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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an EHS Specialist

💰 $70,000 - $105,000

Health & SafetyEnvironmental ComplianceManufacturingIndustrial SafetyCorporate Responsibility

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the champion of our safety culture and the guardian of our environmental stewardship. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust EHS programs that not only ensure compliance with all regulations but also actively protect our most valuable asset—our people. This is a hands-on position for a passionate professional dedicated to creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • EHS Coordinator
  • Safety Technician
  • Environmental Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior EHS Specialist
  • EHS Manager
  • Corporate EHS Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Operations Supervisor (with a safety focus)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive EHS programs and policies (e.g., Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Communication, Confined Space Entry) to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
  • Conduct routine and complex workplace safety inspections, risk assessments, and environmental audits to identify potential hazards, non-compliance issues, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Lead thorough incident investigations, including near-misses and injuries, utilizing root cause analysis methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone) to determine effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and prevent recurrence.
  • Manage, track, and analyze all incident data, identifying trends and preparing detailed reports and performance metrics for senior leadership to drive strategic safety initiatives.
  • Design and deliver engaging and effective EHS training programs for new hires, existing employees, and contractors on critical topics such as emergency response, hazard recognition, and specific regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA) during inspections and inquiries, ensuring all documentation is accurate, complete, and readily available.
  • Oversee the site's hazardous and universal waste management programs, including waste characterization, container labeling, storage logistics, and coordination of disposal with certified vendors to ensure full RCRA compliance.
  • Champion and lead the facility's Safety Committee, fostering a proactive safety culture by encouraging employee involvement, feedback, and active participation in the safety process.
  • Conduct and document Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and support Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for new and existing equipment, processes, and chemistries to proactively mitigate operational risks.
  • Manage the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program, including conducting hazard assessments, guiding selection, delivering employee training on proper use, and coordinating fit-testing.
  • Develop, review, and continuously update site-specific emergency action and response plans; coordinate and execute emergency drills (e.g., fire, evacuation, chemical spill) to ensure site preparedness.
  • Perform ergonomic assessments of office workstations and manufacturing processes, recommending and implementing engineering or administrative controls to reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks.
  • Maintain and update the site's environmental permits (e.g., air, water, waste) and ensure the accurate and on-time submittal of all required regulatory reports.
  • Conduct or coordinate industrial hygiene monitoring, such as noise level surveys and air quality sampling, to assess employee exposure and ensure compliance with Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).
  • Review and approve new chemicals and materials through a formal management of change (MOC) process, ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available and associated risks are communicated and controlled.
  • Manage the contractor safety program by pre-qualifying contractors, communicating site safety rules, and monitoring their on-site activities to ensure they meet or exceed company EHS standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement in EHS performance by staying current with new regulations, industry best practices, and emerging technologies, and integrating them into site programs.
  • Act as a subject matter expert and technical resource for all departments, providing pragmatic guidance, interpretation of standards, and innovative solutions to complex EHS challenges.
  • Maintain all EHS documentation, including training records, inspection reports, permit filings, and incident logs, in an organized and audit-ready EHS Management System (EHSMS).
  • Support the development and implementation of corporate sustainability initiatives, tracking and reporting key metrics related to energy usage, water consumption, and waste reduction.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify hidden risk trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term EHS strategy and technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance to translate safety needs into design requirements for new projects.
  • Participate in cross-functional project meetings to provide EHS input on new processes, equipment, and facility modifications.
  • Mentor junior EHS staff, interns, and safety committee members to build organizational EHS capability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep knowledge of OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910 General Industry) and familiarity with 1926 Construction.
  • Strong understanding of core EPA regulations, including RCRA, CAA, and CWA.
  • Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, Fault Tree Analysis).
  • Experience with EHS Management Systems (EHSMS) such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
  • Expertise in conducting Job Hazard Analysis (JHA/JSA) and other risk assessment techniques.
  • Practical knowledge of Industrial Hygiene principles, including air and noise monitoring.
  • Competency in hazardous waste management (RCRA) from characterization to disposal.
  • Experience in developing and managing Emergency Response and Incident Command structures.
  • Ability to develop and deliver effective, engaging EHS training content to diverse audiences.
  • proficiency in environmental permitting, record-keeping, and regulatory reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Influential Communication (Verbal & Written)
  • Critical Thinking and Analytical Problem-Solving
  • Exceptional Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
  • Collaborative Leadership and Team-Building
  • Adaptability and Resilience in a dynamic environment
  • Project Management and Prioritization
  • Confidence in Public Speaking and Training Facilitation
  • Integrity and Professionalism

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree and/or professional certification (CSP, CIH, CHMM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Environmental Science
  • Safety Engineering
  • Industrial Hygiene

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in an Environmental, Health, and Safety role.

Preferred: Experience in a manufacturing, chemical, technology, or industrial environment is highly preferred. Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are a significant plus.

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