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.
