Burns Group is a family-owned business, established in 1977, proudly serving the civil construction and aggregates industry across the Southeast. Our operations span heavy civil construction, logistics, and recycling—driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and service. Guided by our core values—Own It, Say What You Mean, Raise the Bar, and Build for More—we empower our people to lead with integrity, deliver excellence, and pursue long-term impact in every project. Discover what it means to be #burnsbuilt.

SAFETY DIRECTOR

THE JOB

Burns is seeking a proactive, hands-on Safety Director to lead safety initiatives across our construction, logistics, and waste management divisions. This role is responsible for implementing and maintaining safety standards that protect our employees, ensure regulatory compliance, and reinforce our culture of continuous improvement.

As a solo safety leader, this position serves as the primary resource for all field and facility safety efforts. The Safety Director will deliver training, conduct site audits, lead incident investigations, manage compliance documentation, and drive engagement with behavior-based safety and incentive programs.

DESCRIPTION

Safety Leadership & Culture

• Champion a culture of safety across all operations.
• Lead strategic safety initiatives, including behavior-based safety programs and employee recognition efforts.
• Serve as subject matter expert for safety standards in heavy civil construction, commercial trucking, and waste operations.

Training & Development

• Facilitate new hire safety orientation for all divisions.
• Conduct ongoing safety training, including toolbox talks, driver safety meetings, and targeted refreshers.
• Administer OSHA 10 training for employees (OSHA 500 preferred).
• Develop and maintain SOPs and safety-related communications.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FMCSA/DOT, EPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Track, log, and report incidents, near-misses, and safety violations.
• Lead or support investigations of safety incidents, including root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
• Maintain compliance documentation and inspection logs.

Site Monitoring & Audits

• Conduct regular safety audits of job sites, vehicle fleets, landfills, and facilities.
• Identify hazards and recommend controls or improvements.
• Verify use of PPE, safety protocols, signage, and environmental protections.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with operations managers, fleet supervisors, and HR.
• Provide safety documentation for workers' compensation claims.
• Assist with software implementation and data reporting via BambooHR and selected safety/logistics platforms.

Travel

• Travel frequently between project sites, facilities, and yards (within 100-mile radius).
• 5+ years of safety experience across construction, transportation, or waste industries.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, FMCSA, and DOT regulations.
• Proven ability to lead training and enforce safety programs in diverse work environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly.

Preferred:

• OSHA 500 Certification (to administer OSHA 10 training)
• DOT/FMCSA-specific safety certifications
• Experience with BambooHR or safety management software

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to build trust and influence without direct authority
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Committed to practical, field-based safety leadership
• Proficient in documentation, reporting, and safety data tracking

Work Environment:

This role includes office work, field visits, and facility inspections. Exposure to construction sites, vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, and waste environments is expected. PPE is required during site visits.