Environmental Health And Safety Specialist

About the role

This entry-level role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a preservation or marine background who are looking to build a career in safety. The Environmental Health and Safety Technician supports compliance with safety and environmental regulations in a marine and shipyard setting, conducts inspections and training, and helps maintain a safe working environment under the guidance of more senior safety professionals.

Responsibilities

• Inspect work areas and equipment to ensure compliance with company, customer, state, and federal safety and environmental policies and regulations.
• Conduct and document routine safety inspections across project sites.
• Communicate safety and environmental requirements clearly to individuals and employee groups.
• Plan, deliver, and track project-related safety and environmental training sessions.
• Identify and cite dangerous areas, operations, or practices and report findings to onsite and offsite leadership.
• Conduct incident investigations and accurately document findings.
• Determine root causes of safety and environmental discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyze and determine safety-related trends to support continuous improvement.
• Ensure safety equipment is adequately stocked, supplied, and readily available.
• Apply commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures related to safety and environmental regulations in daily work.
• Follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform job functions while using sound judgment to accomplish goals.
• Exercise independent judgment in performing primary job functions within defined policies and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with project leadership and safety management to support ongoing projects.
• Read, interpret, and apply contract specifications, safety and environmental rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Work cooperatively and productively with other employees and facility owner or customer personnel.
• Carry out instructions provided in oral, written, or diagram form.
• Enter production areas that may require respirator use, confined space entry, and working at heights, following all safety protocols.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and write with strong comprehension and attention to detail.
• Minimum computer experience with Microsoft Office suite products.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral form with individuals and groups.
• Formal or informal on-the-job training and at least 2 years of experience in marine safety or industrial safety.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations applicable to the marine industry.
• Ability to quickly and accurately absorb and retain new information and experience under the guidance of senior safety staff.
• Ability to read and interpret documents related to customer, company, local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations, including contract specifications, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with colleagues and customer personnel.
• Ability to follow instructions provided in oral, written, or diagram form.
• Physical ability to regularly walk; frequently stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, or crawl; and occasionally sit.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, and use hands to feel, grip, or handle tools and equipment.
• Visual ability for close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Willingness and ability to enter production areas that may require respirator use, confined space entry, and working at heights.

Skills

• Interest in transitioning from a preservation or marine background into a safety-focused career.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards and health and safety practices.
• Experience delivering or supporting safety training programs.
• Ability to identify hazards and recommend practical corrective measures.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills to support incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Comfort working in fast-paced industrial or shipyard environments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy in documentation and reporting.
• Demonstrated reliability in following established procedures and guidelines.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity provides a clear path for professional growth in the safety field, with the ability to move up as skills and experience increase. Employees can benefit from advancement opportunities and performance-based bonuses, while gaining hands-on experience in a specialized marine environment. The organization values continuous learning, supports career development, and encourages employees to build long-term expertise in safety and environmental compliance.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed onboard ships, in dry docks, and in shipyards under fast-paced conditions. The role frequently requires overtime to support project schedules and safety needs. Employees can expect consistent exposure to outdoor elements, high noise levels, toxic or caustic chemicals, and dusty conditions, with appropriate safety equipment and procedures in place. The position involves entering production areas, which may require the use of respirators, confined space entry, and working from heights, following all applicable safety protocols.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $35.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Newport News, VA.