Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000
Work Location: Bakersfield, California (In Person)
Reports To: General Manager
About our Company: Stevens Transportation, Inc. provides scalable bulk agricultural and refrigerated transport solutions across the West Coast, supporting a wide range of customers in the food and agriculture sectors. With more than 80 years of operational experience, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability, safety, and service quality. Stevens Transportation, Inc. focuses on efficient, compliant, and customer-centered operations that meet the complex demands of modern logistics. Team members join a stable, growth-minded organization that values long-term relationships and continuous improvement.
Role Description:
Stevens Transportation, Inc. is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Safety Supervisor to lead the company's Safety & Compliance Department. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance while driving innovation through the development of new safety initiatives, driver training programs, and continuous improvement strategies.
The Safety Supervisor will oversee the Safety Coordinator and work closely with Operations, Dispatch, Maintenance, and Human Resources to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT), California Highway Patrol (CHP), OSHA, and company safety standards. This position requires a strategic leader who can build a culture where safety is more than compliance, it is a core value embraced by every employee.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Department Leadership
● Supervise and mentor the Safety Coordinator and future Safety Department personnel.
● Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
● Conduct regular performance evaluations and coaching.
● Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for all safety functions.
● Manage departmental budgets and recommend investments that improve safety
performance.
Regulatory Compliance
● Ensure company-wide compliance with all applicable FMCSA, DOT, CHP, OSHA, and
California transportation regulations.
● Oversee Driver Qualification (DQ) file compliance.
● Ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS), Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
(DVIRs), electronic logging devices (ELDs), and maintenance documentation.
● Manage DOT drug and alcohol testing programs.
● Lead preparation for DOT audits, CHP BIT inspections, and regulatory investigations.
● Monitor regulatory changes and implement updates to company policies and procedures.
Safety Program Development
● Design and implement innovative safety initiatives that reduce accidents, injuries, and
violations.
● Develop measurable safety performance indicators (KPIs).
● Create company-wide safety campaigns that encourage employee participation.
● Introduce incentive and recognition programs that reward safe driving and safe
workplace behaviors.
● Develop strategies that continuously improve the company's CSA scores and overall
safety rating.
Driver Training & Development
● Design and launch a comprehensive Driver Training Program for new and existing
drivers.
● Develop structured onboarding and orientation programs.
● Create refresher training for defensive driving, Hours of Service compliance, cargo
securement, inspections, winter driving, accident prevention, and regulatory updates.
● Establish mentorship opportunities pairing experienced drivers with new hires.
● Coordinate remedial training following accidents, violations, or performance concerns.
● Develop annual continuing education plans for all drivers.
Safety Culture & Employee Engagement
● Promote a positive safety culture across all departments.
● Lead monthly safety meetings and quarterly training events.
● Encourage open communication regarding safety concerns and near-miss reporting.
● Recognize and celebrate employees who demonstrate exceptional safety performance.
● Partner with supervisors and managers to integrate safety into daily operations.
Accident Prevention & Investigation
● Conduct root cause analysis.
● Develop corrective action plans to prevent future incidents.
● Track trends and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
Risk Management
● Monitor CSA scores, inspection results, roadside violations, and driver performance
metrics.
● Develop action plans to improve safety performance and reduce insurance claims.
● Coordinate corrective actions following DOT inspections and audits.
● Review insurance loss trends and recommend preventive strategies.
Cross-Department Collaboration
● Work closely with Dispatch to improve driver compliance and operational efficiency.
● Partner with Maintenance to ensure vehicle safety standards are maintained.
● Collaborate with Human Resources regarding hiring standards, onboarding, workers'
compensation, return-to-work programs, and employee training.
● Support Operations in implementing company-wide safety initiatives.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
● Prepare monthly executive safety reports.
● Present safety metrics and recommendations to leadership.
● Analyze safety data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
● Benchmark company safety performance against industry best practices.
● Continuously evaluate and improve all safety programs.
Qualifications:
Required
● Minimum of four years of transportation safety, DOT compliance, fleet safety, or related
experience.
● Minimum of two years in a supervisory or leadership role.
● Extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, and California
transportation laws.
● Experience leading DOT audits and regulatory inspections.
● Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
● Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
● Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and transportation management software.
Preferred
● Experience within refrigerated, agricultural, or bulk commodity transportation.
● Knowledge of OSHA workplace safety requirements.
● Experience with ELD systems and fleet management software.
● Bilingual in English and Spanish.
● Professional safety certifications or transportation safety training.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
● Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities.
● Thorough knowledge of FMCSA regulations and CSA Safety Measurement System
(SMS).
● Ability to design, implement, and evaluate company-wide safety initiatives.
● Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
● Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
● Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
● Ability to influence employees at all organizational levels.
● Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining regulatory compliance.
● Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Physical Requirements
● Ability to work in both office and outdoor yard environments.
● Frequent walking throughout terminals and maintenance facilities.
● Occasional travel to customer locations, terminals, training events, and regulatory
meetings.
● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
● Ability to conduct field observations, ride-alongs, and safety inspections.
Willingness to Travel:
Up to 20% travel to terminals, customer sites, accident scenes, and training locations throughout
California and neighboring states.
Benefits:
● 401(k)
● Dental Insurance
● Health Insurance
● Life Insurance
● Vision insurance
● Paid Time Off
Why Join Stevens Transportation, Inc.?
● Competitive salary and benefits package
● Opportunity to make a significant impact on company safety and success
● Supportive and collaborative work environment
● Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
● Be part of a reputable and growing company
EEO/Disclaimer: Stevens Transportation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment with Stevens Transportation, Inc. is at-will. Nothing contained in this job posting creates an employment contract or guarantee of continued employment. Stevens Transportation, Inc. provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require accommodation, please notify Human Resources.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations: 4 years (Required)
- Leadership: 2 years (Required)
- OSHA: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
