DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Human Performance Subject Matter Expert (HP SME) is responsible for advancing a proactive safety culture by integrating human performance principles into daily operations, leadership practices, and incident prevention strategies. This role focuses on reducing error-likely situations, strengthening organizational learning, and improving system defenses to prevent injuries, outages, and operational failures.
The HP SME partners with leadership, safety teams, and field personnel to implement sustainable human performance tools, drive behavior-based improvements, and embed error reduction strategies into all levels of the organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesHuman Performance Program Leadership- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Human Performance (HP) program.
- Integrate HP principles (e.g., error precursors, defenses, accountability, learning organization) into company policies, procedures, and field execution.
- Align HP strategy with company safety goals, operational excellence initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
Training & Coaching- Design and deliver Human Performance training programs for all organizational levels (executives, supervisors, field crews).
- Coach leaders and crews on applying HP tools such as:
- Pre-job briefs
- Tailboards
- Critical step identification
- Error-likely situation recognition
- Peer checking and self-checking
- Stop-work authority
- Conduct field observations and provide real-time coaching to reinforce desired behaviors.
Incident Investigation & Learning- Support and/or lead root cause investigations using methodologies such as TapRooT®, Cause Mapping, or similar.
- Identify human and organizational factors contributing to incidents and near misses.
- Ensure lessons learned are effectively communicated and translated into actionable improvements.
- Facilitate post-incident learning teams and safety stand-downs.
Operational Integration- Partner with operations, safety, and project teams to embed HP practices into:
- Job planning and work packages
- Switching procedures and critical operations
- Risk assessments and hazard mitigation strategies
- Identify system weaknesses and drive improvements in processes, tools, and procedures.
Hazard Recognition Program Administration- Administer the company Hazard Recognition ("Good Catch") Program.
- Review and evaluate submitted good catches for quality, risk significance, and learning value.
- Coordinate monthly selection process and maintain scoring consistency and transparency.
- Lead communication of winning entries and key lessons learned across the organization.
- Coordinate prize allocation and recognition events for winning crews and individuals.
- Track trends in hazard recognition data to identify recurring risks and improvement opportunities.
Performance Monitoring & Improvement- Develop and track key performance indicators related to human performance and error reduction.
- Analyze trends in incidents, near misses, good catches, and observations to identify systemic risks.
- Recommend corrective and preventive actions based on data insights.
Culture & Leadership Development- Promote a just culture that balances accountability with learning.
- Influence leadership behaviors to support open reporting, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.
- Facilitate workshops and leadership sessions on human performance principles.
Safety Committee Participation- Serve as an active member of the Safety Committee.
- Contribute human performance insights to safety policies, initiatives, and decisions.
- Present trends, findings, and recommendations related to human performance and hazard recognition.
- Collaborate with cross-functional representatives to drive continuous improvement in safety performance.
QualificationsRequired- 5+ years of experience in safety, operations, or human performance within high-risk industries (e.g., utilities, construction, oil & gas, manufacturing).
- Demonstrated experience implementing human performance principles and tools.
- Strong knowledge of incident investigation methodologies (e.g., TapRooT®, RCA).
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in Safety, Engineering, Human Factors, Organizational Psychology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Certified Human Performance Professional (CHP) or similar credential.
- Experience in utility line work, electrical distribution/transmission, or field operations.
- Advanced training in Human and Organizational Performance (HOP).
Key Competencies- Deep knowledge of Human Performance & HOP principles
- Strong coaching and influencing skills (especially with frontline crews and supervisors)
- Analytical and problem-solving ability
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to translate theory into practical field application
- Leadership and cultural transformation mindset
Working Conditions- Frequent field visits in active construction or utility environments.
- Exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, and inclement weather.
- Travel required across service territories.
Success Measures- Reduction in recordable injuries, SIF exposure, and human-error-related incidents.
- Increase in quality and participation of good catch reporting.
- Improved effectiveness of pre-job briefs and hazard identification.
- Demonstrated adoption of human performance tools across crews.
- Positive trends in safety culture surveys and field engagement.
- Effective administration and participation in safety committee initiatives.
Reporting Structure- Reports to: Safety Director
- Works closely with: Operations Managers, Field Supervisors, Safety Teams, Training Departments
