Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.

Summit is a growing natural gas utility providing safe, reliable, and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers, and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.

POSITION SUMMARY

Summit Utilities is seeking a dynamic, strategic and experienced leader to serve as Director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Training (EHS&T). This individual will lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of companywide safety, environmental, and technical training programs. The Director will foster a culture of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and proactive safety across Summit’s multi state natural gas distribution operations. This role is ideal for a strategic leader who excels in building collaborative teams, driving accountability, and advancing safety and environmental stewardship in a regulated utility environment.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Training (EHS&T). This hybrid role will be based in one of our offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Maumelle, or Fort Smith, Arkansas; or Lawton, Oklahoma.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a key member of the Operations Support leadership team, reporting directly to the VP of Operations Support.
Lead the development and execution of companywide environmental, safety and technical training programs tailored to natural gas distribution operations.
Ensure compliance with PHMSA, OSHA, EPA, and state-level environmental, safety and pipeline safety regulations.
Oversee the Company’s Safety and Health Management System (SHMS), ensuring it is effectively embedded across operations and aligned with industry’s best practices and regulatory expectations.
Oversee the Summit’s technical training and Operator Qualification Program ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and regulations.
Oversee the Company’s Contractor Compliance Program ensuring contractors and contract employees adhere to the Company’s compliance and quality standards.
Support the development and implementation of the Company’s Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) in alignment with API RP 1173, including stakeholder engagement, risk management, and performance tracking.
Lead the continued implementation and improvement of the Company’s Environmental Management System (EMS), ensuring integration with operational practices and compliance with ISO 14001 standards.
Manage the Company’s Net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction goal, including tracking emissions, coordinating reduction initiatives, and reporting progress to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Oversee the development and maturation of technical and health & safety training programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and internal competency frameworks.
Collaborate with Human Resources and Operations to maintain a robust Learning Management System (LMS) that supports technician progression, certification, and continuous learning. Monitor and report safety performance metrics (e.g., TRIR, DART, near-miss rates) to senior leadership.
Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate safety into system design and maintenance planning.
Oversee incident investigation protocols and root cause analysis for team member and gas-related safety events.
Develop and implement emergency response plans that ensure coordination between the Company and local agencies and first responders.
Develop and manage the annual EHS&T budget.
Championing a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement mindset across all levels of the organization.
Represent Summit at industry forums, conferences, and regulatory meetings.
Stay informed on emerging technologies and regulatory changes impacting EHS&T.
Support workforce development initiatives, including technician progression and certification programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, engineering, business administration, construction management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading environmental, safety, and/or technical training programs within the utility, energy, or natural gas distribution industry.
6+ years of management or senior leadership experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams including environmental, safety, and training professionals in the utility, energy, or natural gas distribution industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and PHMSA regulations and compliance frameworks.
Proven ability to develop and execute large scale safety and training programs across multi state operations.
Strong strategic planning and program management expertise in regulated environments.
Demonstrated experience in fostering a positive safety culture and driving organizational change.
Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics to guide strategy and decision making.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; adept at developing and delivering effective training materials.
Knowledge of workers’ compensation regulations and cost containment practices.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Learning Management Systems.
Ability to conduct audits, provide constructive feedback, and partner with leaders to drive improvement.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.

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