Description

NOTE:  Apply through the Company Website Option 

Position Summary

The State Employee Health & Safety Manager serves as the senior authority for the development, implementation, administration, enforcement, and continuous improvement of ODOT’s comprehensive, statewide employee health and safety programs. This position provides strategic leadership and executive-level oversight of complex safety programs governed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for both General Industry and Construction, as well as state and federal employee health & safety requirements applicable to transportation operations.

The role is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance, risk mitigation, employee well-being, and occupational safety across a workforce of more than 2,500 employees operating in diverse environments statewide. The State Safety Manager serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing data-driven insights, policy guidance, and strategic direction to foster a proactive, compliant, and employee-safety-focused organizational culture.

Requirements

Supervisory Responsibility

Provides direct supervision and management oversight to eight (8) management-level safety professionals, two (2) staff-level program support personnel, and indirect oversight of divisional safety program coordinators.

 
Position Responsibilities

Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for all statewide employee health and safety programs.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety initiatives that reduce risk, prevent injuries, and support operational excellence.
Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert and senior authority on employee safety, occupational health, and regulatory compliance.
Represent ODOT in interactions with regulatory agencies, auditors, industry partners, and external stakeholders.
Develop, maintain, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and standards aligned with agency objectives and legal requirements.
 
Essential Functions

Direct and oversee statewide safety operations encompassing construction, maintenance, administrative, and field environments.
Analyze safety data, trends, incidents, and performance indicators to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
Oversee incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory agencies and executive leadership.
Evaluate and manage high-risk operations and emerging safety issues.
Provide expert guidance during emergency events, serious incidents, and regulatory inspections.
 
Leadership and Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a management-level safety leadership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and outcomes aligned with agency priorities.
Promote a culture of safety leadership throughout all levels of the organization.
Advise senior leadership on safety-related risks, strategic initiatives, and organizational impacts.
 
Program Planning and Development

Direct the design, implementation, enforcement, and continuous improvement of statewide safety programs, including but not limited to:
Employee Health and Safety Program
Workers’ Compensation and Return-to-Work Program
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
Safety Training and Education Program
MUTCD and Work Zone Safety Program
Pre-Employment Physical Abilities Demonstration Program
Fleet, equipment, and heavy machinery safety programs
Hazard communication and industrial hygiene programs
Emergency preparedness and response programs
Ensure programs are aligned with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and agency operational needs.
 
Budget and Financial Management

Develop and manage the safety program budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
Evaluate cost-benefit impacts of safety initiatives and investments.
Support reduction of workers’ compensation costs through proactive safety and injury prevention strategies.
Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, or funding that support safety objectives.
 
 Compliance

Ensure agency-wide compliance with OSHA (General Industry and Construction), USDOT, FMCSA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
Serve as primary liaison with regulatory and oversight agencies during inspections, audits, and investigations.
Oversee corrective action plans and ensure timely resolution of compliance findings.
 
Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Represent ODOT in safety-related forums, committees, and industry associations.
Engage with state agencies, contractors, law enforcement, and public partners on safety initiatives impacting transportation operations.
Promote public and employee awareness of safety priorities and best practices.
 
Interdepartmental Collaboration

Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Executive leadership to integrate safety into all aspects of agency operations.
Provide consultation and support to leadership and managers on safety planning, risk mitigation, safety training, and operational decisions.
 
Job Requirements

Knowledge of

Federal and state occupational safety and health regulations (OSHA, CFR 29, CFR 49, etc.).
Construction and transportation industry safety standards and practices.
Workers’ compensation systems, claims management, and return-to-work strategies.
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program requirements.
Industrial hygiene principles and occupational health hazards.
Safety management systems, risk assessment methodologies, and performance metrics.

Skill in

Executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making.
Managing complex, multi-disciplinary safety programs across large geographic areas.
Interpreting and applying regulatory requirements to operational environments.
Data analysis, reporting, and presentation to senior leadership.
Coaching and developing management-level professionals.
Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
 
Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in occupational health and safety management, including senior or executive-level leadership in this field.
Demonstrated senior-level leadership experience managing safety programs for a large organization (2,500+ employees) across diverse operational environments.
Certifications (Highly Preferred)

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM)
OSHA-Authorized Trainer credentials
Certified Safety & Health Official (CSHO)
Safety, Health, and Environmental Professional (SHEP)
 
The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned safety executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale, complex employee health and safety programs within a public-sector or similarly regulated environment. This individual demonstrates strong strategic vision, sound judgment, and the ability to influence safety culture at all organizational levels. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative leadership style, deep regulatory expertise, and a commitment to protecting employees while supporting the mission-critical operations of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

 
Why Join ODOT

At ODOT, safety is foundational to everything we do. This position offers the opportunity to shape and lead statewide safety programs that directly impact employees, the traveling public, and the future of Oklahoma’s transportation system.