Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for EHS Coordinator

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

EHSSafetyComplianceEnvironmental HealthManufacturingOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The EHS Coordinator is a hands-on role responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the company's Environmental, Health, and Safety programs. This individual will act as a key resource for employees and management, driving continuous improvement in EHS performance. Your primary goal will be to ensure the site operates in full compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations while actively promoting a world-class safety culture through training, engagement, and a visible presence on the floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • EHS Intern or Co-op
  • Safety Technician
  • Production Supervisor with a strong safety focus

Advancement To:

  • EHS Specialist
  • EHS Manager
  • Corporate EHS Analyst or Auditor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Coordinator
  • Compliance Specialist
  • Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and deliver comprehensive EHS training programs for new hires and existing employees, covering topics like hazard communication, lockout/tagout, and emergency response.
  • Conduct thorough incident and near-miss investigations using root cause analysis methodologies to identify systemic issues and develop effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Perform regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments of facilities, equipment, and processes to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with EHS standards.
  • Maintain and manage all required EHS documentation and records, including OSHA 300 logs, environmental permits, training records, and inspection reports, ensuring they are accurate and readily accessible.
  • Lead and facilitate the site's Safety Committee, driving employee engagement and empowering team members to take ownership of workplace safety.
  • Manage the facility's hazardous waste program, including proper identification, labeling, storage, and coordination of disposal in accordance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA) during inspections and inquiries, ensuring professional and compliant interactions.
  • Develop, review, and update EHS policies, procedures, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) to reflect current best practices and regulatory changes.
  • Oversee the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program, including conducting hazard assessments, selecting appropriate PPE, and training employees on its proper use and maintenance.
  • Coordinate and manage the site's emergency preparedness and response plans, including conducting fire drills, evacuation drills, and first aid/CPR training.
  • Track, analyze, and report on key EHS performance indicators (KPIs) such as incident rates, training completion, and audit findings to senior management.
  • Champion a proactive and positive safety culture throughout the organization through visible leadership, regular communication, and employee recognition programs.
  • Manage the contractor safety program by vetting contractors, conducting safety orientations, and monitoring their on-site activities to ensure compliance with company policies.
  • Conduct ergonomic assessments for office and industrial workstations to identify risks for musculoskeletal disorders and recommend effective controls.
  • Coordinate industrial hygiene monitoring for potential exposures, such as noise, air contaminants, and chemical agents, and interpret results to implement necessary controls.
  • Maintain the site's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library, ensuring all documents are current and accessible to employees as required by the Hazard Communication standard.
  • Manage environmental compliance programs, including stormwater pollution prevention (SWPPP), air emissions permits, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
  • Support the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company's environmental footprint, such as waste reduction and energy conservation.
  • Provide hands-on EHS support and guidance to all departments, acting as a technical expert and problem-solver for daily operational challenges.
  • Assist in the management of workers' compensation claims, collaborating with Human Resources to facilitate a safe and timely return-to-work process for injured employees.
  • Review capital projects and changes in processes or equipment to ensure EHS considerations are integrated into the design and implementation phases.

Secondary Functions

  • Coordinate and track EHS-related purchase orders and vendor services.
  • Assist in the development and tracking of the departmental budget and EHS performance metrics.
  • Support Human Resources with workers' compensation claim management and return-to-work programs.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects, providing EHS expertise.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of federal, state, and local EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA).
  • Incident Investigation: Proficiency in root cause analysis (RCA) techniques like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, or TapRooT®.
  • Risk Assessment: Expertise in conducting Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and ergonomic assessments.
  • EHS Management Systems: Experience with implementing or maintaining ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) standards.
  • Hazardous Materials Management: Knowledge of RCRA, hazard communication standards, and experience managing hazardous waste streams and SDS libraries.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to track, analyze, and report on EHS metrics and KPIs using software like Excel or specialized EHS platforms.
  • Industrial Hygiene: Foundational knowledge of IH principles, including experience with noise monitoring and air sampling equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex safety information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Training & Presentation: Proven ability to develop and deliver engaging and effective training sessions for groups of all sizes.
  • Influence & Leadership: Ability to drive a safety culture and influence change without direct authority, acting as a coach and mentor.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to effectively identify problems and implement lasting solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in conducting inspections, maintaining records, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, from front-line employees to senior management.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree or a relevant professional certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Environmental Science
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Safety Engineering
  • A related technical field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in an Environmental, Health, and Safety role, preferably within a manufacturing, industrial, or distribution environment.

Preferred:

  • Professional certifications such as Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) are highly desirable.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
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