Fervo’s mission is to use innovation in geoscience to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. To accomplish that goal, Fervo has developed groundbreaking technology solutions that have advanced the state-of-the-art of geothermal energy decades ahead of schedule, including the world’s most successful commercial enhanced geothermal system completed in 2023. Fervo has raised over $400 million from leading investors and has secured a multi-billion-dollar project pipeline to meet the world’s growing need for 24/7 carbon free energy. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, researchers, investors, and developers in making geothermal a key pillar of our climate-friendly energy future.

Description

The Director of Health, Safety, and Environment will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing best in class health, safety, and environmental programs and systems, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility across all operations. This role requires strong leadership, a demonstrated track record of guiding HSE activities in complex operational environments, and the ability to drive a culture of safety across the organization. This position will collaborate with leadership and operational teams to identify risks, implement mitigations and corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in HSE performance. The Director of Health, Safety, and Environment will report to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Safety Culture: Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility throughout the organization, engaging all levels of employees and contractors in HSE best practices. Provide leadership and guidance to the HSE team, promoting their development and performance.
• Develop and Implement HSE Programs: Lead the design, development, and execution of preemptive HSE strategies, policies, and procedures that align with corporate goals and values and to ensure compliance with regulations and safe operations. Implement sustainability programs and initiatives to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Establish departmental KPIs and maintain a company-wide HSE dashboard, with regular reporting to executives and site leadership. Monitor and report on the company’s HSE performance, including the tracking of incidents, near misses, and corrective actions. Conduct regular HSE audits and site inspections.
• Risk Management: Lead regular risk assessments, hazard identification, and implement corrective and preventative actions to mitigate potential health, safety, and environmental risks across all operations. Develop emergency response plans and coordinate drills and simulations to prepare the organization for various scenarios.
• Training & Development: Design and implement training programs to educate employees and contractors on HSE best practices, safe working procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (local, state, and national) pertaining to health, safety, and environmental protection.
• Audits, Inspections, and Assessments: Oversee both internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments to identify areas of improvement and ensure that corrective actions are taken.
• Incident Investigation: Lead investigations into incidents and near-misses, analyze root causes, establish learning teams, and provide recommendations for corrective and preventative measures.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage external stakeholders about Fervo’s commitment to HSE, including local communities, industry groups, and regulatory bodies or government agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years of HSE experience in oil and gas, complex facilities, utilities, with at least 4 years of experience in HSE leadership roles
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local HSE regulations (e.g., OSHA, DOT, EPA)
• Certification in relevant HSE areas (e.g., CSP, CIH, NEBOSH) is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in developing and leading HSE programs in a growing organization
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and inspire employees at all levels
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Proficient in process safety with the ability to improve existing core programs (MOC, PHA, etc)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Proficiency in HSE management software and reporting tools
• Ability to routinely travel up to 25% of the time, with more travel required during critical project phases
• Ability to respond to incidents outside of normal working hours if necessary

Location

Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX, with growing offices in Golden, CO, Reno, NV, and Oakland, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston office will be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Fervo provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible paid time off, and paid parental leave. Additionally, Fervo offers an incentive stock options program, a bonus incentive program, and a 401(k) plan with an employer match.