Director of Safety, Risk & Environmental Management
Primary Location: Sarasota, Florida (preferred) or Houston, Texas (Travel Required)
Reports To: President
Compensation Range: $160,000 – $200,000 annually
Other Compensation: Eligible for discretionary bonus
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and travel opportunities.
The Ceres Commitment
Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.2 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.
We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
What We Are Looking For
The Director of Safety, Risk & Environmental Management serves as the senior safety leader for the organization and is an integral member of the senior management team. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for the company’s comprehensive safety, risk management, environmental compliance, and claims management programs.
The Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining company-wide policies and procedures that reduce operational risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote a strong culture of safety. This role also advises leadership and field management on safe work practices, environmental hazards, and regulatory requirements while supporting rapid-response operations across multiple departments, programs, events and projects.
What You Will Do
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Lead and execute enterprise-wide safety, risk, and environmental management strategies.
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Direct and mentor Safety Managers and Level I, II, and III Safety Supervisors.
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Oversee implementation of comprehensive safety, risk, environmental, and claims management programs.
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Conduct and oversee job-site safety programs, audits, and compliance reviews.
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Develop and deliver safety training and leadership programs across the organization educating employees on safe working practices, appropriate equipment operation, and emergency procedures.
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Audit impact of training programs on organizational safety or accident rates, and suggest modifications to training curriculum as needed.
- Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-miss events to determine root cause and implement corrective actions.
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Leads workplace inspections that identify and address potential safety hazards.
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Establishes organizational protocols for incident investigation and data analytics; reviews trends at the enterprise level to inform strategic safety and operational improvements.
- Recommend and implement safety policies and best practices to reduce operational risk.
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Develops and enforces organizational policies for regulatory accident reporting; ensures compliance with evolving laws and standards, and represents the organization in audits or regulatory reviews.
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Audits and stays updated on safety regulations, codes, and standards applicable to the industry.
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Sets organizational safety policy strategy, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and standards. Oversees enterprise-wide implementation and auditing of policies.
- Set strategic direction for safety programs organization-wide ensures systems for audits, inspections, and subcontractor oversight are robust, compliant, and continuously improved.
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Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
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Provide guidance to managers and project teams regarding safe work practices and environmental risk mitigation.
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Directs all employee safety concerns, provides guidance and support in resolving issues and improving overall safety compliance and performance.
- Coordinates with cross-functional teams to promote safety initiatives and ensure the integration of safety practices into daily operations.
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Establishes and maintains effective communication channels with external organizations, such as government bodies, safety organizations, and insurance companies.
- Lead emergency preparedness and crisis response planning and efforts, including evacuation plans and procedures for disaster response operations.
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Ensures the highest safety compliance standards and promotes a healthy work setting for staff, visitors, and vendors.
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Maintain and promote a culture of safety excellence, safeguard compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization with all relevant Federal and State regulations and standards.
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Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.
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15 - 20 years of experience in heavy, civil, or infrastructure construction safety for various federal, state and local clients to include utility, disaster and construction programs
- 10 years of experience in leadership position
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Demonstrated experience managing and administering comprehensive safety, environmental, risk management programs and claims management programs.
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Proven ability to lead safety initiatives across dynamic and high-risk project environments.
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Experience supporting disaster response or rapid deployment operations is preferred.
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OSHA 30 Certification
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OSHA 500 or OSHA 510 Certification
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HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification
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First Aid / CPR Certification
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Valid driver’s license with clean MVR
Regulatory Knowledge & Competencies
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Thorough knowledge of **Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and safety standards.
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Familiarity with EM 385-1-1 Safety and Health Requirements Manual.
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Knowledge of United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
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Experience with contractor prequalification platforms such as ISNetworld, Browz, and Avetta.
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Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, environmental safety standards, and claims management processes.
Preferred Qualifications
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Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
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Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
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Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)
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Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
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Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
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In compliance with or competency of EM 385-1-1
- Experience in diverse and high-risk operational environments
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Bilingual preferred
Physical Requirements and Environment
Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Specific vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus where required to safely perform the job.
- Willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, etc. in jobs that require PPE
- Ability to work in adverse weather/field conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, exposure to mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration, and loud noise levels.
- Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won’t just have a job- you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly support communities by helping restore infrastructure and respond to disasters when it matters most.
We offer:
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A collaborative, mission-driven culture
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Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
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The chance to make a meaningful impact in crisis response and environmental recovery
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ceres is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.
