WHO WE ARE

Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned electric cooperative that reaches more than 115,000 members.  We are ranked among the 25 largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation.

Located in Farmington, MN, Dakota Electric Association boasts an incredible culture and features a strong history of valuing employee contributions. 

BENEFITS

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with an employer contribution of 6% of an employee's base wage, plus matching contribution up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Short-term disability and other voluntary benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Vacation, sick, volunteer, and personal leave

COMPENSATION

 $125,900 - $201,600 annually

THE ROLE

The Safety Director plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Dakota Electric Association’s (DEA) employees and members. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety programs and initiatives to mitigate risk, comply with local, state and federal regulations, and foster a positive and proactive safety culture. This position requires a strategic thinker who can lead initiatives to minimize workplace hazards and who is self-directed, requiring minimal direction with a forward-thinking vision.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the strategy and execution of developing and maintaining a world-class safety program and culture at Dakota Electric Association.
• Lead and manage an Operations Safety Specialist providing direction, guidance, and support.
• Stay current on regulatory changes and industry best practices to update policies and procedures accordingly. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor safety performance. Prepare regular reports and presentations on safety activities, trends, and outcomes.
• Responsible for presenting safety related materials in front of the board of directors, employees, the public, and other groups as necessary.
• Responsible for the efforts of the Executive Safety Steering Team, Root Cause Analysis Team and Achieving Cultural Transformation (ACT) team activities.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses; analyze root causes; and implement corrective and preventative actions in conjunction with DEA’s Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Team.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees and for public education.
• Oversee Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance.
• Create, recommend, and implement employee safety and workers’ compensation policies, procedures, and safety rules, including the Safety Rules handbook. Ensure safety policies, programs, and practices are aligned with current laws and regulations.
• Responsible for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance. Maintain accurate and up-to-date OSHA records.
• Responsible for office ergonomics. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions and make recommendations as necessary.
• Perform other work as apparent or assigned.

REQUIRED QULAIFICATIONS

• Two-year degree in a safety related field. Five years of experience working in a safety focused position will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Five years of leadership experience.
• Expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking, group facilitation and leading training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a safety related field is preferred.
• Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP), or OSHA 30 certifications are preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most work will be completed in an office environment with occasionally work taking place in the field.  This position must be able to travel occasionally. Some additional work hours will be required at times along with work outside the normal working hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting/carrying:

• Occasionally required to carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds each.

Pushing/Pulling:

• When performing powerline safety demonstrations, this individual will be required to push and pull a four wheeled display cart weighing up to 100 pounds into and out of a vehicle.

Standing/Walking/Sitting:

• Sitting while doing routine office work and driving a vehicle will be frequent and extended. Occasional standing for as much as a half day- four plus hours.

The physical demands for this position are identified on the Office/Professional template.

All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.