HSE Lead – Transportation & Utility Infrastructure

Location: DC / Maryland / Virginia (DMV Region)
Compensation: $160,000–$170,000 base salary (depending on experience)
Industry: Transportation & Utility Infrastructure

Position Summary

A leading billion-dollar infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced HSE Lead to support major transportation and utility infrastructure projects throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Reporting directly to the Safety Director, this role will play a key part in executing the company’s safety strategy, strengthening field safety performance, and promoting a proactive, zero-incident safety culture across complex construction operations.

The successful candidate will provide hands-on HSE leadership across underground utility, metro, highway, roadway, and airport construction projects. This position will partner closely with project leadership, operations teams, and field personnel to identify risks, implement safety initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement across active projects.

Key Responsibilities

Report directly to the Safety Director and support the execution of company-wide HSE initiatives across assigned projects.
Provide field-level safety leadership for transportation and utility infrastructure operations throughout the DMV region.
Promote and reinforce a proactive safety culture through daily engagement, coaching, and visible field presence.
Conduct regular jobsite audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify hazards and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, General Foremen, and craft personnel to improve safety performance and compliance.
Develop, implement, and maintain site-specific safety plans, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs), and other safety documentation.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
Lead incident investigations, near-miss reviews, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans.
Deliver safety training, orientations, toolbox talks, and ongoing safety coaching for field employees and leadership teams.
Monitor safety metrics, identify trends, and provide reporting and recommendations to the Safety Director and senior leadership.
Support preconstruction planning by identifying project-specific risks and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with clients, owners, and regulatory agencies to maintain strong safety performance and compliance.
Assist with emergency response planning and support project teams during critical events.
Travel regularly throughout the DMV region to support multiple active projects.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of HSE leadership experience supporting heavy civil, transportation, utility, or infrastructure construction projects.
Experience supporting complex construction environments, including:
- Underground utilities
- Metro or rail infrastructure
- Highway and roadway construction
- Airport infrastructure
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification required.
Strong knowledge of OSHA construction standards, safety regulations, and industry best practices.
Proven experience implementing safety programs and improving safety performance across large-scale projects.
Ability to effectively communicate and influence employees at all levels, from craft personnel to executive leadership.
Experience conducting safety audits, incident investigations, training programs, and compliance reviews.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout the DMV region.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with a major utility, heavy civil, transportation, or infrastructure contractor.
Experience supporting large-scale public infrastructure projects.
Familiarity with DOT, transit authority, airport authority, and owner-controlled safety requirements.
OSHA 500 certification or equivalent safety credentials.
Strong understanding of environmental compliance and risk management practices.

What We Offer

Competitive base salary of $160,000–$170,000
Opportunity to join a financially strong, billion-dollar infrastructure contractor
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and company holidays
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Company vehicle or vehicle allowance (where applicable)
Career advancement opportunities within a nationally recognized organization
Opportunity to make a significant impact on safety performance across critical transportation and utility infrastructure projects

If you are an experienced HSE professional with a background in complex infrastructure construction and a passion for building a world-class safety culture, this is an opportunity to join a premier contractor and make a measurable impact.

Safety Lead - Transportation/Utility