Construction Safety Specialist
POSITIONS SUMMARY:
The Construction Safety Specialist provides safety support for the planning, construction, commissioning, startup, and turnover of natural gas gathering, processing, compression, and pipeline facilities. This position works closely with Construction Management, Operations, Engineering, Project Controls, Contractors, and ES&H personnel to promote safe execution of capital projects while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and company standards. This role supports the construction of gas processing plants, compressor stations, gathering systems, pipeline installations, facility expansions, integrity projects, meter stations, and associated infrastructure. The Construction Safety Specialist serves as a field-based safety resource and contractor safety advisor, spending the majority of time at active construction sites supporting project execution and assuring safe work performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership presence in the field, effective communication skills, sound risk assessment capabilities, and the ability to build relationships with construction contractors and project teams.
JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Construction Safety Leadership
Provide day-to-day safety support for natural gas gathering, processing, compression, and pipeline construction activities.
Serve as a safety resource to Project Managers, Construction Managers, Superintendents, Inspectors, and contractor personnel.
Promote a proactive safety culture through visible field engagement, coaching, and mentoring.
Participate in project planning meetings, constructability reviews, and risk assessments throughout all project phases.
Support implementation of company Life Critical Rules and construction safety standards.
Field Safety Oversight
Conduct routine site visits, inspections, and audits of active construction work.
Verify contractor compliance with company requirements, OSHA regulations, and applicable industry standards.
Monitor high-risk construction activities including:
Excavation and trenching
Pipeline lowering-in and tie-ins
Hot work
Confined space entry
Lockout/Tagout activities
Critical lifts and crane operations
Working at heights
Electrical construction activities
Pressure testing and commissioning activities
Energy isolation and startup activities
Identify hazards and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
Contractor Safety Management
Support contractor onboarding, qualification, and mobilization processes.
Conduct contractor safety meetings, kickoffs, and orientation programs.
Evaluate contractor safety performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
Participate in contractor audits and performance reviews.
Establish positive working relationships with contractor supervision to promote safe project execution.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926), applicable OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), DOT pipeline safety requirements, environmental regulations, and company requirements.
Assist project teams with permit compliance and regulatory inspections.
Maintain awareness of applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations impacting construction activities.
Project Risk Management
Participate in Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Safe Work Permits, and pre-task planning meetings.
Support development and implementation of project-specific safety plans.
Review construction execution plans for safety considerations.
Monitor leading indicators and identify emerging risks before incidents occur.
Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions
Lead or participate in incident investigations involving contractors and project teams.
Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action development.
Track action items through closure.
Communicate lessons learned across projects and operating areas.
Facility Startup and Commissioning Support
Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs).
Support project turnover from Construction to Operations.
Assist with Management of Change (MOC) reviews associated with project activities.
Verify safety-critical systems and safeguards are in place prior to startup.
Training and Communication
Conduct safety orientations, training sessions, toolbox meetings, and leadership engagements.
Deliver site-specific hazard awareness and construction safety training.
Communicate project safety performance and key observations to project leadership and operations management.
Emergency Preparedness
Assist in development and implementation of project emergency response plans.
Conduct emergency drills and exercises.
Coordinate with local emergency response agencies and project teams as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED required.
Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience supporting energy, midstream, pipeline, oil and gas, petrochemical, industrial, or heavy construction projects.
Experience supporting one or more of the following preferred:
Gas processing plant construction
Compressor station construction
Natural gas gathering systems
Pipeline construction and installation
Facility expansions and brownfield projects
Mechanical, civil, structural, and electrical construction activities
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
Strong working knowledge of OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926).
Understanding of OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910).
Familiarity with DOT pipeline regulations and midstream industry practices.
Knowledge of process safety concepts and safe startup requirements.
Strong hazard recognition and risk assessment skills.
Experience conducting field audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
Ability to influence safe behaviors and build strong working relationships with contractors and operations personnel.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and incident management systems.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic construction environment.
Regular and reliable attendance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification
ASP (Associate Safety Professional) certification
CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician) certification
OHST (Occupational Health and Safety Technologist) certification
OSHA 500/510 certification
First Aid/CPR/AED certification
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Frequent travel to construction project locations and field facilities.
Ability to spend 70% or more of work time in the field supporting active construction sites.
Ability to walk, climb ladders and structures, work in varying terrain, and access active construction areas.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment including flame-resistant clothing, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, fall protection equipment, and respiratory protection as required.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Targa Resources provides equal employment opportunities based on merit, experience, and other work-related criteria and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We also strive to provide reasonable accommodation to employees’ beliefs and practices that do not conflict with Targa’s policies and applicable law. We value the unique contributions that every employee brings to their role with Targa.