Safety Specialist

Job description

The Opportunity The Safety Specialist is responsible for maintaining and strengthening many of the day-to-day process that support MNL's safety program, including training, inspections, customer requirements, and continuous improvement efforts. A significant portion of this role is spent engaging directly with employees and leaders in the field. During the busy spring through fall season, you can expect to regularly visit jobsites, MNL farms, greenhouses, and other company locations throughout Minnesota to build relationships, observe work practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and reinforce safety expectations. The remainder of your time will focus on training, documentation, compliance activities, program administration, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for a safety professional who is ready to take the next step in their career by expanding their ownership, influence, and business partnership skills while continuing to learn under experienced organizational leadership. What You Will Do Safety Program Ownership Own and maintain MNL's safety program, ensuring policies, procedures, and documentation remain current, practical, and effective Maintain and improve the company safety manual, division-specific procedures, qualification requirements, and related safety documentation Manage safety-related records, training documentation, inspection reports, and compliance files Coordinate PPE programs and help ensure employees have the equipment and resources needed to work safely Identify opportunities to strengthen safety processes and improve consistency Balance safety best practices with operational realities to support practical and sustainable solutions Training & Education Coordinate and administer required safety training programs across the company Develop and deliver safety education that helps employees and leaders understand not just what is required, but why it matters Create and maintain toolbox talks, field resources, and training materials that support safe work practices Partner with leaders to reinforce safety expectations and integrate safety into day-to-day operations Lead and coordinate MNL's safety committees, including meetings, action items, and follow-up activities Field Engagement & Risk Management Conduct regular jobsite, facility, vehicle, and equipment inspections across MNL operations (at least 1x/week) Build relationships with employees and supervisors through regular field presence and practical safety support Identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and emerging risks while partnering with leaders to develop corrective actions Monitor follow-through on corrective actions and help ensure issues are resolved effectively Incident Prevention & Continuous Improvement Coordinate incident reporting, investigation documentation, and follow-up activities Analyze injury and equipment damage trends to identify root causes and improvement opportunities Partner with managers to develop proactive solutions that reduce risk and improve overall safety performance Support leaders in addressing safety concerns and reinforcing accountability when incidents occur Monitor safety performance data and help identify opportunities to strengthen safety outcomes across the organization Compliance & Customer Requirements Manage customer safety compliance platforms including ISNetworld and Veriforce Maintain DOT driver files, drug testing records, and related compliance documentation Support OSHA compliance efforts and monitor for changes in applicable regulations Assist with audits, customer requests, and regulatory inquiries What You Will Need To Be Successful 2–5 years of experience in safety, compliance, operations, field coordination, or a related role Experience supporting safety programs in construction, agriculture, landscaping, ecological restoration, field services, or similar industries preferred Working knowledge of OSHA standards and general workplace safety practices Familiarity with DOT driver qualification requirements, drug testing programs, and safety compliance processes preferred Strong business judgment and ability to balance safety objectives with operational and business realities Ability to build credibility with employees, supervisors, and managers Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and changing priorities Confidence addressing safety concerns and respectfully challenging decisions when appropriate Ability to influence safety outcomes without direct authority Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage documentation, deadlines, follow-ups, and multiple priorities Comfortable conducting field visits, inspections, audits, and employee training Strong communication skills and the ability to make safety practical and understandable in real-world working environments Ability to work independently, take ownership, and follow through on commitments Desire to continuously improve systems and processes Ability to work in-person at our Otsego, MN, as well as regularly walking active jobsites, production facilities, farms, and field locations with varying terrains and weather conditions. Do you enjoy building relationships with employees and helping leaders create safer, more effective workplaces ? Are you a practical safety professional who can balance compliance requirements with operational realities ? Do you enjoy being in the field, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping safety become part of everyday decision-making ? About Us MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise. Our employees work across diverse environments ranging from remote prairies and wetlands to farms, greenhouses, equipment yards, offices, and active jobsites. MNL has an established safety program in place, and we are focused on continuing to strengthen safety culture, accountability, and consistency across the organization.