Director, Safety & Training - Delta Utilities
New Orleans, LA
About the Job
Position overview
Delta Utilities is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Safety & Training to lead the organization’s safety and training programs, ensure compliance with all safety regulations, and foster a culture of safety across the organization. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This individual will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving safety policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure the health and well-being of employees and contractors while maintaining the integrity of the natural gas utility's operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive safety programs aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Promote a proactive safety culture, ensuring that safety is integrated into all aspects of the company's operations
- Monitor and assess safety performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement
- Design, implement, and oversee training programs to equip employees with the skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively
- Ensure company compliance and training programs comply with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA and DOT standards
- Develop specialized training programs for high-risk activities, including pipeline operations, emergency response, and hazardous materials handling
- Oversee the preparation and submission of required safety reports and documentation
- Lead investigations of safety incidents and accidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence; oversee the reporting of safety incidents to regulatory bodies as required
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans, ensuring all employees are trained in emergency procedures
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of company facilities, work sites, and equipment and ensure timely resolution of safety issues identified in inspections
- Ensure company compliance with state traffic laws, Federal Motor Carrier standards, corporate vehicle safety driving policies, and National Safety Council guidelines
- Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to identify and mitigate potential safety hazards
- Lead and manage the safety and training team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, encouraging team members to contribute ideas for improving safety and training programs
- Manage the budget for the department, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently
- Work closely with other departments to integrate safety into all aspects of the business
- Serve as the primary point of contact for safety-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders
- Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry best practices, adjusting safety programs as necessary
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered
- Minimum of seven to 10 years of experience in safety management within the utility industry, with at least five years in a leadership role
- In-depth knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and other relevant safety regulations
- Proven experience in developing and implementing safety and training programs
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels
- Certification in safety management (e.g., CSP, CIH) is preferred
- Ability to travel to various company locations and job sites as needed
- Ability to perform field inspections and audits, which may involve working in outdoor environments and around heavy equipment
- Comfortability with occasional exposure to environments with hazardous materials or high-risk activities
About Delta Utilities
Delta Utilities is a leading natural gas utility with a focus on safe, dependable service to customers. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly 600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi and among the top 40 providers in the United States.
In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/
Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.