources, and Transportation leadership to improve compliance performance.
• Support implementation of company safety initiatives and compliance programs.
• Serve as a resource for management regarding FMCSA regulations and operational compliance requirements.

Additional Duties

• Other duties as needed or assigned.