Safety Coordinator

ABOUT HIGH-LIGHT ELECTRIC, INC.

High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE, Inc.) is a California-based, family-owned union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996. For nearly three decades, we have been delivering complex public works and electrical construction across the state — from highway lighting and roadway signalization to fiber optic systems, airport lighting, CCTV installations, overhead power transmission lines, and pump plant equipment.

We operate as both general contractor and subcontractor on multi-million dollar public agency projects, partnering with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California. Our crews self-perform the majority of our work — a reflection of the discipline, skill, and ownership mentality we bring to every project.

In 2025, HLE, Inc. was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list — #116 — a recognition of our growth, operational strength, and the team that makes it possible. We are a company on the move, and we are building the team to match the mission.

HLE, Inc. is part of the Mendoza Companies ecosystem — a growing platform of businesses guided by a vision to connect 1,000 families and communities through business by 2040. When you join HLE, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a mission.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a field-driven Safety Coordinator to support active public works and electrical infrastructure projects across California.
This role is responsible for implementing and enforcing site-specific safety programs, ensuring compliance with Cal/OSHA and Caltrans requirements, and partnering closely with field teams to maintain a safe, high-performing job site environment.
This is a hands-on, field-based role requiring daily presence on active construction sites.

THE MENDOZA WAY OBJECTIVE

At HLE, Inc., we don't hire safety coordinators — we hire safety leaders. This is a role for someone who understands that protecting people is the highest form of operational excellence, and who takes that responsibility personally.

Every worker who goes home safe is part of our Mission 2040. Every project that closes without an incident is a chapter in that story. This role is not a compliance function — it is a mission-critical one.

You will work across active public works and electrical infrastructure projects throughout California, partnering with field crews, project managers, subcontractors, and agency representatives. You will own the safety program from day one — building culture, enforcing standards, and representing HLE with the discipline and integrity our name demands.

The field will test you. Schedules will create pressure. Situations will demand calm when others bring chaos. If you are the kind of person who holds the line when it is hard, leads with steadiness under fire, and takes pride in a job done right — this role was built for you. Welcome to the team.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Own and Enforce the Site-Specific Safety Program (SSSP).

Develop, maintain, and enforce the SSSP on every active project from setup through closeout — ensuring it reflects current site conditions and Caltrans specifications.

Lead Daily Safety Inspections and Weekly Safety Meetings.

Conduct field inspections and crew safety meetings consistently across all active projects, documenting findings and driving corrective action in real time.

Manage All Safety Submittals and Compliance Documentation.

Own the on-time submission of all required safety submittals, credentials, and project safety records in accordance with contract deadlines and Caltrans specifications.

Review Subcontractor Plans and Lead High-Hazard Pre-Planning.

Review all subcontractor work plans before work begins and lead pre-planning sessions for high-hazard activities including confined space, excavations, crane operations, and high-pressure systems.

Investigate Incidents and Near Misses — Immediately.

Report all incidents and near misses to leadership and the Engineer of Record without delay; lead investigations and implement documented corrective action plans through to closure.

Coordinate Safety Training and New Worker Orientations.

Deliver orientations on every project for every worker and coordinate ongoing safety training for field personnel and subcontractors to maintain a current, compliant workforce.

Maintain Accurate Records Across All Compliance Platforms.

Enter and maintain up-to-date safety documentation in Procore, Vista, and all required company platforms — consistent, accurate, and audit-ready at all times.

REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of safety experience in construction, heavy civil, industrial, or energy sectors

Working knowledge of Cal/OSHA regulations, Caltrans specifications, and Title 8 CCR

Experience with SSSPs, incident investigations, and safety compliance documentation

Ability to review subcontractor safety plans and JHAs

Fluent in English and Spanish (spoken and written)

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites

Cal/OSHA 30-Hour or OSHA 510 - required contractual submittal per Caltrans specifications

First Aid & CPR certification

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or CHST (BCSP) - required contractual submittal per Caltrans specifications

Preferred Qualifications

Additional safety certifications (NASP or equivalent)

Confined Space Entry and Fall Protection training

Public works project experience

ACCOUNTABILITIES — THIS SEAT OWNS

Project Safety Compliance 

Full compliance with Cal/OSHA, Caltrans specifications, and Title 8 CCR is maintained on every active project at all times. Non-compliance is identified, documented, and resolved.

Submittal Timeliness 

All required safety submittals, program documents, and certification records are delivered on time per contract requirements.

Field Enforcement Consistency 

Every safety directive issued to crews, subcontractors, or site visitors is recorded in writing and tracked to resolution. The field consequence log is current, complete, and accurate.

