Safety Observer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

ICON Utility Services is seeking a qualified Field Safety Observer (FSO) to support line contractor construction projects for our client, primarily within San Diego County. The FSO will be responsible for conducting field safety observations of line contractors and subcontractors engaged in electrical transmission and distribution, overhead and underground construction, civil work, and related utility activities.

This role requires high-voltage electrical safety experience and general construction safety knowledge, along with the ability to work independently with limited oversight while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and compliance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide utility management safety support to ensure compliance with regulatory and client requirements.
• Apply trade, regulatory, and safety standard knowledge to promote the safe and reliable operation of the utility grid.
• Conduct routine field visits to observe work conditions and identify potential safety hazards.
• Document findings and promptly report observations, incidents, or near misses to your direct supervisor and designated client contacts per established protocols.
• Assist with follow-up communication, documentation, and investigation efforts as directed.
• Attend internal and external meetings to support strong safety performance among line contractors and subcontractors.
• Coordinate with project managers, planners, and line crews on safety-related matters.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to review recorded incidents, identify root causes, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support company-led investigations and reviews of contractor incidents.
• Maintain professionalism, ethics, and service standards at all times.
• Work autonomously in the field with limited oversight, exercising sound judgment in varied conditions.
• Utilize safety management systems effectively.
• Perform duties in all environmental conditions, including varying weather, terrain, and outdoor elements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Travel locally throughout the client's service territory (primarily San Diego County) as required.

Performance Expectations:

• Maintains consistent compliance with OSHA, client, and company safety requirements.
• Completes safety observations and documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Exercises sound judgment and works effectively with limited oversight in the field.
• Maintains reliable attendance and meets scheduling and travel requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High-voltage electrical utility safety experience (required).
• OSHA 30 certification (required).
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record (required).
• Expertise in general construction and electrical safety, including OH Transmission and EPZ grounding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, construction management, engineering, business administration, or a related field, OR at least 4 years of equivalent related experience and training.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Consistent on-site presence during scheduled business hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal safety certifications (e.g., CSP, CHST, CUSP, COSS).
• Experience with overhead and underground electrical, transmission and distribution, and/or civil projects.
• Current CPR/AED certification.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Standard work week: 40 hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime, weekend, or night work as needed.
• Field-based role requiring regular presence in construction environments and proximity to utility infrastructure, in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Travel is limited to the client's service territory noted above.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $50.00–$60.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include: 401(k) with employer matching, health/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement: ICON Utility Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to sex or gender, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. ICON is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Icon Utility Services (ICON), headquartered in San Diego, California, is a certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). ICON is a high-performing provider of Safety, Security, Work Verification, Vegetation Management, and full turnkey Third Party Logistics (3PL) Services to regulated utility sector clients.

The smaller company lifestyle component drives a work-life balance into the culture that keeps our employees enjoying time with their families at home. The theme of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation in our workforce creates ample energy to continue the growth and success of the company.

Our services are tailored to meet the needs of our clients for both small and large-scale construction projects and programs. ICON understands the utility’s business culture and shares many similar core values, recognizing reliability, safety, quality, and environmental stewardship as top business priorities.