Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HSE Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about creating a safe and sustainable workplace? We're looking for a driven Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Coordinator to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the on-the-ground expert responsible for fostering a proactive safety-first culture. You'll ensure our operations not only meet but exceed all regulatory compliance standards (including OSHA and EPA). This position involves hands-on engagement with all levels of the organization, from front-line staff to senior management, to identify risks, implement controls, and drive continuous improvement in our HSE performance. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a talent for communication and a deep commitment to workplace safety and environmental stewardship, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Safety Officer or EHS Assistant
Environmental Technician or Specialist
Skilled Tradesperson with a safety committee leadership background

Advancement To:

HSE Manager or EHS Generalist
Regional Safety Director
Corporate HSE Specialist or Auditor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator
Compliance Specialist
Operations or Facility Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies, procedures, and management systems in alignment with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.
Conduct thorough and regular site inspections and audits to identify potential hazards, non-compliance issues, and at-risk behaviors, ensuring timely corrective actions are implemented and tracked to closure.
Lead and facilitate detailed incident investigations for all accidents, near-misses, and environmental spills, utilizing root cause analysis (RCA) techniques to determine causal factors and develop effective preventative measures.
Design, coordinate, and deliver engaging HSE training programs for all employees, including new hire orientation, job-specific safety training, emergency response, and annual refresher courses.
Champion a proactive and positive safety culture throughout the organization by actively engaging with employees, promoting safety awareness campaigns, and empowering the workforce to take ownership of their safety.
Perform and document Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments for new and existing processes, equipment, and materials to proactively identify and mitigate risks to personnel and the environment.
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and state/local authorities, managing inspections, responding to inquiries, and ensuring all required reports are submitted accurately and on time.
Manage and oversee the company's emergency response program, including the development of emergency action plans, coordination of drills and exercises, and maintenance of all emergency equipment.
Act as a chairperson or key member of the site Safety Committee, guiding meetings, fostering productive discussions, and driving initiatives that enhance workplace safety.
Oversee the comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program, including conducting hazard assessments to determine PPE needs, ensuring proper selection, and training employees on its correct use, care, and maintenance.
Develop, track, and analyze key HSE performance indicators (KPIs), both leading and lagging, to monitor trends, measure the effectiveness of safety programs, and report progress to senior management.
Review and approve contractor safety plans and pre-qualification documents, and actively monitor contractor activities on-site to ensure their compliance with company and regulatory safety standards.
Provide expert HSE guidance and technical support to management, supervisors, and employees to assist them in fulfilling their safety and environmental responsibilities.
Manage the facility's hazardous material and waste management programs, ensuring proper storage, labeling, handling, and disposal in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Conduct ergonomic evaluations of workstations and job tasks, recommending and implementing practical solutions to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the management of workers' compensation claims by working closely with Human Resources, insurance carriers, and medical providers to ensure proper case management and a smooth return-to-work process.
Maintain a comprehensive library of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure all chemical safety protocols, labeling, and employee right-to-know requirements are met.
Coordinate industrial hygiene monitoring for potential exposures, such as noise, air contaminants, or radiation, and interpret results to ensure employee health is protected.
Support the development and implementation of corporate and site-level environmental sustainability projects, including waste reduction, energy conservation, and pollution prevention initiatives.
Prepare and submit required environmental and safety reports to internal stakeholders and external regulatory agencies in a timely and accurate manner.
Manage the inventory, inspection, and maintenance schedules for all safety and emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, first aid kits, AEDs, and eyewash stations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local HSE regulations, particularly OSHA (29 CFR 1910 & 1926) and EPA standards.
Proficiency in incident investigation methodologies and root cause analysis techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, SCAT).
Proven ability to conduct risk assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), and site safety audits.
Experience working with HSE Management Systems such as ISO 45001 (Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental).
Competency in using HSE software for incident tracking, audit management, and data analysis, as well as proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong understanding of hazardous materials management, waste disposal protocols, and emergency response procedures.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage, influence, and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Strong leadership and influencing skills to drive a positive safety culture without direct authority.
Meticulous attention to detail and outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.
Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to analyze complex situations and develop practical solutions.
Ability to confidently train and present technical information to diverse audiences in an understandable and engaging manner.
A proactive and self-starting attitude with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a specialized, relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Occupational Health & Safety
Environmental Science
Industrial Hygiene
Engineering or a related technical field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct experience in a Health, Safety, and Environment role, preferably within a manufacturing, construction, or industrial environment.

Preferred:

Experience in the specific industry of the hiring company (e.g., chemical manufacturing, heavy construction, logistics).
Professional certifications such as Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) are strongly preferred.