Regional Safety Specialist

Gunnison Tree Service | A Townsend Company

Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirements: Approximately 50%
Location: Assigned Region

Who We Are

At Gunnison Tree Service, a subsidiary of The Townsend Company, LLC, our work supports the everyday things people count on—safe roadways, reliable power, and communities that can keep moving without interruption.

As part of the Townsend family of companies, we're proud to deliver essential utility vegetation management, tree care, and right-of-way services while maintaining a strong commitment to employee safety, operational excellence, and quality service.

It's not just a job. It's work that helps protect neighborhoods, families, and the places we all call home.

We're built on skilled, hands-on work and the people who take pride in doing it right. We believe that safety starts with our employees and that strong relationships, teamwork, and continuous learning are essential to creating a workplace where everyone can succeed.

If you're looking for a long-term career with a team that values safety, teamwork, and respect, we'd love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Weekly pay

• Paid time off and health benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Boot allowance on qualifying purchases

• 401(k) with a 4% company match

Make an Impact Where Safety Matters Most

Are you a hands-on safety professional who believes that building a strong safety culture starts in the field?

Gunnison Tree Service is seeking an experienced and motivated Regional Safety Specialist to help strengthen safety performance, support operational teams, and promote a proactive, learning-focused approach to workplace safety.

This isn't a position where you'll spend your days behind a desk reviewing reports. You'll be where the work happens—engaging with crews, partnering with frontline leaders, identifying risks, and helping employees make informed decisions that keep themselves and their teammates safe.

As a Regional Safety Specialist, you'll serve as a trusted safety resource within your assigned region, helping bridge the gap between safety expectations and real-world field operations.

You'll work closely with operational leadership, supervisors, and field employees to promote safe work practices, strengthen accountability, and continuously improve how work is performed.

If you're passionate about employee safety, enjoy building relationships, and want to make a meaningful difference in the field, this opportunity could be a great fit.

What You'll Do

Field Safety Leadership & Engagement

• Maintain a strong field presence through regular job site visits, safety observations, and crew engagement.

• Partner with General Forepersons, Forepersons, and operational leaders to identify hazards and implement effective risk controls.

• Provide hands-on safety coaching to employees and frontline supervisors.

• Promote proactive hazard recognition, effective job planning, and safe work execution.

• Build strong relationships with field teams through communication, collaboration, and practical problem-solving.

• Reinforce stop-work expectations and assist with addressing high-risk conditions.

Safety Training & Employee Development

• Lead and support safety meetings, toolbox talks, field discussions, and safety stand-downs.

• Assist with onboarding, field evaluations, and practical safety training for new employees.

• Partner with operations and training teams to identify learning opportunities and improve safety performance.

• Help employees understand and apply company safety policies and industry best practices.

• Promote a learning-focused safety culture that encourages open communication and continuous improvement.

Incident Investigation & Prevention

• Investigate minor incidents, near misses, and close calls to identify contributing factors and opportunities for improvement.

• Support more complex incident investigations in coordination with Safety and company leadership.

• Assist with documentation, interviews, incident reviews, and corrective action follow-up.

• Communicate lessons learned and help implement practical solutions to prevent future incidents.

Safety Compliance & Operational Support

• Conduct field safety audits, job site inspections, crew observations, and equipment reviews.

• Support compliance with OSHA, ANSI Z133, DOT, customer requirements, and company safety standards.

• Evaluate work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operational readiness.

• Identify potential compliance concerns and partner with leadership to address them.

• Assist with safety initiatives, special projects, and cross-regional improvement efforts.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a safety professional who combines technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to protecting employees.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in utility vegetation management, arboriculture, or field-based safety leadership.

• Strong working knowledge of ANSI Z133, OSHA 1910.269, DOT requirements, and utility vegetation management operations.

• Experience conducting safety inspections, incident investigations, field audits, and employee safety training.

• Ability to identify workplace hazards and recommend practical, effective safety solutions.

• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with field employees, supervisors, and operational leadership.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital safety reporting or inspection systems.

• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Safety, Forestry, Environmental Health, or a related field.

• Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) certification.

• Experience mentoring or supervising field safety personnel.

• Familiarity with Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and Safety Differently principles.

• Experience supporting multiple operational regions, business units, or field teams.

What to Expect in This Role

This is a highly visible, field-focused position that requires flexibility, independence, and a willingness to work alongside operational teams.

• Approximately 70% travel throughout the assigned region.

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather and environmental conditions.

• Regular visits to active job sites, staging areas, and field operations.

• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, climb ladders, and access elevated work areas when necessary.

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.

• Flexibility to work extended hours and assist with incident response when needed.

Why Join Gunnison Tree Service?

At Gunnison Tree Service, safety is more than a policy or a checklist. It's a commitment to the people who make our operations possible.

As part of the Townsend family of companies, we combine the strength and resources of a larger organization with the hands-on experience, teamwork, and relationships that make our field operations successful.

As a Regional Safety Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to influence how work is performed, develop meaningful relationships with field teams, and contribute to safety improvements that make a real difference.

Ready to take the next step in your safety career?

If you're an experienced safety professional who enjoys being in the field, building trust with crews, and making a meaningful impact on workplace safety, we encourage you to apply.

Join Gunnison Tree Service, a Townsend Company, and help us build a safer, stronger workforce—one crew at a time.