FedVet Construction is seeking an experienced Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) for an active VA construction project at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), located at 3601 S. 6th Street, Tucson, Arizona. The project involves interior renovation of an Interventional Radiology suite (Building 38, Room A-186), including selective demolition, light-gauge metal framing, rough and finish MEP, and medical equipment coordination in an actively operating VA medical facility. This is an ICRA Class IV project (highest infection control risk classification).
The SSHO will serve as the primary on-site safety authority, reporting directly to the FedVet Corporate Safety Officer, with day-to-day coordination with the VA Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The SSHO steps into an active Accident Prevention Plan (APP) and complete AHA package already aligned to EM 385-1-1 (15 March 2024) and VA Section 01 35 26.
We are actively recruiting locally in the Tucson/Southern Arizona area. Local candidates will not be required to relocate. This position is project-based, with strong potential to transition to additional FedVet federal projects upon project completion, though future project locations cannot be guaranteed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the on-site primary safety authority for all construction activities; present on site during all active work operations, including any after-hours or weekend shifts.
- Implement, enforce, and continuously monitor compliance with EM 385-1-1 (15 March 2024), 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA), VA Section 01 35 26, and the project Accident Prevention Plan (APP).
- Maintain and update the project APP and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) as work scope evolves; brief all workers on applicable AHAs before each Definable Feature of Work begins.
- Manage and enforce ICRA Class IV infection control requirements throughout the project, including hard-wall barrier integrity, HEPA negative air pressure monitoring, and coordination with VA Infection Control and the COR.
- Conduct and document 3-Phase Inspections (Preparatory, Initial, Follow-up) for each Definable Feature of Work.
- Lead daily and weekly safety inspections; identify hazards, issue corrective actions, and track resolution to closure.
- Coordinate all LOTO procedures with VA Facilities Management for planned utility outages, with minimum 72-hour advance notice.
- Manage multi-employer site safety interface between FedVet and Canon (imaging equipment installation team) during the commissioning phase, including energization exclusion zones.
- Monitor and enforce heat illness prevention protocols per EM 385-1-1 §06.A.02 and ACGIH WBGT thresholds throughout June–October Tucson heat and monsoon season.
- Lead accident, incident, and near-miss investigations; report to the CSO within 2 hours of any Moderate or Major mishap.
- Conduct new worker site orientations, toolbox talks, and on-the-spot safety training; document all training in Procore.
- Maintain all safety documentation in Procore, including daily reports, inspection records, training logs, and photo uploads.
- Coordinate with the VA COR and SAVAHCS Facility Safety Manager on fire alarm impairments, ICRA inspections, and all safety interface items.
- Ensure all personnel maintain required VA facility credentials, including background investigation clearance, TB screening, and VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge.
- Ensure that all activities comply with FedVet company policy, insurance requirements, and any other applicable federal standards.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience on federal contracts — OR — minimum 3 years with an accredited degree in safety, engineering, or a related field, or an active Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential.
- Direct, verifiable experience on federal government construction projects with at least one of the following agencies: VA, NAVFAC, USACE, National Park Service, or BLM.
- Current OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification AND/OR EM 385-1-1 40-Hour Construction Safety Certificate (at least one required; both preferred).
- In-depth working knowledge of EM 385-1-1 (15 March 2024 edition) and 29 CFR 1926 — must be able to cite and apply specific sections in the field.
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing Accident Prevention Plans (APPs) and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) for federal construction projects.
- Experience implementing and managing LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures in coordination with facility operations on active, occupied government facilities.
- Proven ability to develop and implement effective safety training programs, including toolbox talks and site-specific orientations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to enforce safety requirements across a multi-employer workforce.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage concurrent safety documentation and prioritize corrective actions.
- Proficiency in Procore for daily reporting, inspection records, photo uploads, and document management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- Valid Arizona driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to obtain VA facility access credentials (background investigation, TB screening clearance, VA Personal Identity Verification badge).
- Physical ability to perform site inspections including climbing ladders, working in above-ceiling spaces, and sustained standing and walking on an active construction site.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) credential.
- ICRA/Infection Control Experience: Experience with ICRA Class III or IV construction in an active VA or other accredited healthcare facility — this is the single most valued differentiator for this position.
- Familiarity with Joint Commission (TJC) Environment of Care (EC.02.06.01) requirements for construction in accredited healthcare facilities.
- Experience as a competent person in one or more of the following: Fall Protection, Scaffolding, Crystalline Silica (29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1), LOTO/Electrical, or Demolition.
- Previous SAVAHCS, Davis-Monthan AFB, or other Southern Arizona federal facility experience.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) — an advantage for crew safety briefings.
- Experience with USACE RMS (Risk Management System) or NAVFAC eCMS.
- Familiarity with NFPA 241 (Construction Fire Safety), NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety), or NFPA 855 (Battery Energy Storage Systems).
- Current EM 385-1-1 Certificate (if not already held as a required qualification).
- Additional safety certifications relevant to federal construction projects (CHST, STSC, or similar).
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to Tatiana Mercado, HR Manager, at
[email protected]. In your cover letter, please specifically address your experience on VA, NAVFAC, or USACE projects (include agency names, project types, and your specific role); whether you hold an OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification, EM 385-1-1 40-Hour Certificate, or CSP/ASP credential; any experience with ICRA or infection control construction in active healthcare facilities; and confirmation that you are available to work on site in Tucson, Arizona. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the FedVet team.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
FedVet Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are a proud Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and encourage applications from veterans, transitioning service members, and candidates from all backgrounds.
