State Employee Health & Safety Manager

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

1d • $129,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The State Employee Health & Safety Manager serves as the senior authority for the development, implementation, administration, enforcement, and continuous improvement of ODOT’s comprehensive, statewide employee health and safety programs. This position provides strategic leadership and executive-level oversight of complex safety programs governed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for both General Industry and Construction, as well as state and federal employee health & safety requirements applicable to transportation operations. The role is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance, risk mitigation, employee well-being, and occupational safety across a workforce of more than 2,500 employees operating in diverse environments statewide. The State Safety Manager serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing data-driven insights, policy guidance, and strategic direction to foster a proactive, compliant, and employee-safety-focused organizational culture.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Federal and state occupational safety and health regulations (OSHA, CFR 29, CFR 49, etc.).
• Construction and transportation industry safety standards and practices.
• Workers’ compensation systems, claims management, and return-to-work strategies.
• FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program requirements.
• Industrial hygiene principles and occupational health hazards.
• Safety management systems, risk assessment methodologies, and performance metrics.
• Skill in Executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making.
• Managing complex, multi-disciplinary safety programs across large geographic areas.
• Interpreting and applying regulatory requirements to operational environments.
• Data analysis, reporting, and presentation to senior leadership.
• Coaching and developing management-level professionals.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in occupational health and safety management, including senior or executive-level leadership in this field.
• Demonstrated senior-level leadership experience managing safety programs for a large organization (2,500+ employees) across diverse operational environments.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM)
• OSHA-Authorized Trainer credentials
• Certified Safety & Health Official (CSHO)
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Professional (SHEP)

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for all statewide employee health and safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety initiatives that reduce risk, prevent injuries, and support operational excellence.
• Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert and senior authority on employee safety, occupational health, and regulatory compliance.
• Represent ODOT in interactions with regulatory agencies, auditors, industry partners, and external stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and standards aligned with agency objectives and legal requirements.
• Direct and oversee statewide safety operations encompassing construction, maintenance, administrative, and field environments.
• Analyze safety data, trends, incidents, and performance indicators to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory agencies and executive leadership.
• Evaluate and manage high-risk operations and emerging safety issues.
• Provide expert guidance during emergency events, serious incidents, and regulatory inspections.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a management-level safety leadership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and outcomes aligned with agency priorities.
• Promote a culture of safety leadership throughout all levels of the organization.
• Advise senior leadership on safety-related risks, strategic initiatives, and organizational impacts.
• Direct the design, implementation, enforcement, and continuous improvement of statewide safety programs, including but not limited to:
• Employee Health and Safety Program
• Workers’ Compensation and Return-to-Work Program
• FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
• Safety Training and Education Program
• MUTCD and Work Zone Safety Program
• Pre-Employment Physical Abilities Demonstration Program
• Fleet, equipment, and heavy machinery safety programs
• Hazard communication and industrial hygiene programs
• Emergency preparedness and response programs
• Ensure programs are aligned with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and agency operational needs.
• Develop and manage the safety program budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Evaluate cost-benefit impacts of safety initiatives and investments.
• Support reduction of workers’ compensation costs through proactive safety and injury prevention strategies.
• Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, or funding that support safety objectives.
• Ensure agency-wide compliance with OSHA (General Industry and Construction), USDOT, FMCSA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory and oversight agencies during inspections, audits, and investigations.
• Oversee corrective action plans and ensure timely resolution of compliance findings.
• Represent ODOT in safety-related forums, committees, and industry associations.
• Engage with state agencies, contractors, law enforcement, and public partners on safety initiatives impacting transportation operations.
• Promote public and employee awareness of safety priorities and best practices.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Executive leadership to integrate safety into all aspects of agency operations.
• Provide consultation and support to leadership and managers on safety planning, risk mitigation, safety training, and operational decisions.

Benefits

• Our benefits go beyond the basics, offering annual benefit allowances, a variety of health, dental, and vision plan options, paid annual and sick leave that rolls over each year, 11 paid holidays, robust retirement savings plans, and an EAP & wellness program to support you every step of the way.
• Annual Benefit Allowance: The benefits allowance covers up to $20,538.24 for employees and their dependents to enroll in benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: The State offers several different medical, dental, and vision plans to better fit your needs. Including options to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Retirement Savings Plans: Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: available to employees who began State employment after November 1st, 2015. Employer matches 6% with an employee contribution of 4.5%. Employer matches 7% with an employee contribution of 7% or above. OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: available to returning employees who were previously enrolled in OPERS.
• Annual & Sick Leave (PTO): 15 days accrued annually during the first 1–5 years of service. 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service. 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service. 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service. Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year
• Longevity Pay: Longevity payments are paid annually to eligible State employees with a minimum of 2 years of State service.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): EAP is a cooperative effort between employees and administration to help employees gain access to professional services in resolving personal problems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager