Utility Safety Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are thereasonwe continue to succeed.

We are a full-service,heavy civil and industrial contractorbuildingcritical infrastructure, includinghighways, bridges, mines,dams,rail, andmore.Ourteams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chainsmoving,and the country connected.

At Ames, we areFueled by FamilyandDriven by Ownership. That means welook outfor one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.

Guided by our core values ofPeople, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push throughchallengesand deliver workwe'reproud of.

When you join Ames,you'rejoining a company built for long-term success-where skilled people, strong teams,and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

Position Summary

The Project Safety Manager is responsible for implementing and overseeing safety programs while supporting day-to-day construction operations on heavy civil construction projects. This position partners closely with project management, field supervision, subcontractors, and clients to promote a proactive safety culture focused on incident prevention, regulatory compliance, hazard identification, and operational excellence. The Project Safety Manager ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with federal, state, local, client, and company safety requirements.

Essential Functions

• Instill safety as a top priority by monitoring and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Monitor all jobsite construction activities for compliance with OSHA regulations, client requirements, and company safety policies.
• Conduct daily field inspections, safety audits, and jobsite observations to identify and communicate unsafe conditions and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Engage and participate in hazard assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, and risk mitigation activities.
• Evaluate and provide systematic approach prior to work starts for high-risk operations including excavation and trenching, confined space entry, crane and rigging activities, heavy equipment operations, fall protection, traffic control, utility installation, demolition, and concrete placement operations.
• Assess and communicate potential project risks daily, investigate all incidents, injuries, vehicle accidents, and near misses to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Maintain quality project safety documentation and analyze safety performance metrics and trends.
• Verify and engaged in subcontractor compliance with project safety requirements.
• Support regulatory inspections, client audits, and internal safety reviews.
• Identify and coordinate emergency response planning, drills, and preparedness activities.
• Communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, project teams, and regional safety leadership.
• Engage with project management and field leadership to integrate safety into project planning and execution.
• Embody the Ames approach to safety by remaining constantly vigilant of conditions and work practices and exercising stop-work authority when necessary.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 4+ years of experience in construction safety leadership, supervisory, or management role.
• Must have at least 4+ years supporting heavy civil construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926).
• Experience leading safety programs on heavy civil, infrastructure, or large-scale construction projects.
• Strong understanding and awareness of construction hazards associated with excavation, grading, utilities, earthwork, concrete structures, and heavy equipment operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and training abilities.
• Ability to recognize, assess, jobsite hazards and mitigate construction-related risks.
• Positive attitude with excellent interpersonal and motivational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 500 Trainer Certification.
• Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or related field.
• Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification.
• Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) certification.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Railroad and/or Mine Safety (MSHA) experience.

Working Conditions

• Location: This position is based at assigned project location(s) within the Ames Pacific Office region headquartered in Corona, CA. Projects are primarily located throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties, with future opportunities throughout California as business needs arise.
• Travel: Regular travel to and from project sites is required. Candidates must be willing and able to commute within assigned project areas.
• Construction Site Environment: Physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach and climb. Exposed to high noise levels
• Office Environment: Extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.

Total Rewards

People are the most important asset at Ames Construction.

• Base salary range is $115,000 - $140,000 a year, which varies depending on many factors, including experience, skills, and knowledge.
• This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.
• Ames offers generous retirement benefits, including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation and a 401k match.
• Ames' non-craft health benefits package is designed so that our team members flourish, with medical, dental, and vision (all at one low premium), voluntary benefits, company holidays, and paid time off. Please see the Benefits section of our Careers page for more information.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.