Ozarks Electric, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas with offices in Springdale, Arkansas, Stilwell, and Westville Oklahoma incorporated in 1938, is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving more than 90,000 meters across nine counties in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

Ozarks provides its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, fully paid medical and dental coverage for both you and your dependents, a defined benefit pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions. Additionally, we provide paid time off, nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Safety, Training & Compliance is responsible for overseeing and administering workplace safety program, employee safety and operational training programs, and regulatory compliance activities for Ozarks Electric and its subsidiary, OzarksGo, LLC. This role ensures both organizations maintain a safe work environment and complies with all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations.

The Manager works closely with the Director of Administration and leadership team to promote a strong safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate training programs that support employee development and operational safety across both organizations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. bachelor's degree in occupational safety, business administration, industrial technology, or a related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in utility operations, safety, or compliance, plus 3-5 years of experience in safety management, regulatory compliance, training administration, or a related field required. Experience in the electric utility industry strongly preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION: A recognized safety professional certification is required or must be obtained within 18 months of assuming the position, such as:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
• Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)
• NRECA Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP)
• or equivalent safety credential

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards and workplace safety programs, along with regulatory compliance requirements affecting utilities and industrial workplaces. The position requires the ability to analyze incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, communication, and presentation skills and be able to work collaboratively with employees at all levels of the organization. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required. Knowledge of Department of Transportation regulations and National Electric Safety Code/National Electric Code standards.

TECHNICAL SKILLS/INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE STRONGLY PREFERRED: Strong understanding of electric utility hazards and mitigation procedures, knowledge of high-voltage line work safety practices, familiarity with right-of-way clearing operations, understanding of substation safety protocols, and knowledge of fiber operating procedures within utility environments.

MAJOR JOB TASKS:

Safety

• Administer and maintains both organizations workplace safety program and promote a strong safety culture.
• Develops and monitors the annual safety plan for Ozarks Electric and OzarksGo, LLC.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and applicable utility safety regulations.
• Conduct safety training, meetings, inspections, and audits for field and office personnel.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain safety documentation, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate safety committees and employee safety initiatives.
• Maintain and support participation in NRECA's Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP).

Training

Coordinate and administer employee safety and operational training programs.

• Manages Ozarks' Apprenticeship Program through accredited schooling and ensures compliance with the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program's requirements.
• Maintain records of required safety certifications and training compliance.
• Ensure employees complete required regulatory and safety training.
• Work with supervisors to identify training needs and schedule appropriate training opportunities.
• Coordinate external training programs and certification courses when required.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting utility operations.
• Maintain compliance documentation and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting safety and operational compliance.
• Research and interpret standards from agencies including:
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
  • United Carrier Registration (UCR)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Department of Labor (DOL)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Manager of Safety, Training, & Compliance shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of both organizations.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• NRECA, statewide associations, and other safety personnel
• Insurance representatives and Federated safety consultants
• Workers' compensation representatives
• Occupational health clinics and CDL physical providers
• Vendors, training organizations, and certification programs (e.g., Northwest Lineman College)
• Corporate legal counsel

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and related software.
• Valid driver's license with insurable driving record.
• Ability to obtain drug and alcohol collection certification under FMCSA 49 CFR Part 40.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with employees at all organizational levels.
• Ability to enforce safety policies consistently and fairly.
• Work includes both office and field environments, irregular hours, and occasional travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve sitting, standing, bending, and reach with hands and arms. May lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Normal vision and hearing are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer