Sr Safety Administrator (Underground)

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As the Sr Safety Administrator (Underground), you will design, develop, implement, and oversee the organization's health and safety programs (work environment), policies, and procedures to safeguard associates and surrounding communities to ensure that all facilities are in compliance with current and future OSHA, EPA, ADA, DOL, and DOT regulations and laws. This position also partners with the company's Field Services & Outside Plant Construction groups and serves as the subject matter expert (SME) on current safety training requirements of our field associates, including processes, safety equipment such as fire suppression, and video surveillance. It is further responsible for the evaluating the effectiveness of current standards and procedures.

This position targets opportunities for mitigating risks and creating efficiencies related to safety procedures throughout the organization. It designs and oversees the rollout of emergency response strategies and manages the administration of and coordination of safety supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to the organization.

This position will be strategically located within our Spokane, WA or Coeur d'Alene, ID markets.

Plan, manage, develop, and implement best practice safety programs. This includes written safety programs, proactive development of safety agenda topics for team meetings, and coordination of safety training for field associates (e.g., Safety training course, outdoor heat exposure, fall protection, etc.). Complete field audits and inspections to ensure compliance with department policy and government regulations.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and unsafe equipment, working practices, or working conditions. Research, select, and standardize new safety equipment with continued monitoring. May implement hazardous waste control and disposal activities including training, collection, disposal, and records maintenance, as well as conservation programs within the organization as the result of audit, inspection and/or research. Promote safety and health awareness through internal communications, newsletters, and training.
• Manage the company's DOT program in conjunction with TDS Fleet Department, including coordination of DOT driver requirements through an approved vendor.
• Review injury/illness and non-injury incident reports to identify root causes and recommend solutions. This could include investigation of accidents, completion or verification of accident reports, and liaison with specialists and health and safety authorities to identify the causes of accidents and prevent their recurrence.
• Manage emergency action plans. Ensure inventory of all safety related items by facility location (i.e. first aid supplies, etc.).
• Monitor, update and manage safety policies within the Safety Handbook to ensure a safe workplace environment which is compliant with OSHA, EPA, and applicable city, county, state, and federal safety and health regulations. Understand federal and state occupational safety and health regulations and monitor regulatory changes as they occur; and maintain safety resources. Work closely with the Leave Administration Team to monitor lost-time injuries/illnesses and worker's compensation claims.
• Manage office ergonomics assessments and accommodation review processes. Meet with associates to assess workstation concerns and makes recommendations, which could include going through the medical accommodation process.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors' degree or 4+ years' professional work experience.
• 2+ years' experience in a safety-sensitive position -OR- 2+ years experience in safety and security program management.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
  

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or commitment to obtain the same.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, First Aid, and Ergonomics.
• A current CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in a safety science-related discipline is a plus.
• Facilities background a plus.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ablity to make difficult decisions concerning complex issues, often in areas where there is no precedent.
• Ability to organize priorities to achieve maximum performance in a cost effective manner.
• Ability to multi-task a variety of projects with diverse groups.
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The associate must also be able to climb poles, ladders, towers or other structures. The associate is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The associate must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.