Caltrans Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About High-Light Electric, Inc.

High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE, Inc.) is a California-based, family-owned union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996. For nearly three decades we have been delivering complex public works and electrical construction across the state - highway lighting, roadway signalization, fiber optic systems, airport lighting, CCTV installations, overhead power transmission lines, and pump plant equipment.

We operate as both general contractor and subcontractor on multi-million dollar public agency projects, partnering with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California. Our crews self-perform the majority of our work - a reflection of the discipline, skill, and ownership mentality we bring to every project.

In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list - #116 - a recognition of our growth, operational strength, and the team that makes it possible.

HLE is part of the Mendoza Companies ecosystem - a growing platform of businesses guided by a mission to connect 1,000 families and communities through business by 2040. When you join HLE, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a mission.

The Role

The Safety Coordinator is HLE's on-site safety authority - responsible for owning, enforcing, and continuously improving the company's safety program across all active construction projects.

This is a field leadership role, not a support function. You will ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations, Caltrans construction specifications, and Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations on every project, every day.

You will work closely with project managers, field crews, subcontractors, and agency representatives from project setup through closeout. This role reports to the Area Operations Manager and offers a defined growth path to Safety Manager based on performance.

The field will test you. Schedules will create pressure. Situations will demand calm when others bring chaos. If you are the kind of person who holds the line when it is hard, leads with steadiness under fire, and takes pride in a job done right -this role was built for you.
What You'll Do

• Own, develop, enforce, and continuously update the Site-Specific Safety Program (SSSP) on every active project from setup through closeout.

• Conduct daily field safety inspections and weekly safety meetings - document findings and drive corrective action in real time.

• Manage all project safety submittals, credentials, and compliance records on time per Caltrans contract requirements.

• Review subcontractor work plans before work begins; lead pre-planning for all high-hazard activities including confined space, excavations, crane operations, and high-pressure systems.

• Report all incidents and near missesimmediatelyto the Engineer of Record and HLE leadership; lead investigations and implement corrective actionthrough toverified closure.

• Deliver new worker site orientations on every project for every worker - no exceptions.

• Issue written safety notices for non-compliance;maintaina field consequence log documenting all violations and resolutions.

• Maintainaccurate, current, and audit-ready safety records in Procore, Vista, and all required compliance platforms.

• Coordinate safety training and certification programs for field personnel and subcontractors.

• Stay current with Cal/OSHA regulations, Caltrans specifications, and 8 CCR requirements - communicate relevant updates to field teams and management.

Required Qualifications

• Current and active professional safety certification - CSP orCHST stronglypreferred. Equivalent BCSP or NASP certifications considered with leadership approval. Must be valid and verifiable attimeof application.FirstAid, CPR, and OSHA training cards do not qualify.

• Cal/OSHA 30-Hour (Construction Industry) or OSHA 510 -requiredas a Caltrans contractual submittal. Must be current.

• Minimum 3 years of direct, hands-on safety experience in heavy construction, heavy civil, heavy industrial, or oil and energy sectors.

• Fluent in English and Spanish (spoken, read, and written)

• Current First Aid and CPR certification
  

• Confined Space Entry and Fall Protection training (must be obtained within the first 30 days of employment; company support may be provided)
  

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportationinsurableunder HLE's commercial auto policy.
• Valid California Driver's License (Class C required, Class A preferred). Must be insurable under our commercial auto policy.
  

Preferred:

• Prior Caltrans or California public works project experience as the primary safety representative.

• Working familiarity with Procore and Vista/Viewpoint for safety documentation.

• Experience with traffic control documentation and highway construction safety environments.

Work Environment & Expectations

This role is performed primarily in the field on active construction sites throughout California. Work may take place in varying conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, nighttime operations, and near active traffic or heavy equipment.

This is a field-based, statewide role with no fixed office schedule. Travel across California is required.

The role requires the ability to perform essential job functions in these environments with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position is best suited for candidates with direct experience in construction or similar high-risk field environments where safety enforcement, compliance, and documentation are critical.

Who Succeeds in This Role

Before you apply, take an honest read of the three points below. The candidates who succeed at HLE answer yes to all three.

1. You get it.

You understand that safety is afieldleadership function - not a paperwork role. You see the connection between compliance, documentation, crew accountability, and the safety of every worker on site. You know what it means to be the safety authority on an active Caltrans project with agency inspectors, subcontractors, and a mixed crew. You do not need to be told why enforcement matters.

2. You want it.

You genuinely want the responsibility - owning the safety program, holding the line in the field, issuing written notices when crews push back, and building a culture of accountabilityon every project you touch. You want to grow into Safety Manager overtimeand you are willing to earn it through consistent performance, discipline, and delivery.

3. You have the capacity to do it.

You hold a current qualifying professional safety certification. You have the technical depth, regulatory knowledge, and field presence to manage compliance across multiple active projects simultaneously - without dropping documentation, missing submittal deadlines, or deferring enforcement when it creates friction. You are bilingual. You are comfortable in Procore. You have the physical stamina and composure to perform this work outdoors, in California conditions, on the schedule the work demands.

What We Offer

Compensation for this role falls within the posted range and is determined based on experience, certifications, and qualifications.

HLE Offers:

• Health benefits package

• Mileage and travel expense reimbursement for project-related travel

• Company-provided field equipment (cellular device, two-way radio, and mobile internet access per Caltrans project requirements)

• Ongoing safety training and professional development support
  

• Clear career progression path to Safety Manager
  

• Stable, long-term project pipeline across California and future expansion into Nevada and Arizona
  

• A mission-driven organization focused on long-term impact (Mission 2040)
  

Hiring Process

Candidates will complete an initial application review, which may include AI-assisted screening tools as part of the evaluation process. All hiring decisions involve human review.

Selected candidates will move forward to interviews with HR and field leadership. The process is designed to move efficiently, and qualified candidates can expect timely communication.

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

High-Light Electric, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Learn More About Our Company

High Light Electric