Incident and Near-Miss Closure 

Every incident and near miss is reported immediately, fully investigated, and resolved with a corrective action plan documented and followed through to closure.

Certification Currency 

A qualifying professional safety certification is maintained in current, valid standing throughout employment. 

Safety Culture Engagement 

Crew safety engagement is proactive and consistent — through orientations, weekly meetings, coaching, and visible field leadership. 

Platform and Records Integrity 

All safety and compliance records are maintained in current, complete, and accurate standing in all company systems. 

Composure and Decisiveness Under Pressure.

Complex and urgent field situations — incidents, regulatory visits, stop-work conditions, or crew conflict — are handled with calm, steadfast leadership. Escalation is timely and clear.

Continuous Improvement 

The Safety Coordinator identifies at least one safety program improvement each quarter — whether in documentation, training, inspection methods, or compliance systems — and brings it to leadership for review.

Other Functions: This job description does not contain a complete list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without prior notice.

COMPETENCIES

SOFT SKILLS    

Effective Communication
Conveys requirements clearly to crews, subs, PMs, and agencies — in English and Spanish.
Field Leadership & Accountability
Leads meetings, enforces standards, and holds the line without deference to pressure.
Composure Under Pressure
Responds to complex and urgent situations — incidents, regulatory visits, escalations — with calm, decisive action and clear communication.
Problem Solving
Identifies hazards proactively and develops field-realistic solutions without waiting to be directed.
Adaptability
Responds effectively to changing regulations, project conditions, and unexpected field situations.
Empathy with Firmness
Maintains crew relationships and trust while upholding non-negotiable safety standards.

HARD SKILLS

Fluent English / Spanish — spoken, read, written
Fluent English and Spanish required to effectively communicate with field crews.
Platform Proficiency
Microsoft Office, Procore, Vista, and all required safety and compliance platforms.
SSSP Ownership
Develop, update, and enforce site-specific safety programs to project and Caltrans specification.
JHA & Risk Assessment
Review and approve JHAs; evaluate field risk against applicable contract specifications.
Incident Investigation
Lead investigations; develop corrective action plans and track through to verified closure.
Cal/OSHA / Caltrans / 8 CCR Knowledge
Working knowledge of applicable California safety regulations and Department specifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role operates in active construction environments — substations, power facilities, Caltrans corridors, highway projects, and infrastructure job sites across California. Daily field presence is expected and required.

•    Ability to walk, stand, and conduct inspections across uneven and active construction sites for extended periods.
•    Regular exposure to outdoor elements — heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, and nighttime conditions.
•    Ability to properly use and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times on site.
•    Adequate hearing and visual capacity to identify hazards and respond to site alerts and warnings.
•    Reliable transportation required; mileage and travel expenses reimbursed per company policy.

OUR CULTURE — THE MENDOZA WAY

The Mendoza Way is how we lead, how we work, and who we are. It is not a slogan — it is the standard every person at HLE, Inc. is expected to live daily. Here is what each core value means in this role:

CORE VALUE    WHAT IT MEANS IN THIS ROLE

Driven by Legacy, Guided by Purpose: Every inspection, submittal, and corrective action you take is building something that protects workers and honors the company's name for years to come.

Disciplined: Expects and Delivers Excellence: Documentation is complete. Submittals are on time. Standards are enforced without shortcuts — because doing it right the first time is the only way we operate.

Optimistic & Beginner's Mindset: Regulations evolve and every job site is different. You approach each one with fresh attention, a willingness to learn, and confidence that the problem can be solved.

Serving with Integrity and Commitment: Your commitment to the safety of every worker on site does not bend under schedule pressure, crew pushback, or operational demands. Integrity is non-negotiable in the field.

Embrace Change… and Enjoy the Ride: New projects, new crews, new specifications, and new challenges are the nature of this work. You adapt with calm confidence and bring steady energy to everything that comes.

We hire people who:

Get it — understand that safety is field leadership, not a paperwork function.

Want it — enforce standards proactively, without waiting to be asked.

Have the capacity — hold their position under pressure while maintaining professionalism and relationships.

This role carries a defined growth path to Safety Manager for the right individual. At HLE, Inc., we promote from within. Growth is earned through performance, discipline, and consistent delivery.

WHAT WE OFFER

Health benefits package

Mileage and travel expense reimbursement

Company-provided field equipment (phone, radio, mobile internet)

Ongoing training and professional development

Career growth path to Safety Manager

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
This role offers a defined path to Safety Manager for individuals who demonstrate strong performance, leadership, and consistency. 

USE OF THE AI IN THE HIRING PROCESS

We may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process. These tools assist with efficiency but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by our team.

EEO STATEMENT:
HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.