Full job description
Larry J. Bakker launched Landscape Design Services in 1968 at the same location where it remains today between Holland and Grand Haven. At the time, Larry was working out of his home with just one employee and a truck. Since then, the business has grown to become the largest full-service landscape company in West Michigan, with 190 professionals delivering landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance services at an exceptional level.
We are seeking an experienced Safety and Risk Manager to lead our safety, DOT/fleet compliance, workers’ compensation, and workforce risk programs across our field and fleet operations. This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable spending the majority of their time on job sites and in the field, has the credibility and presence to enforce safety standards with crews, and can also own the detailed compliance recordkeeping that keeps us audit-ready.
Safety and Risk Manager – Holland, MI 49424 – Indeed.com
What You’ll Do
● Lead the Safety & Risk Management Committee and drive OSHA compliance, incident investigations, PPE programs, and toolbox talks across all crews and locations.
● Conduct regular field observations and safety walks, with the authority to pause unsafe work and issue corrective action on-site.
● Own DOT/FMCSA compliance: driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing (DOT and Non-DOT random pools), CDL compliance, medical card tracking, MVR monitoring, and continuity of DOT Clearinghouse queries.
● Coordinate workers’ compensation from injury reporting through claims, return-to-work, modified duty, and carrier communication.
● Manage fleet compliance, including insurance, vehicle registration, and licensing documentation.
● Design and build structured training programs, including a redesigned new-hire onboarding experience, ongoing safety certification refreshers, and skills-based training (equipment operation, planting and mowing standards) in partnership with crew coordinators.
● Track and proactively schedule continuing education (CE) credits for license holders, consolidating training opportunities to reduce lost field time and cost from reactive scheduling.
● Maintain all safety, training, licensing, and compliance records and logs; independent, meticulous recordkeeping is essential.
● Partner closely with the HR and Operations leadership to balance office-based compliance work with in-field presence, shifting emphasis seasonally.
What You’ll Bring
● Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, risk management, or related field strongly preferred.
● 5+ years of safety and/or DOT compliance experience, ideally in landscaping, construction, or another fleet-heavy industry, with prior ownership of a risk control or safety program.
● OSHA 30 certification required.
● Working knowledge of FMCSA/DOT driver qualification, drug & alcohol testing, and Clearinghouse requirements.
● Comfort delivering direct, corrective feedback in the field (driver coaching, stop-work conversations) while maintaining crew respect and credibility.
● Meticulous recordkeeping and organizational skills, with the ability to independently manage audit-exposed compliance documentation without administrative backup.
● Ability to build training programs and curriculum from the ground up.
● High school diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Qualifications
● Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST).
● Prior experience designing or delivering structured training programs (curriculum development, LMS administration, or train-the-trainer).
● Bilingual communication skills in Spanish and English.
Schedule, Travel, and Work Environment
This role splits time between the field and the office, with the balance shifting seasonally: approximately 75% field / 25% office during peak season (spring through fall), shifting to roughly 75% office / 25% field during the winter, when the focus moves to training program development. Regular travel is required.
Work is performed in both outdoor job-site environments and an office setting, with outdoor exposure to weather, uneven terrain, and typical field hazards.
Physical Requirements
● Regular travel to job sites and yards to conduct safety observations.
● Ability to walk on uneven terrain and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
● Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
● Communicate clearly, read and understand compliance documentation, and use the visual and hearing abilities necessary to safely perform field observations.
● Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
We Offer…
● Great Team Culture
● Competitive pay based on experience and skillset
● Paid vacation
● Profit sharing
● Benefits package
A Bakker Family Business Since 1968
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
Work Location: In person