Director of Safety - Rope Access

Director of Safety - Rope Access

Location: Greater Houston Area (based out of Deer Park, TX)
Reports To: VP of HSEQ
Compensation: $120,000-$130,000 base salary, plus vehicle and cell phone allowances
Travel: 50/50 Field and Office split

PK Companies is seeking an experienced Director of Safety - Rope Access to provide technical leadership, safety oversight, and strategic direction for our growing rope access operations. This role is critical to ensuring safe execution of work in refinery, petrochemical, and industrial environments while supporting the continued growth and development of our rope access services.

We are conducting a targeted search for a proven rope access professional who brings extensive hands-on industrial experience, strong leadership capabilities, and the technical expertise needed to mentor crews, support operations, and maintain the highest safety standards across all projects.

The ideal candidate will have earned credibility in the field through years of rope access work and possesses the judgment and leadership necessary to influence technicians, operational leaders, and clients alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all rope access safety programs, technical standards, and field execution practices.
• Develop and maintain consistent rope access procedures, work practices, rescue plans, and safety expectations.
• Evaluate job-site risks, work methods, rigging systems, and technician competency to ensure safe and efficient project execution.
• Partner closely with Operations leadership to plan and execute work in refineries, chemical facilities, and other industrial environments.
• Conduct field audits, inspections, and incident investigations as required.
• Mentor, coach, and develop rope access personnel, strengthening technical competency, accountability, and overall team performance.
• Support recruiting, training, certification compliance, and career development initiatives for rope access personnel.
• Serve as a technical resource for clients, project teams, and company leadership regarding rope access best practices and industry standards.
• Promote a culture of safety excellence while maintaining operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Current SPRAT Level III or IRATA Level III certification.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on industrial rope access experience.
• Extensive experience working in refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical facilities, or similar industrial environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience directing crews, providing technical guidance, and enforcing safety standards.
• Strong understanding of rope access systems, rescue techniques, rigging practices, and hazard recognition.
• Ability to communicate effectively with field personnel, clients, and executive leadership.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound decision-making abilities in dynamic field environments.
• Must reside within the Greater Houston area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-site rope access operations.
• Additional safety certifications such as OSHA 500, CSP, ASP, CHST, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting turnaround, maintenance, inspection, or construction projects within industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of refinery and petrochemical safety requirements including permit systems, confined space entry, and contractor safety programs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Access and navigate refinery, petrochemical, and industrial facilities, including elevated structures, ladders, stair towers, and platforms.
• Observe work activities and conditions to conduct inspections, audits, and investigations.
• Communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic methods.
• Operate standard office equipment and technology requiring manual dexterity.
• Travel to project and client sites as needed.
• Maintain the physical mobility, coordination, and stamina necessary to safely perform field responsibilities.

This is an opportunity to shape and lead a growing rope access program within an organization committed to safety, operational excellence, and long-term client relationships. The Director of Safety - Rope Access will play a key role in establishing best practices, developing talent, and driving the continued growth of our rope access service.

Perks/Benefits

Competitive base salary plus vehicle and cell phone allowance, Paid time off and Holidays, Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Company Match 401(k), Company Paid Life Insurance, Company Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability, Company Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)