Construction Safety Specialist

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.

PPPL is operated by Princeton University for the US Department of Energy (DOE). We are seeking a results-driven Construction Safety Specialist to fulfill a three-year term appointment for the Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) team for 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 candidate must be able to proactively implement the 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.

The Construction Safety Specialist will also 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. This position will also 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.

Collaborate with members of the Construction & Project Safety Team with the proactive and effective implementation of Integrated Safety Management principles and achievement of its zero-injury goal.

Serve as a construction safety Subject Matter Expert in assisting the team with the following:

1. Observing work in the field and documenting inspections to verify application of required controls identifying changed or changing conditions
2. Finding practical, effective solutions for addressing workplace hazards and meeting PPPL requirements
3. Coaching and mentoring workers on safe-work practices and requirements.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. 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, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Assist managers, supervisors, and workers in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities for safely completing the projects in accordance with PPPL and regulatory requirements.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Observe work in the field for changed or changing conditions and verify effective application of controls using pause or stop work when needed.
• 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 project staff and supervisors with pre-job/shift meetings to ensure workers are properly briefed as to the hazards and required controls.
• As SME, assist in finding effective, safe-work solutions to construction hazards and safety challenges.
• Proactively 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 onsite 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 is required.
• An associate degree from an accredited college or equivalent in a related field of study is preferred.
• *5 years + with bachelor’s degree or 8 years + direct experience serving as safety specialist in the construction, power, or Department of Energy research laboratory complex with associates degree, * 10 years + direct experience serving as a safety specializing in the construction or power industries, or Department of Energy research laboratory complex.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of 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 and the ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and front-line workers
• Ability to prepare technical procedures
• Experience working with multi-trade workforces such as steelworkers, carpenters, mechanical technicians/laborers, electricians, plumbers, riggers, etc.
• General understanding of industrial hygiene sampling procedures and principles.
• Proficient in standard office computer applications and construction management software.
• Radiological experience, demolition, and construction background, preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

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

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work which includes bending, crawling, and lifting to 50 pounds without medical restrictions.
• Work will be performed near static magnetic fields.
• Must be capable of climbing ladders and working at heights from scaffolding, platforms, and powered aerial lifts without medical restrictions.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment to include respiratory protection without medical restrictions.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk around the facility (approximately a few miles per day).

Working Conditions

• This position is onsite. Regular hours (construction project dependent): 5 am till 2pm, or 6 am till 3 pm, or 7 am till 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.