Manager of Safety

The Manager of Safety leads the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of the Cooperative's comprehensive safety program, apprenticeship program, and workplace safety compliance efforts. This position works closely with leadership and operations personnel to promote a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

The Manager of Safety develops and delivers safety training, conducts field safety observations, investigates incidents, and implements corrective actions to reduce risk exposure to employees, members, and the public. The position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to the cooperative’s core values and cooperative principles.

General & Safety Leadership

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions, fostering trust with employees, members, and the public while supporting the Cooperative’s safety culture and reputation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish safety goals, priorities, initiatives, and accountability measures that strengthen the Cooperative's safety culture.
• Lead the ongoing development, implementation, and coordination of all aspects of the Prairie Land Safety Program, including the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) when applicable.
• Develop, review, and recommend safety and regulatory compliance policies, procedures, and work practices in collaboration with appropriate leadership and subject matter experts.
• Demonstrate leadership skills that motivate employees toward a shared commitment to safety.
• Promote a work environment focused on safe work practices and minimal risk exposure for cooperative members, employees, and stakeholders.
• Exercise and promote Stop Work Authority when unsafe conditions or practices are observed.
• Maintain and update the Prairie Land Safety Manual and related safety policies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations, including OSHA, DOT, EPA, KCC, KDHE, and other applicable regulatory agencies.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of electric utility safety standards including OSHA regulations governing electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Monitor regulatory changes and communicate relevant updates to cooperative leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry safety regulations.
• Leads or coordinates investigations of employee accidents, safety violations, and public incidents involving cooperative employees, property, or equipment.
• Document investigations and ensure appropriate corrective actions and follow-up measures are implemented.
• Maintain documentation, files, and records associated with the cooperative’s safety and training programs.
• Assist in maintaining OSHA injury and incident records and ensuring proper reporting procedures are followed.

Apprenticeship Program

• Coordinate and administer the cooperative’s apprenticeship program in accordance with program standards and requirements.
• Monitor apprentice progress, training hours, and required coursework to ensure timely completion of program milestones.
• Serve as a liaison between apprentices, supervisors, and training providers to support skill development and program compliance.
• Support the integration of safety practices and regulatory requirements into apprentice training and field development.
• Maintain program records and documentation related to apprentice training, evaluations, and certifications.

Safety Committee & Reporting

• Serve as chair of the Prairie Land Safety Committee and coordinate committee meetings.
• Ensure safety committee agendas and meeting minutes are documented and distributed.
• Prepare a monthly safety report for the CEO to be included in the Board of Trustees’ report.
• Track safety performance metrics and recommend improvements to reduce incidents and injuries.

Safety Training & Education

• Develops and delivers safety training programs for operations and administrative personnel, including monthly safety meetings and new employee safety orientation.
• Coordinate and maintain training schedules and safety training records for employees.
• Assist with employee certification and compliance training such as CPR, AED, and first aid.
• Conduct periodic safety drills and emergency response exercises.
• Provide electrical safety education and demonstrations for schools, first responders, and community groups when requested.

Operational Safety & Equipment Compliance

• Conducts routine field observations of work crews to monitor compliance with safety procedures, identify potential hazards, and implement safe work practices in accordance with industry standards.
• Ensures required testing and certification schedules are maintained for personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, blankets, and other safety equipment.
• Performs periodic inspections of vehicles, tools, equipment, facilities, and grounds to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Verifies completion of required vehicle and equipment inspection reports.
• Oversee testing and maintenance schedules for safety equipment including AEDs, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

Administrative

• Maintains safety documentation, compliance records, training logs, and investigation files in accordance with regulatory requirements and cooperative policy.
• Manages multiple safety initiatives and projects while maintaining professional relationships with employees, members, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Other Essential Functions

• Acquire and maintain the technical knowledge necessary to understand cooperative operations and apply applicable safety regulations and standards in support of job responsibilities.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and translate conceptual ideas into detailed programs, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and deliver educational and training materials using a variety of media formats.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management, applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities.

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

· Journeyman Lineman certification

· Minimum of five years of experience in electric utility operations, industrial safety, risk management, or a closely related field.

· Valid Kansas Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

· Associate’s degree in occupational safety, industrial safety, or a related field

· Experience in safety training, communications, public speaking, and leadership roles

· Completion or pursuit of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) program is preferred.

o The Manager of Safety will be required to complete the NRECA Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) program.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office, warehouse, and outdoor field environments. Duties require frequent travel throughout the cooperative’s service territory and occasional travel to conferences, meetings, and training events. The position requires working outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. Occasional overtime may also be required including irregular hours during outages, storm restoration, emergencies, or safety incidents.

Physical Demands

Frequent physical activity including standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Occasional climbing, kneeling, crawling, reaching, pushing, and working in confined or awkward spaces may be required when observing or assisting field operations. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel between job locations. Must also be able to visually inspect equipment, work practices, and safety conditions at job sites. Must be able to communicate clearly in person, over the radio, or by phone in field and office environments.