Director, Safety & Compliance

Minneapolis, Minnesota$140k–195k

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund 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-state Type: Full-time, Exempt

Why This Role Matters

This 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 Do

Own the Safety Program

Lead and evolve the Capacity*Connect safety strategy, standards, and policies

Ensure compliance across utility partners, data center clients, and regulatory environments

Maintain audit-ready documentation, training logs, and safety program records

Be a Field Leader

Conduct site visits across all phases: pre-construction, active construction, commissioning, and post-installation

Ensure safety standards are actually being followed—not just documented

Engage directly with crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to assess real-world conditions

Drive Compliance & Performance

Manage OSHA/MNOSHA reporting and supplier prequalification platforms (e.g., ISN, Avetta, Veriforce)

Own key safety metrics including TRIR and EMR

Partner with Finance on workers' compensation and insurance activities

Lead Incident Response

Own incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

Ensure issues are tracked to resolution and incorporated into future prevention efforts

Manage Subcontractor Safety

Oversee subcontractor prequalification and ongoing field performance

Issue corrective actions and stop-work orders when necessary

Represent Sparkfund during audits with utility and data center partners

Collaborate Across the Business

Partner with Projects, Programs, HR, Finance, and Legal to embed safety into operations

Support onboarding, training, and contract processes to align with safety expectations

Build reporting and dashboards that track both leading and lagging safety indicators

What Makes This Role Different

Field-first leadership—you'll spend time on job sites, not just behind a desk

High ownership and authority, including stop-work decision-making

Opportunity to build and scale a safety program—not inherit a finished one

Exposure to complex energy storage and infrastructure projects

Direct visibility and partnership with executive leadership

Ability to shape safety culture across a growing, distributed organization

What We're Looking For

Required

10+ years of experience in field safety, EHS, or risk management

Experience in construction, energy, utilities, or infrastructure environments

Proven experience owning or leading safety programs

Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations (1910/1926) and multi-jurisdictional compliance

Experience leading incident investigations, audits, and corrective action processes

Ability to operate in field environments and engage directly with crews and subcontractors

Preferred

Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) or electrical infrastructure

Familiarity with NFPA, UL, and IEEE standards

Experience working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)

Professional safety certifications (CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST, etc.)

Experience managing subcontractor safety programs

Background in multi-site or distributed operations

Experience partnering with executive leadership on safety strategy

Work Environment

This role includes regular field engagement, including active construction and operational sites. PPE is required during site visits. When not traveling, work is remote.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $140,000 - $195,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

Bonus eligibility (if applicable)

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Flexible time off

Paid caregiver leave

Monthly phone & Wi-Fi stipend

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sparkfund 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.

Disclaimer

This 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.