Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

About the role

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for and accountable for leading the development, implementation, and management of environmental health and safety programs across all US locations. This role requires active engagement and initiative to take the appropriate actions to ensure that the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and enforce environmental, health, and safety policies and programs that are in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure the company is compliant with all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and local laws), including managing permits, safety logs, reports, inspection records, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manage all environmental policies and programs, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, air permitting, pollution and spill prevention and response, storm and wastewater management, etc.
• Oversee environmental compliance programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality standards, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and safety inspections across all facilities to identify hazards, assess risks, and take an active role in “working the problem” by taking the necessary actions to develop and implement corrective measures to reduce risks and prevent incidents.
• Develop programs and take the appropriate steps to ensure compliance with emergency response plans for workplace accidents, chemical spills, fire safety, and natural disasters.
• Lead investigations of accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Design and deliver safety training programs to educate employees on safe work practices, environmental protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Foster a company-wide safety culture by encouraging open communication on safety issues, recognizing safe behaviors, and engaging employees at all levels in safety initiatives.
• Establish and execute continual improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reports on EHS performance metrics, incidents, and compliance for senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Play a substantive role in developing and advocating for necessary programs to ensure compliance with ESH performance metrics.
• Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Develop and manage the EHS budget, ensuring cost-effective management of programs and initiatives.
• Work with operations, Legal, People & Culture, engineering, and other departments to integrate EHS strategies into business processes and projects.
• Oversee EHS workforce plan; hire, develop, train and mentor all levels of EHS employees and support staff.
• Oversee the management of consultants, as needed, including soliciting proposals, reviewing bids, contract negotiations, overseeing work assignments, reviewing deliverables, and billing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in health & safety, Environmental Technology, or similar field.
• Certified Health & Safety Professional.
• 15+ years’ experience in occupational health and safety in manufacturing, aerospace environment, or construction environment.
• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene.
• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering.

Qualifications

• Work in environments with electrical hazards, chemical exposure, temperature variations, and noise.
• Wear required PPE as assigned, which may include safety glasses, gloves, respirators, and/or other protective clothing for extended periods.
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed.
• Lift, carry, push and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require.

What to Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important Information

• FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.
• FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.