Safety Trainer

Summary

Position Summary

The Safety Trainer reports directly to the Safety Manager and serves as a subject matter expert in safety training, compliance, and operational safety programs. The Safety Trainer is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating advanced safety training initiatives across Athens Services. This role oversees the companywide Shield Ride Safety Program, ensuring consistent implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Safety Trainer partners with operations leadership, supervisors, and frontline employees to promote a proactive safety culture, reduce incidents, and achieve operational excellence.

Job Description

Essential Job Functions

· Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety training programs for all levels of drivers and operations staff.

· Conduct advanced classroom, virtual, and field-based safety training sessions (OSHA, DOT, Smith System, defensive driving, accident prevention).

· Lead train-the-trainer sessions to ensure consistency in safety coaching across all facilities.

· Perform complex risk assessments, route audits, and job task analyses to identify gaps and recommend corrective actions.

· Partner with leadership to ensure full compliance with OSHA, DOT, and state/federal safety regulations while incorporating best practices from the industry.

· Analyze safety performance metrics (incident trends, training effectiveness, compliance reports) and prepare executive-level reports with recommendations.

· Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to frontline workers and operations leadership.

· Investigate significant incidents or near misses, prepare findings, and implement corrective training measures.

· Manage and maintain comprehensive training records, certifications, and audit documentation.

· Support special projects, safety campaigns, and strategic initiatives designed to build a culture of safety excellence.

· Performs in-cab training and coaching on Defensive Driving through the Athens Shield Rides. Partners with DVP / GM to coordinate Shield training by Yard Leaders at their respective local yard. Maintains record keeping for Shield Rides completed.

· Audits and improves adherence to DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) by all Drivers at their respective Yard. Trains Drivers as-needed to improve execution and adherence to expectations with DVIR record keeping. Performs pre and post-trip inspections of any vehicle they are operating.

· Responsible for partnering with Yard Leaders to coordinate and execute daily and weekly Safety Training at Crew-Out morning huddles and on an as-needed basis for groups or persons that require training intervention.

Required Qualifications

· High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred.

· Valid Class A or B Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement.

· Minimum 5 years of progressive safety or driver training experience (waste, transportation, or environmental services industry preferred).

· Advanced knowledge of OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, and state/federal safety regulations.

· Strong facilitation and public speaking skills; ability to deliver engaging training to diverse audiences.

· Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferred.

· Exceptional communication skills (Bilingual English/Spanish preferred).

· Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and program development skills.

Must meet Preferred Qualifications

· OSHA 30-hour certification strongly preferred.

· Certified Smith System Instructor or equivalent driver safety certification.

· Experience leading safety audits and/or compliance inspections.

· Strong background in incident investigation and root cause analysis.

Salary: $68,640 - $108,000

Benefits: