James Gauson
Northglenn,CO
Summary
Oversaw safety protocols and training programs, advancing from triple journeyman roles to leadership positions, fostering a culture of safety in high-stakes construction environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safety Manager/ Training Manager
ESCO Construction Company
Colorado
01.2024 - Current
- Support safety oversight for heavy civil and construction operations across active project sites
- Maintain strong field presence to identify hazards, reinforce safe behaviors, and support crews in real time
- Deliver OSHA 10/30 training and site-specific orientations
- Partner with project leadership to identify risks and implement practical mitigation strategies
- Support safe execution of work while alignment with project schedule and production goals
Safety Consultant / Inspector / Trainer
MSC Safety Solutions
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Performed safety consulting, jobsite inspections, and compliance audits across multiple projects
- Delivered OSHA 10/30 and CPR/AED training to workforce and supervision
- Supported contractors with hazard recognition, corrective actions, and safety program improvements
- Assisted teams in maintaining compliance while keeping work progressing efficiently
- Served as GC representative during OSHA inspections and jobsite reviews
Third Party Safety Manager
Latcon Corporation
Denver, CO
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led on-site risk management for Turner, HP, FCI, E&K, & Engineered Demolition
- Coordinated across a workforce exceeding 1,200 personnel
- Led safety oversight for concourse expansion projects and interior demolition phases
- Maintained strong field engagement to identify hazards and drive safe behaviors
- Reinforced safe work practices across multiple trades and project phases
- Contributed to maintaining safe operations across multiple trades and work fronts
Safety Engineer
Mortenson Construction
Denver, CO
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Supported safety efforts across large-scale commercial and mission-critical projects
- Conducted field observations, audits, and safety meetings
- Built strong relationships with craftworkers and trade partners to influence safe behaviors
- Assisted in implementation of safety programs and continuous improvement initiatives
- Contributed to strong project safety performance recognized through multiple Safety A.C.E. Awards
Education
Triple Journeyman - Carpenter, Pipe Welder/fabricator, Industrial Housekeeper
Skills
- Directed field operations and engaged craft personnel to maximize operational performance
- Oversaw and implemented workforce training and development programs to enhance employee skills
- Managed high-risk work activities with a strong focus on safety and operational efficiency
- Coordinated work planning and scheduling initiatives to guarantee timely completion of tasks
- Orchestrated regulatory inspections to ensure adherence to compliance standards
- Led investigative efforts into incidents to uncover underlying causes and prevent future occurrences
- Championed development of comprehensive safety policies and procedures for organizational compliance
- Developed and implemented robust safety programs designed to elevate workplace safety standards
- Drove initiatives for proactive hazard identification to effectively mitigate risks
- Facilitated comprehensive training sessions reinforcing critical safety protocols for all staff
- Conducted thorough safety audits evaluating compliance with regulatory requirements
- Led investigation initiatives to accurately identify and analyze accident causes
- Executed regular safety inspections to uphold stringent industry standards
- Identified potential risks to proactively improve workplace safety initiatives
- Drove the creation of impactful employee training programs to enhance skill sets
Certification
- Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST) - BCSP
- OSHA 500 - Authorized Construction Trainer
- CPR / AED / First Aid Instructor
- Train-the-Trainer – MSC Safety Solutions
TRAINING / COURSES
- OSHA 10/30, OHS Specialized Modules Training
- Hazard Recognition & Safety Communication Training
COVER LETTER
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Safety Manager position for Construction. With over 20 plus years of construction experience, active CHST, OSHA 500, MSC Safety Solutions Train the Trainer credentials, and a foundation as a triple journeyman, I bring a highly practical, and balanced field-driven/people management approach to safety on complex data center, hospital, heavy civil, and aviation infrastructure projects. I am also currently studying for the BCSP Safety Management Professional (SMP) credential. It is the equivalent of the BCSP CSP, for safety professionals without a bachelors degree. I hope to have that credential within a year of my hire date. My background aligns directly with most general contractor operational needs, having recently served as a primary third-party Safety Manager at Denver International Airport (DEN). Navigating high-security, active aviation environments, my core leadership experience includes: Multi-Employer Worksite Coordination: Acted as the critical safety liaison between DEN safety staff and major prime contractors. Managed daytime safety operations across the complex Concourse A West, B, and C expansions, seamlessly coordinating with Turner, Flatiron, FCI, Holder, Latcon, Engineered Demolition, E & K, Spec7, Hillen Corp., Staff Zone and others. High-Risk Night Operations: Directed General Contractor safety for the DIA Great Hall project, managing complex nighttime crane work, demolition, hotwork, Interior finishes, logistics and other high-risk activities between Hensel Phelps, Engineered Demolition, Hillen Corporation, Latcon, Staff Zone, DEN personnel, and others. Secure-Area Logistics: Successfully obtained and maintained the high-level security clearances required to actively manage crews on multiple levels every day within the secure tunnel systems beneath the Great Hall and throughout the broader airport infrastructure. Heavy civil, core and shell, and aviation construction demands an understanding of active environments and strict tolerances. I evaluate field execution through the lens of a craftsman, bridging the gap between field personnel and corporate oversight. I know how to effectively manage subcontractor safety. This ensures that Site-Specific Safety Plans (SSSPs) and aviation-specific JHAs/AHAs are executed efficiently without sacrificing safe quality production. I pair this field credibility with high-level technical and digital competency. I have authored the SSSP for the Mortenson Redtail Ridge project, and comprehensive Construction Fall Hazard Analyses for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). I have also designed site-wide Written Respiratory Protection Programs, developed presentations, (OSHA 10 & 30), facilitated them and led high-angle fall protection and rigging audits. To manage massive project footprints, I lean heavily into modern digital compliance, utilizing, Procore, SiteDocs, and Assignar and Hammertech to manage the ever-increasing information. Ultimately, I build and manage craft-owned safety cultures through my "Strategic Safety Influencer" methodology, focusing on mentorship rather than policing. I am not a safety cop. I train people how to want safety and how to care about themselves and their families as much as I do. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my technical expertise, aviation field leadership and ability to develop camaraderie with trades people and safety professionals can immediately support your commitment to safety excellence. References and credentials available upon request. Sincerely, James Gauson
Timeline
Safety Manager/ Training Manager
ESCO Construction Company
01.2024 - Current
Safety Consultant / Inspector / Trainer
MSC Safety Solutions
01.2022 - 01.2024
Third Party Safety Manager
Latcon Corporation
01.2020 - 01.2022
Safety Engineer
Mortenson Construction
01.2012 - 01.2020