CANAL BARGE COMPANY
JOB DESCRIPTION
SAFETY SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
**This position will be based in the Chicago area with travel between offices in Lemont, Joliet, and Channahon.**
I. About the Role
Canal Barge Company is seeking a Safety Systems Specialist who is passionate about worker safety and health, maritime and industrial operations, and driving safe outcomes. The ideal candidate is people-focused, safety-driven, well organized, and a strong collaborator. This role provides safety expertise and partnership to business unit leaders and serves as a visible, trusted safety leader across Canal Barge Company and its family of companies, including Illinois Marine Towing (Vessel & Shipyard), Canal Terminal Company, Canal Analytical & Environmental Services, and Marquette Transportation Company.
II. Position Summary
The Safety Systems Specialist develops, implements, supports, and continuously improves CBC’s safety systems. The role partners closely with business unit leaders to support safe outcomes at all facilities and vessels while providing felt safety leadership throughout company operations.
III. Key Responsibilities
• Implement, participate in, and continuously improve company safety systems.
• Ensure operational policies and procedures are reviewed and maintained to reflect safe working practices.
• Provide visible, field-based safety leadership at offices, facilities, docks, and vessels.
• Conduct incident investigations, determine root causes, and develop corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Participate in on-site safety meetings and customer audits.
• Frequently board company vessels to ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, OSHA, ISM, TMSA & customer requirements.
• Support regulatory compliance across facilities and vessels.
• Conduct safety orientations for new hires, as appropriate.
• Prepare vessel crews and shore-based staff for safe work practices. Disseminate safety information, assist in developing safety training programs, and conduct training sessions focused on incident prevention.
• Support Maritime Security programs
• Participate in an on-call rotation.
• Enhance safety management expertise through workshops, professional publications, and networking. Stay updated on and interpret federal and state regulations for relevance and implementation.
• Perform additional duties as required to support overall company mission and goals
• Travel up to 50% to support company operations.
IV. Qualifications
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in occupational safety and health.
• Experience in maritime or related industrial operations preferred.
• Degree in Safety Management or related field preferred but not required.
• Ability to perform complex tasks with minimal supervision.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license required.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required.
• Experience preparing vessels and facilities for external inspections and audits, including working with third-party organizations.
• General awareness of OSHA and Subchapter M regulations preferred.
• Ability to safely access vessels, docks, and industrial facilities.
V. Physical Requirements
Candidate must have the physical ability to safely transit all work environments, including vessels, docks, and facility settings.
Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.