Area Safety Manager

First Student•Remote CA, CA

2d•$95,000 - $110,000•Remote

About The Position

First Student is now hiring an Area Safety Manager! Join a team that puts safety first! We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Area Safety Manager. This high-impact role is ideal for a safety professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, can lead with influence, and has a passion for operational excellence. Coverage Area: Northern California and Inland Empire Full-Time | Up to 80% Travel Required Annual Salary Range: $95,000 – $110,000 + Bonus

Requirements

7+ years of experience in safety or transportation (or relevant education)
5+ years in fleet or transportation management
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
Tech-savvy with Microsoft Office and safety/operations software
Experience in collision investigation and root cause analysis
Ability to train, coach, and build team engagement
Flexible, with availability to travel frequently (80%) and respond to urgent needs

Nice To Haves

Smith System Instructor Certification
State Instructor Certification

Responsibilities

Serve as a key safety and compliance partner across multiple sites
Conduct annual (or more frequent) site safety reviews and wellness checks
Lead investigations for serious incidents and support root cause analysis and corrective action plans
Monitor safety trends, deliver monthly safety performance reports, and drive continuous improvement
Guide and support Location Safety Managers (LSMs) with ongoing development
Partner with HR and Operations to ensure proper staffing of driver trainers
Support compliance with company policies, training standards, and state/federal regulations
Assist with safety training programs, claims management, and coordination of regional safety initiatives
Travel up to 80%, primarily overnight, to provide on-site coaching, audits, and emergency response