Safety Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Here at Master Boat Builders, we are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Safety Director to lead and oversee all health, safety, and environmental programs on our large-scale shipyard. This position is critical to ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and other applicable maritime, environmental, and industrial safety guidelines.

The Safety Director will develop, implement, and continuously improve policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for over 400 employees engaged in shipbuilding and related industrial operations.

• Lead the development, implementation, and enforcement of a comprehensive safety management system in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant standards.

• Work alongside our Safety Manager to monitor and audit workplace conditions and practices to eliminate hazardous activities and ensure a zero-incident culture.

• Serve as the subject matter expert on OSHA 1915 (Shipyard Employment Standards)

• Direct incident investigations and root cause analyses for accidents, injuries, and near misses; lead corrective and preventive actions.

• Develop and oversee employee safety training programs, including OSHA 10/30-hour courses, confined space entry, hot work, fall protection, and PPE usage.

• Manage the HSE team, safety supervisors, and coordinators; conduct regular team meetings and safety briefings.

• Maintain all safety records, including OSHA logs, training documentation, and inspection reports.

• Conduct and supervise routine inspections, audits, risk assessments, and emergency response drills.

• Work closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Maintenance teams to promote a collaborative approach to safety.

• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to executive leadership on key safety metrics and program progress.

• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging federal, state, and local regulations impacting shipyard safety.

• Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership to integrate safety objectives into operational goals and corporate strategy.

• Champion a proactive safety culture through leadership visibility, communication, and accountability across all departments.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ISO 45001 or similar management systems.

• Reduction in incident rate and lost-time accidents.

• Compliance audit scores (OSHA EPA).

• Employee training completion and engagement rates. • Leading indicators such as near-miss reporting participation and hazard identification.

• Proficiency with safety management systems (SMS), digital incident reporting tools, and data analytics software.

• Experience leveraging technology to monitor and report key safety performance metrics.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s Degree highly preferred.

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive safety leadership experience in shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or maritime environments. • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent strongly preferred.

• OSHA Authorized Trainer (10 & 30-hour general industry or construction) is highly desirable.

• In-depth knowledge of OSHA 1915 & 1926 standards, ABS rules and regulations, and environmental compliance regulations (EPA, USCG, etc.).

• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs in a large workforce environment.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-risk industrial environment

• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and drive behavioral change.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and engage employees at all levels.

• Decisive, calm under pressure, and solution-oriented in emergency situations.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, in and around shipyard operations including vessels, scaffolding, confined spaces, and elevated work areas.

• Regular exposure to noise, moving equipment, and hazardous materials.

• Ability to walk, stand, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds as required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k)-match program.

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support