Safety Engineer I

As a Safety Engineer I at Mortenson, your primary responsibilities include implementing and managing our Zero Injury Safety program on construction sites. You'll conduct safety orientations and training, oversee site-specific safety activities, document safety violations, perform work area audits, and assist in coordinating OSHA reporting to ensure compliance. You’ll also analyze safety statistics to further enhance our safety practices.

For the Safety Engineer I role at Mortenson, a Bachelor’s degree in safety, occupational health, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, a high school diploma combined with extensive construction experience—including managing safety programs and conducting hazard analyses—can qualify you for this position. A valid driver’s license and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, alongside effective communication skills, are also essential for success in this role.

Mortenson is committed to employee growth and development. As a Safety Engineer I, you will benefit from ongoing training opportunities, including access to valuable safety-related programs and tuition reimbursement. We encourage participation in industry certifications and leadership development to enhance both individual skills and team effectiveness, ensuring you remain at the forefront of safety best practices.

The work environment for a Safety Engineer I at Mortenson is dynamic and collaborative. You will frequently engage with project teams on construction sites, where communication and strong teamwork are crucial. You'll spend time conducting safety audits, attending meetings, and participating in educational programs—all while being part of a supportive culture that values safety and inclusivity.

Mortenson offers a comprehensive benefits package for Safety Engineer I positions, including medical and dental plans with no-cost vision coverage, a generous 401k retirement plan with a company match, and additional paid time off. We also provide employer-paid life insurance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional development through tuition assistance, ensuring that our employees have the support they need to thrive.

When discussing how to implement the Zero Injury Safety program at Mortenson, it's essential to emphasize a proactive approach. Begin by assessing the specific needs of the worksite, developing tailored safety protocols, and conducting engaging safety training for team members. Highlight your experience in similar roles and your commitment to fostering a culture of safety where every employee feels responsible.

When addressing a past safety violation during an interview, provide a specific example that showcases your resolve and problem-solving skills. Detail what the violation was, the steps you took to address it, and how you communicated and documented the incident. This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement in workplace safety.

An effective site safety audit requires meticulous planning. Discuss how you would prepare an audit checklist based on OSHA standards and specific site conditions. Emphasize the importance of engaging with team members during the audit to gather insights and ensure buy-in for safety measures. Highlight how you would follow up on audit findings to ensure accountability and improvement.

When answering this question, outline a systematic approach to incident analysis. Talk about how you would gather all relevant data, conduct interviews with witnesses, and collaborate with team members to identify root causes. Reinforce the importance of documenting findings and developing action plans to prevent similar incidents in the future, showcasing your analytical skills and commitment to safety.

Share specific experiences where you have prepared or submitted OSHA reports, noting your understanding of the relevant regulations and procedures. Highlight any systems you’ve used to track safety metrics and ensure compliance. Your answer should convey both your familiarity with OSHA standards and your proactive mindset when it comes to workplace safety.

In your answer, present leadership as a crucial element of safety management, emphasizing the need for leaders to model safe behavior and engage employees in safety discussions. Explain how strong leadership fosters an environment where safety concerns are openly communicated, and everyone feels empowered to contribute to safety initiatives—a core philosophy at Mortenson.

Addressing resistance from team members requires empathy and effective communication. Discuss strategies like open dialogue to understand their concerns, providing education on safety benefits, and involving them in safety decision-making processes. Highlight your conflict resolution skills and commitment to finding common ground while prioritizing safety.

Describe how you actively keep your knowledge current, through resources like safety organizations, industry conferences, webinars, and professional development courses. Mention any memberships in safety associations, and how you share this information with your team to promote a culture of continuous learning and adherence to the latest safety standards.

When discussing effective safety training methods, focus on making it interactive and relevant. Talk about using real-case scenarios, hands-on demonstrations, and group activities to engage participants. Emphasize the importance of continuous feedback and adapting training materials to the specific needs of the team to enhance learning and retention.

Key metrics for safety performance include incident rates, near misses, safety audit results, training completion rates, and employee feedback on safety culture. Explain how you would leverage these metrics to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of safety initiatives, and make data-informed decisions to enhance the safety program at Mortenson.