Director, Safety & Compliance

About SparkfundSparkfund is the deployment services company utilities rely on to take DERs from grid edge to grid core.With over a decade of experience as a utility services company, Sparkfund has pioneered a smarter approach to deploying distributed assets as part of a fast-growing grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities to plan, deploy, and dispatch DERs at the scale and pace necessary to meet load growth demand and unlock the full value of the grid. We support program design, assessment of DER grid value, host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment of distributed resources with maximum grid value and lowest cost.With more than 3,500 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming buildings into a valuable extension of the grid for the benefit of our society.Director, Safety & Compliance Location: Minneapolis, MN (or commuting distance)Travel: Frequent travel across Minnesota; ~10% out-of-stateType: Full-time, ExemptWhy This Role MattersThis is not a traditional safety role. As Director of Safety & Compliance for Capacity*Connect, you will own and build Sparkfund's safety program for one of our most strategic growth initiatives. This is a field-first leadership role where success isn't measured by policies written—it's measured by what actually happens on job sites.You'll operate as the senior safety authority across a complex portfolio of battery energy storage and infrastructure projects, partnering directly with utility and data center clients, subcontractors, and internal leadership. You'll define safety standards, lead audits and incident response, and ensure our teams are operating at the highest level in real-world conditions.If you've built safety programs before and want real ownership, visibility, and impact—this is that role.What You'll DoOwn the Safety ProgramLead and evolve the Capacity*Connect safety strategy, standards, and policiesEnsure compliance across utility partners, data center clients, and regulatory environmentsMaintain audit-ready documentation, training logs, and safety program recordsBe a Field LeaderConduct site visits across all phases: pre-construction, active construction, commissioning, and post-installationEnsure safety standards are actually being followed—not just documentedEngage directly with crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to assess real-world conditionsDrive Compliance & PerformanceManage OSHA/MNOSHA reporting and supplier prequalification platforms (e.g., ISN, Avetta, Veriforce)Own key safety metrics including TRIR and EMRPartner with Finance on workers' compensation and insurance activitiesLead Incident ResponseOwn incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actionsEnsure issues are tracked to resolution and incorporated into future prevention effortsManage Subcontractor SafetyOversee subcontractor prequalification and ongoing field performanceIssue corrective actions and stop-work orders when necessaryRepresent Sparkfund during audits with utility and data center partnersCollaborate Across the BusinessPartner with Projects, Programs, HR, Finance, and Legal to embed safety into operationsSupport onboarding, training, and contract processes to align with safety expectationsBuild reporting and dashboards that track both leading and lagging safety indicatorsWhat Makes This Role DifferentField-first leadership—you'll spend time on job sites, not just behind a deskHigh ownership and authority, including stop-work decision-makingOpportunity to build and scale a safety program—not inherit a finished oneExposure to complex energy storage and infrastructure projectsDirect visibility and partnership with executive leadershipAbility to shape safety culture across a growing, distributed organizationWhat We're Looking ForRequired10+ years of experience in field safety, EHS, or risk managementExperience in construction, energy, utilities, or infrastructure environmentsProven experience owning or leading safety programsStrong knowledge of OSHA regulations (1910/1926) and multi-jurisdictional complianceExperience leading incident investigations, audits, and corrective action processesAbility to operate in field environments and engage directly with crews and subcontractorsPreferredExperience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) or electrical infrastructureFamiliarity with NFPA, UL, and IEEE standardsExperience working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)Professional safety certifications (CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST, etc.)Experience managing subcontractor safety programsBackground in multi-site or distributed operationsExperience partnering with executive leadership on safety strategyWork EnvironmentThis role includes regular field engagement, including active construction and operational sites. PPE is required during site visits. When not traveling, work is remote.Compensation & BenefitsSalary range: $140,000 - $195,000 (based on experience and qualifications)Bonus eligibility (if applicable)Medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with employer matchFlexible time offPaid caregiver leaveMonthly phone & Wi-Fi stipendEqual Employment OpportunitySparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.DisclaimerThis job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply — even if you do not meet every listed qualification — as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.