Project HSE Specialist (Contract)Location: Lenexa, KS (Kansas City Area)
Schedule: Full-Time, OnsitePosition Overview:We are seeking an experienced
Project HSE Specialist to support a full facility closure and large-scale decommissioning project at our client's Kansas City site. This highly visible, field-based role will serve as the
Owner's Representative, working closely with the Site Safety Leader and the General Contractor's (GC) HSE team to ensure the safe execution of decommissioning, dismantling, and demolition activities.
This opportunity offers the chance to make an immediate impact during the critical pre-mobilization phase before the primary contractor mobilizes in September. The ideal candidate will bring strong construction safety expertise, contractor oversight experience, and a proactive approach to risk management in complex industrial environments.
Key Responsibilities:Support pre-mobilization planning activities by identifying hazards, reviewing work sequencing, and recommending risk controls before contractor mobilization.
Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the General Contractor's onsite HSE personnel.
Conduct routine field observations, safety inspections, and Gemba walks within active demolition and decommissioning areas.
Verify compliance with site-specific containment procedures, including controlled access protocols, double-bagging requirements, and PPE standards related to hormone/API residual hazards.
Assist in developing and maintaining project waste maps that identify proper handling and disposal pathways for all waste streams.
Review and verify permits, energy isolation plans, JSAs/JHAs, and critical controls for high-risk activities including:
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Confined Space Entry
Hot Work
Working at Heights
Line Breaking
Rigging Operations
Excavation Activities
Identify discrepancies between approved work plans and field conditions and escalate concerns to contractor management and project leadership.
Exercise stop-work authority when necessary to prevent unsafe work conditions.
Lead and support incident management activities, including reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action follow-up.
Support industrial hygiene assessments involving inaccessible spaces, drop ceilings, residual contamination risks, and potential exposure hazards.
Monitor construction and demolition waste management activities to ensure proper segregation, characterization, labeling, handling, and disposal.
Maintain regular communication with site leadership and corporate HSE teams.
Prepare daily field observation reports and weekly project safety status updates.
Serve as the primary site safety contact during Site Safety Leader absences.
Required Qualifications:5–10 years of experience in construction safety, contractor management, and field safety oversight.
Direct experience supporting industrial demolition, decommissioning, dismantling, or major facility shutdown projects.
Strong knowledge of Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention programs, including:
Working knowledge of permit-to-work systems and life-critical safety programs.
Ability to influence contractors and project stakeholders while maintaining effective working relationships.
Strong written communication skills with experience preparing safety reports and project documentation.
Must be able to work onsite full-time in the Kansas City area for the duration of the project, including overtime as required.
Preferred Qualifications:Experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, API manufacturing, or regulated production environments.
Familiarity with hormone compounds, exposure assessments, and residual contamination hazards.
Industrial hygiene experience, including hazard characterization and exposure monitoring.
Environmental compliance and waste management experience, including waste stream classification and disposal requirements.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification.
First Aid/CPR Certification.
Professional certifications such as CHST, ASP, or CSP preferred.
Why Join This Project?Opportunity to support a high-profile facility closure and decommissioning initiative.
Significant involvement in project planning and contractor mobilization activities.
Visible leadership role with direct impact on project safety performance.
Collaborative environment with experienced site and corporate HSE professionals.