HSSE Area Manager

Description

Position Summary

The HSSE Area Manager - Data Center leads day-to-day HSSE oversight for the data center construction, fit-out, and mission-critical commissioning scope at the Fermi Matador project. Reporting to the HSSE Manager, the Area Manager owns the implementation of the site HSSE Management System within the assigned area, supervises a team of field HSSE Coordinators and Advisors, and ensures OSHA and regulatory compliance at the work face. This is a hands-on, field-based leadership role responsible for protecting the workforce across electrical-intensive construction, high trade density, and phased energization while keeping a large, complex project on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program implementation. Implement and enforce the site HSSE Management System, HSE Plan, and SSE Management Procedure within the assigned area; ensure alignment with OSHA, Fermi America standards, and owner / EPC requirements.
• Team management. Supervise, mentor, and schedule field HSSE Coordinators and Advisors; assign contractor / zone coverage Field presence. Conduct and oversee daily site walks, inspections, audits, and job hazard analyses; verify hazard controls, permits (hot work, confined space, LOTO, excavation), and safe work practices at the work face.
• Incident management. Lead incident and near-miss investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for the area; make OSHA recordability determinations and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Contractor oversight. Hold contractors and subcontractors accountable to site HSSE expectations; review contractor safety plans, JSAs, and pre-task planning.
• Training & orientation. Ensure site orientation, toolbox talks, and required task-specific training are delivered and documented for the workforce in the area.
• Environmental coordination. Coordinate with the Environmental Manager on environmental compliance touchpoints - spill prevention, waste, stormwater, and permitting - within the assigned area.
• Emergency preparedness. Support and drill emergency response, evacuation, mustering, and medical response plans in coordination with site operations.
• Metrics & reporting. Track leading and lagging indicators; report area HSSE performance, trends, and risks to the Safety Manager (HSSE).
• Electrical safety. Manage hazards associated with electrical construction and energization - arc flash, high-voltage systems, temporary power, UPS / battery systems - in alignment with NFPA 70E and the site energized-work program.
• Building & fit-out. Oversee structural steel, working at height, interior fit-out trades, and mechanical / electrical / plumbing (MEP) installation across the data hall and support buildings.
• Mission-critical commissioning. Coordinate live-electrical, cooling-system, and fire / life-safety controls during commissioning and phased occupancy in partnership with commissioning leads.
• Trade-density management. Control risks from high-density trade stacking, housekeeping and material-management standards, and phased energization / occupancy sequencing.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• 7+ years of construction HSSE experience, with 3+ years in a supervisory or lead role on large industrial, data center, or electrical-intensive projects.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA 1926 (construction) standards and applicable federal and Texas state regulations.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating safety professionals in a field environment.
• Strong incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and hold accountable at all levels, from craft to executive.

Certifications Required:

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction (required); OSHA 500 / 510 trainer credential preferred.
• CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician) preferred.
• Current First Aid / CPR / AED certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience overseeing safety for data center, mission-critical, or electrical-intensive construction.
• Experience on data center, mission-critical, or electrical-intensive construction projects.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, energized-work controls, and commissioning of critical facilities (UPS, generators, cooling, and fire / life-safety systems).
• Any additional BCSP credentials.
• Familiarity with digital safety / observation and workforce-tracking systems.

Physical & Site Requirements

• Full-time presence on an active construction site in the Texas Panhandle, including exposure to heat, cold, dust, noise, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to walk the site for extended periods, climb ladders / stairs, and access elevated and confined areas.
• Ability to wear required PPE at all times in the field.
• Availability to support extended shifts, and occasional nights / weekends as project needs require.

Why Fermi America

Fermi America is building the infrastructure required to power the next generation of technology, manufacturing, and AI-driven industries. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the foundation of the company's HR technology and workforce analytics capabilities from the ground up. You will play a critical role in implementing systems, creating scalable processes, and delivering workforce insights that directly influence organizational strategy and business growth.

Fermi America is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

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