Construction Safety Specialist

PPPL, operated by Princeton University for the Department of Energy (DOE), is seeking a results-driven Construction Safety Specialist, to fulfill a one-year term appointment for ES&H support and assurance on construction and major projects. This position serves as a key member of the ES&H – Construction & Project Safety Division team and will provide valuable assistance to National Spherical Torus Experiment - Upgrade (NSTX-U) Recovery, Tritium System Demolition & Disposal (TSDD) and other future projects being designed by PPPL Projects Management Office (PMO) and Facilities and Site Services.

The ideal candidate must be able to pro-actively and effectively implement DOE’s and PPPL’s Integrated Safety Management principles and strive for to reach PPPL’s zero-injury goal. This role will promote project safety, integrated program of best practices, standards, guidance and procedures. This individual is expected to enable and foster a proactive and integrated safety culture that promotes a sense of urgency based on safety observations, assessments, and open feedback to mitigate risk and identify hazards.

Reporting the ES&H Head of Construction and Project Safety Division, the term Construction Safety Specialist will also activity support Lab-wide initiatives, responsible for assuring the implementation of the Lab’s safety and security across the Lab while promoting PPPL’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The term Construction Safety Specialist shall act as a strategic partner to enable and assist Project and construction line management in full implementation of ES&H programs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, world-renowned research institution and further its work to strengthen our ES&H construction and project safety programs and expertise, develop innovative and efficient solutions to foster line management stewardship of ES&H, and promote a healthy work and safety culture for PPPL.

Are you interested in joining the world’s brightest talent in solving some of the world’s grandest scientific challenges of the 21st century? Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is doing just that! Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Assist the Construction Safety Team with the proactive and effective implementation of Integrated Safety Management principles and achievement of its zero-injury goal. The incumbent will serve as a Subject Matter Expert in assisting the team with 1) finding practical, effective solutions for addressing workplace hazards and meeting PPPL requirements, 2) coaching and mentoring workers on safe-work practices and requirements, and 3) frequently observing work in the field and documenting inspections to verify application of required controls and identify changed or changing conditions.

Assist managers, supervisors and workers in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities for safely completing the projects in accordance with PPPL requirements. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• As SME, assist in finding effective, safe-work solutions to hazards and safety challenges.
• Assist with the preparation, review and approval of Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) and review project procedures for identification of hazards and appropriate controls.
• Conduct pre-shift work area walk-throughs to verify conditions are safe to proceed.
• Assist with pre-job/shift meetings to ensure workers are properly briefed as to the hazards and required controls.
• Continually observe work in the field for changed or changing conditions and verify effective application of controls and pause or stop work when needed.
• Pro-actively identify and communicate problems at their incipient stage and assist project team with their prompt and effective resolution.
• Pause or stop work, if needed.
• Review new or revised procedures and processes for the potential introduction of new hazards and safety challenges.
• Assist with project team and PPPL ES&H organization in reporting safety data and information.
• Perform on-site employee exposure monitoring for a variety of chemical contaminants and noise dosimetry associated with construction projects or facilities activities.

Education and Experience: 

• High School diploma (required), and associated degree from an accredited college or equivalent in a related field of study (preferred).
• 8 years + direct experience serving as safety specialist in the construction or power industries, or Department of Energy research laboratory complex with degree * 10 years + direct experience serving as a safety specialist in the construction or power industries, or Department of Energy research laboratory complex.
• 3-5 years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• General knowledge and experience with OSHA 1910 and 1926 requirements.
• In-depth experience with core physical and chemical hazards such as excavation, confined space, hazardous energy control, elevated work, rigging and material handling, noise, and respiratory hazards. Experience with formal work planning and permitting systems preferred.
• Strong written communication skills including the preparation of technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers and front-line workers.
• Experience working with multi-trade workforce including mechanical technicians/laborers, electricians and riggers.
• General understanding of industrial hygiene sampling procedures and principles.
• Competence in standard office computer applications.
• Radiological experience, demolition and construction background, preferred.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• OSHA 30-hr. Construction or General Industry certification (mandatory).
• Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST) certification (preferred).

Physical Requirements: 

• No medical restrictions on performing physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• No medical restriction working near static magnetic fields.
• Capable of climbing ladders and working at heights from scaffolding, platforms and powered aerial lifts.
• No medical restrictions on wearing personal protective equipment to include respiratory protection.
• Able to stand for long periods of time and walk around the facility (approximately a few miles per day).

Working Conditions: 

• Regular hours: 7 am to 4 pm.
• Shift work and some weekends may be required. 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.