Description
This position is expected to be filled by July 31, 2026. To receive full consideration, please submit your application before that date. This posting may remain open after July 31, 2026, until a qualified candidate has been selected.
About Us
Western States Water is a leading multi-state civil construction and water infrastructure company serving communities mostly across Colorado and surrounding regions. With more than 300 employees, we are committed to delivering complex infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
At Western States Water, safety is not just a requirement. It is a core value. We are seeking a Safety & Risk Manager who will strengthen our companywide safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide leadership with clear, measurable safety performance metrics.
Job Summary
The Safety & Risk Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and continuously improving the company's safety, compliance, and risk management programs across multiple operating companies, construction projects, and field locations. This role provides strategic leadership in workplace safety, regulatory compliance, incident prevention, claims management, and risk mitigation while supporting operational excellence and employee well-being.
The Safety & Risk Manager partners closely with field leadership and executive management to foster a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT/FMCSA, and other applicable regulations, and drive accountability through measurable performance indicators. Responsibilities include oversight of safety training, incident investigations, contractor compliance programs, workers' compensation and liability claims management, fleet safety initiatives, insurance-related matters, and continuous improvement efforts designed to reduce organizational risk and support business objectives.
The ideal candidate is a proactive and collaborative leader who can effectively engage employees at all levels of the organization while providing strategic guidance, regulatory oversight, and data-driven reporting to leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Manage, maintain, and continuously improve the company's integrated safety and risk management programs, including reviewing and updating the Safety ---Manual, policies, procedures, and training materials as needed to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
Create and conduct new hire safety orientations and ongoing employee safety training to ensure OSHA and industry compliance
Perform regular job site inspections, hazard assessments, safety audits, and compliance reviews
Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action planning
Track and report key safety performance indicators (KPIs), including incident rates, near misses, training completion, inspections, and compliance metrics
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA, DOT/FMCSA, MSHA, and other applicable requirements
Serve as the primary point of contact for safety inspections, documentation, regulatory reporting, and agency inquiries
Promote a proactive safety culture through field engagement, employee coaching, and leadership collaboration
Maintain company compliance within contractor management and safety prequalification platforms, including ISNetworld, Veriforce, and other client-required systems
Manage and maintain FMCSA Driver Qualification (DQ) Files and support DOT compliance requirements
Administer and monitor fleet safety, driver qualification, and vehicle compliance programs
Manage the company's drug and alcohol testing program and related compliance requirements
Maintain company Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inventory, distribution records, and replenishment processes
Manage Workers' Compensation claims, including documentation, coordination with medical providers, return-to-work programs, and claim follow-up
Manage property damage, vehicle, and general liability claims, coordinating with insurance carriers, employees, and management throughout the claims process
Attend injured employee medical appointments (when necessary) to support proper care and claim management
Coordinate emergency response planning, drills, and preparedness initiatives
Coordinate and complete special safety projects, audits, compliance initiatives, and other safety-related assignments as needed
Provide support for English and Spanish safety communications, training materials, meetings, and incident investigations as needed
Assist operations and leadership teams with risk management strategies and continuous safety improvement initiatives
Qualifications
Experience
Minimum 5 years of safety management experience in construction, utilities, heavy civil, industrial, or related environments
Proven experience managing safety programs across multiple job sites and operating divisions
Experience with Workers' Compensation claims management, DOT/FMCSA compliance, and contractor safety management systems preferred
Education and Certifications
OSHA 500, CHST, CSP, OSHA 30, or equivalent safety certifications preferred
Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Risk Management, Construction Management, or related field preferred but not required
Skills and Competencies
Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, construction safety standards, and risk management principles
Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and Driver Qualification File requirements
Experience administering ISNetworld, Veriforce, or similar contractor compliance platforms
Experience developing and delivering safety training programs
Ability to analyze, track, and present safety KPIs to executive leadership
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and safety management software
Bilingual English and Spanish skills preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $100,000 to $130,000 depending on experience + potential bonus
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) retirement with company match
Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
WSW is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The Equal Opportunity policy at WSW provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, nation origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, protected veteran status or disability or any other status(es) protected by law. WSW ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and mandatory supplements to EEO (revisions).
