Environmental Health and Safety Director in Sterling, Virginia at Align Communications

Position Overview

Align offers a wide variety of services centered around the data center white space. We are a technology solution provider specialized in data center white space design and fit outs. Our services include designing layouts, overhead support systems (to support cable pathways and electrical systems), power striping and redundancy planning for distribution from PDUs to cabinet receptacles, conduit pathways, and low voltage structured cable infrastructure.

We are seeking an experienced EHS Safety Director to provide dedicated safety leadership for our data center construction operations. This role ensures that all project activities are planned and executed safely, aligning with our safety management system, regulatory requirements, and client expectations. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in construction safety, especially in high-risk, MEP-heavy, or critical facility environments, and is passionate about preventing safety incidents and driving continuous improvement.

This role will play a key part in the implementation and expansion of Aligns construction safety program, providing both strategic direction and hands-on field leadership across multiple projects and regions.

• This is a full-time position offering a base salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, paid training, and performance-based bonuses
• The location for this position is flexible, but we prefer candidates located near one these offices: Dallas TX, Sterling VA, or Phoenix AZ
• Candidates should be open to travel outside the region as needed. Travel requirements may range from moderate to extensive depending on project needs, site conditions, and regional support coverage

Responsibilities

• Partner with Data Center Design, Procure and Build leadership, project teams, subcontractors, and clients to support safe work planning and execution
• Provide guidance and direction to other safety professionals and third-party safety providers supporting regional projects
• Maintain a strong and consistent presence in the field to reinforce standards and expectations
• Lead and support pre-task planning (JHAs/JSAs), ensuring high-risk work is reviewed and controlled before execution
• Conduct site inspections, audits, and verification of control measures; ensure timely corrective actions
• Lead or support incident and near-miss investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Own and manage the tracking, reporting, and closure of safety observations and corrective actions through established processes and systems
• Develop and deliver safety training and toolbox talks tailored to site-specific risks
• Monitor and influence high-risk work activities (electrical, LOTO, working at heights, confined space, lifting operations)
• Track and report safety metrics, trends, and leading indicators to project leadership
• Partner with clients on safety expectations, coordination, and sitewide initiatives
• Support the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of construction safety processes, documentation, and expectations across projects
• Exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist, regardless of schedule or cost impact
• Other duties as assigned

• 7+ years of safety experience in construction or industrial environments, including high-risk or mission-critical work
• Experience in data centers, electrical, MEP, or other high-risk construction environments
• Strong field presence with the ability to influence crews and subcontractors
• OSHA 500/510 Certification required
• Strong knowledge of OSHA 1926, NFPA 70E, LOTO, working at heights, and confined space requirements
• Experience developing and delivering safety training
• Proven experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis
• Ability to coach field teams and influence behavior without direct authority
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify risks and propose solutions
• High level of ownership and commitment to safety excellence
• Demonstrated ability to capture, analyze, and report safety KPIs and leading indicators

• CHST, CSP, ASP, OHST, or OSHA 3115
• Experience leading or mentoring other safety professionals
• Bilingual (English + Spanish or Russian)

To support a fair, consistent, and high-quality hiring experience, some interviews may be recorded. These recordings help our team focus fully on the conversation at hand, rather than note-taking, and allow us to better evaluate and improve our recruitment process. Recordings are used solely for internal purposes such as training, quality assurance, and process improvement. Candidates will be informed in advance and asked to provide consent before any recording takes place.

Tier 3