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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environmental Safety Officer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Health & SafetyEnvironmental ScienceComplianceIndustrial Safety

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented Environmental Safety Officer to champion our commitment to a safe and environmentally responsible workplace. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind developing, implementing, and maintaining our Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs. You will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (including OSHA and EPA), conducting risk assessments, and fostering a culture where safety is paramount. The ideal candidate is a hands-on expert who can effectively train employees, investigate incidents, and continuously improve our safety protocols to mitigate risks and protect our people and our planet.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Safety Coordinator or Technician
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Junior Compliance Analyst
  • Industrial Hygiene Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior EHS Manager or Specialist
  • Director of Environmental Health & Safety
  • Regional or Corporate EHS Lead
  • Risk Management Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Corporate Sustainability Manager
  • Process Safety Engineer
  • Workers' Compensation & Risk Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive environmental, health, and safety programs and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT).
  • Conduct thorough workplace safety audits, site inspections, and risk assessments to identify potential hazards, unsafe work practices, and non-compliant conditions, and recommend robust corrective actions.
  • Lead incident investigations, including near-misses and accidents, utilizing root cause analysis methodologies to determine underlying causes and implement effective preventative measures to avoid recurrence.
  • Design, coordinate, and deliver engaging EHS training programs for all levels of the organization, covering topics such as hazard communication, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, emergency response, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Manage the facility's hazardous materials and waste management programs, including proper identification, labeling, storage, transportation, and disposal in accordance with RCRA and other relevant regulations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections and inquiries, ensuring all required documentation, permits, and reports are accurately prepared and submitted on time.
  • Develop and maintain Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) for various tasks and equipment, collaborating with operational teams to integrate safety protocols into standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee the facility's emergency preparedness and response plans, conducting drills and training to ensure a coordinated and effective response to fires, chemical spills, and other emergencies.
  • Champion a proactive safety culture through continuous communication, employee engagement, and leadership coaching, promoting safety as a core value throughout the organization.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on key EHS performance metrics (e.g., incident rates, audit findings, training completion) to senior management, identifying trends and recommending strategic improvements.
  • Conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations and processes to identify risks for musculoskeletal disorders and recommend engineering controls, administrative changes, or PPE to reduce employee strain.
  • Manage the selection, inventory, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring it meets regulatory standards and is appropriate for the identified hazards.
  • Maintain and update the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library and ensure compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard, including proper chemical labeling and employee access to information.
  • Review and approve contractor safety plans, providing EHS oversight for all third-party work performed on-site to ensure they meet or exceed company safety standards.
  • Lead the facility safety committee, facilitating productive meetings, tracking action items, and empowering members to be safety advocates within their departments.
  • Interpret complex EHS regulations and standards, and effectively communicate their impact and required actions to relevant stakeholders across the business.
  • Develop and manage the EHS budget, including forecasting needs for training, equipment, and compliance activities.
  • Conduct industrial hygiene monitoring for noise, air quality, and other chemical or physical hazards to assess employee exposure levels and ensure they are within permissible limits.
  • Manage environmental permits (e.g., air, water, waste) throughout their lifecycle, including application, renewal, and ensuring ongoing compliance with all permit conditions.
  • Implement and maintain EHS management systems, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), to drive continual improvement.

Secondary Functions

  • Support contractor pre-qualification processes by evaluating their safety performance and programs.
  • Participate in the review of new equipment, processes, and capital projects to ensure EHS considerations are integrated from the design phase.
  • Assist Human Resources and operations with return-to-work programs and workers' compensation case management.
  • Maintain a high level of professional development by staying current with emerging EHS trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of OSHA (29 CFR 1910 & 1926), EPA (RCRA, CAA, CWA), and DOT regulations.
  • Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: Proficiency with methods like 5-Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and TapRooT®.
  • Risk Assessment: Expertise in conducting Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and site-wide risk assessments.
  • EHS Management Systems: Experience implementing and auditing systems like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
  • Hazardous Waste Management: Certification or strong experience in HAZWOPER and RCRA requirements.
  • Industrial Hygiene: Familiarity with monitoring equipment and techniques for assessing noise, air, and chemical exposures.
  • Emergency Response Planning: Ability to develop and execute emergency action plans and conduct effective drills.
  • Safety Program Development: Proven track record of creating and delivering effective, engaging safety training and written programs.
  • Technical Writing: Skill in preparing clear and concise regulatory reports, permits, incident reports, and safety procedures.
  • Auditing & Inspection: Formal training or significant experience in conducting comprehensive EHS audits.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with everyone from front-line employees to senior executives and regulatory agents.
  • Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire and influence others to adopt safety practices without direct authority.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, compliance tracking, and hazard identification.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build trust and rapport with a diverse workforce to foster a collaborative safety culture.
  • Decision-Making: Sound judgment and the ability to make critical, time-sensitive decisions, especially during emergencies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant field
  • Professional Certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Environmental Science or Engineering
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Safety Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct EHS experience.

Preferred: Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, construction, or chemical processing environment with a proven track record of improving safety metrics and managing complex compliance calendars. Multi-site experience is a significant plus.

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