About the position
The Safety Coach is responsible for helping build and sustain a strong safety culture by working directly with teammates and operational leaders to improve safe behaviors, reinforce the company’s safety expectations, and proactively identify and address safety risks. The Safety Coach leverages Samsara telematics, dash camera technology, safety data, and field observations to identify operational and driving behavior risks, provide individualized coaching, and partner with drivers and service center leaders to improve safety performance. The role combines data and in-person observations to create meaningful, behavior-based coaching conversations. This role is highly visible and field-based, with a strong emphasis on coaching rather than policing. The Safety Coach builds relationships with drivers and chaperones and service center teams, observes work practices, provides timely feedback, recognizes safe performance, and partners with the operations and safety leaders to bring forth improvement opportunities. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who can establish trust with teammates while maintaining the ability to apply accountability to Reliant’s safety standards.
Responsibilities
• Conduct regular site observations, ride-alongs, and safety observations with drivers and operational teammates.
• Coach teammates on safe driving and workplace behaviors using positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
• Build trusted relationships with drivers, chaperones supervisors, managers, and service center leadership.
• Recognize and reinforce positive safety behaviors and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Promote a culture in which teammates feel comfortable reporting hazards, near misses, and safety concerns.
• Serve as a visible safety resource and advocate for teammates and operational teams.
• Conduct routine safety observations, inspections, and audits in accordance with company standards.
• Identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, trends, and potential hazards.
• Document observations and assist with developing corrective actions.
• Follow up on identified risks to ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify recurring safety issues and develop sustainable solutions.
• Support delivery of safety training, toolbox talks, safety meetings, and other safety education.
• Assist with onboarding and safety orientation for new teammates.
• Provide individualized coaching following safety events, observations, or identified performance concerns.
• Support refresher training and targeted interventions based on safety trends.
• Reinforce company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with the response, documentation, and follow-up of accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses.
• Participate in incident reviews and help identify contributing factors and opportunities to prevent recurrence.
• Escalate significant safety concerns promptly to the appropriate Safety and operational leadership.
• Support corrective and preventive actions resulting from investigations and audits.
• Maintain accurate records of safety observations, coaching activities, training, and corrective actions.
• Review safety data to identify trends and emerging risks.
• Provide regular feedback to Safety and operational leaders regarding safety performance and opportunities.
• Participate in safety initiatives, projects, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support implementation of company-wide safety programs and initiatives consistently across service centers.
Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in transportation, safety, operations, training, coaching, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility and trust with teammates and leaders.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and hold teammates accountable.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Valid driver's license with no disqualifying offense in accordance with MN State law, FMCSA regulations, and company policy.
Nice-to-haves
• Experience in school bus, motorcoach, passenger transportation, or another safety-critical environment.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Prior safety, driver training, or operational leadership experience.
• Experience conducting safety observations, audits, or incident investigations.
• Knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and applicable state transportation requirements.
• Experience using safety technology, telematics, camera systems, or safety reporting platforms.
Benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid training
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Career development opportunities