Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality (EHSQ) - Telecom

TAK Broadband•Sioux Falls, SD

11d•$105,000 - $120,000

About The Position

TAK Broadband is a leading end-to-end U.S. fiber broadband network construction contractor operating in 42 states. It builds more than just networks; it connects communities to new valuable digital opportunities. TAK offers comprehensive service solutions, from construction to drops to fulfillment. TAK’s ecosystem of partners allows it to successfully complete every project starting from the first point of conception. This includes engineering teams, distributors, and more than 100 qualified construction crews with extensive experience across all ISP types and markets; over 300 experienced bury drop crews; and more than 700 professional technicians. We are seeking an experienced Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality (EHSQ) to join our team. In this role you will develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive safety and compliance program across the organization's nationwide telecommunications/ Broadband footprint. The Director of EHSQ owns all aspects of field and operational safety, spanning telecommunications construction, drop bury operations, and last-mile/customer premise installations. You will ensure that safety and quality are integrated disciplines that collectively protect employees, subcontractors, and the communities in which the organization operates. The role plays a critical part in shaping organizational culture, regulatory compliance posture, and risk mitigation strategy at scale.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive EHS experience, with at least 3+ years in a senior leadership or director equivalent-level role
Demonstrated experience managing safety programs in telecommunications/ broadband, utility, construction, or similar field-intensive industries
Deep working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926 standards
Proficiency with EHS management software platforms
Experience in telecommunications construction environments including aerial strand work, underground/drop bury operations, and residential/commercial installations
Proven track record of building and leading distributed safety teams across multiple geographies
Experience with subcontractor/third-party safety programs and contractor qualification processes
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable safety strategies
Demonstrated ability to influence organizational culture and lead change in a fast-paced operational environment
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50-65% annually across nationwide operations
Ability to communicate the safety vision compellingly to all levels, from field crews to the C-suite
Leads by example with boots on the ground; respected by operational and field teams
Ability to balance regulatory compliance requirements with practical, scalable operational solutions
Ability to work seamlessly across Operations, Quality, HR, Legal, and Finance to advance shared goals
Ability to invest in the professional growth of direct reports and broader EHS talent pipeline
Uses metrics and trend analysis to prioritize resources and interventions effectively
Ability to build, maintain dashboards on data/ metrics and ability to clearly communicate results to leadership
Capable of lifting and transporting materials up to 30 pounds when necessary
Perform repetitive motions including typing, writing, and using computer equipment
Ability to maintain various postures including sitting for prolonged periods, standing for occasional timeframes, alternating between sitting and standing, and occasional kneeling, crouching, or bending
Sufficient visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, and fine print
Clear hearing ability to communicate via telephone and in-person conversations
Able to walk job sites, climb ladders, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and meet any applicable physical demands of field safety roles; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role
Must provide a valid government-issued photo ID for verification; a driver’s license is required if the role involves driving
Passing of all pre-employment requirements (MVR, Background Check, Drug Screen)

Responsibilities

Lead the national EHS strategy across all telecom/broadband work types: aerial/underground construction, drop bury, MDU/SDU installations, and field service
Establish and enforce safety standards, JSAs, and safe work procedures for high-risk telecom field operations
Drive a safety-first culture through field presence, coaching, and clear accountability at all organizational levels
Oversee incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action programs; report trends to executive leadership
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and applicable state/local regulations across all operating geographies
Lead regulatory agency interactions, inspections, audits, citations, and abatement, and maintain required permits and reporting obligations
Monitor regulatory changes and update programs and training proactively to sustain compliance
Serve as a strategic peer to the Director of Quality, aligning EHS and quality initiatives to reduce incidents, defects, and rework
Collaborate on integrated field audit frameworks and contractor qualification standards that reflect both safety and quality performance
Co-lead process improvement efforts where safety and quality intersect to drive operational excellence
Develop and manage EHS training for employees and subcontractors covering all relevant work types and environments
Maintain auditable training compliance, certifications, and refresher schedules
Build and mentor a distributed team of safety managers and field specialists across the national footprint
Travel between 50-65% annually to conduct site audits, safety observations, and leadership walk-throughs across regions, customer meetings when required, etc.
Manage safety qualifications, onboarding, and performance oversight for subcontracted and third-party crews
Lead investigations for incidents, near misses, and OSHA recordables; ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping
Track and report key EHS metrics (TRIR, DART, near-miss rates, audit scores) to VP and executive leadership
Use data to identify trends, prioritize interventions, and demonstrate program ROI
Benchmark performance against telecom industry standards and lead ISO 45001 (or equivalent) alignment as applicable
Other duties as assigned