EHS Specialist

Job Summary: The Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist serves as the site's subject matter expert responsible for the development, implementation, continuous improvement, and oversight of environmental, health, and safety programs. The Specialist exercises independent judgment and professional discretion in evaluating risk, interpreting regulations, developing policies, managing projects, and influencing operational decisions.

This role partners directly with plant leadership to identify risks, implement long-term solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Program Ownership

• Own assigned EHS programs and ensure regulatory compliance across all operational areas.
• Develop, implement, and revise EHS policies, standards, procedures, and management systems.
• Lead strategic EHS initiatives designed to reduce risk and improve performance.
• Drive implementation of corporate EHS objectives at the facility level.

Regulatory Compliance & Technical Expertise

• Interpret OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA, ANSI and applicable state regulations.
• Conduct compliance gap assessments and develop corrective action strategies.
• Serve as facility liaison during regulatory inspections and agency interactions.
• Lead environmental permitting, reporting, and compliance activities as assigned.

Risk Management

• Lead complex hazard assessments, JSAs/JHAs, industrial hygiene assessments, and ergonomic evaluations.
• Evaluate new equipment, process changes, facility modifications, and capital projects for EHS impacts.
• Participate in Management of Change (MOC) reviews.
• Recommend engineering and administrative controls to reduce risk.

Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead investigations involving serious injuries, high-risk near misses, property damage, and environmental incidents.
• Facilitate root cause analysis methodologies.
• Develop corrective action strategies and verify effectiveness.
• Present findings and recommendations to plant leadership.

Training & Leadership Development

• Develop EHS curriculum and training strategies.
• Provide technical coaching to supervisors and managers.
• Mentor EHS Coordinators and assist with professional development planning.
• Lead safety culture initiatives and employee engagement efforts.

Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze injury trends, leading indicators, audit findings, and compliance metrics.
• Develop action plans based on data analysis.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, A3, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Present performance and recommendations to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Education

One of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related field; or
• Equivalent combination of education and progressive EHS experience.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of progressively responsible EHS experience in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated responsibility for managing EHS programs and influencing operational decisions.
• Experience leading investigations, audits, and risk assessments.

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following:

• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional)
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• CHMM
• CIH
• Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
• Lean/A3 Practitioner Certification

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects.
• Ability to influence decisions across all organizational levels.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office and EHS database proficiency.

Decision-Making Authority

• Exercises independent judgment regarding compliance obligations, risk mitigation strategies, program implementation, and corrective actions.
• Recommends operational changes, capital improvements, and process modifications to reduce organizational risk.
• Functions as a technical advisor to leadership on EHS matters.

Leads projects and initiatives without direct supervision.