Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)

About the role

The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist is responsible for developing and executing programs to ensure a safe workplace and minimize environmental impacts. This role involves compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and the implementation of a sustainable EHS management system.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the EHS Manager in the development and implementation of environmental, health, and safety compliance programs.
• Conducts site inspections and participates in EHS auditing; recommends and follows through on agreed resolutions.
• Collects EHS metrics and reports, including use of EHS Exchange.
• Maintains injury/illness recordkeeping & reporting.
• Partners with the EHS Manager in the preparation of government reports, obtaining permits/certifications.
• Maintains Workers Compensation claims and programs, partners with case managers to manage claims, recommends a plan of action.
• Collaborates with plant leaders to provide light duty opportunities and/or modified work if available.
• Maintains and delivers EHS training programs, maintains training database.
• Chairs safety committees and safety awareness programs.
• Conducts and mentors employees in Behavior Based Safety observations.
• Partners with the EHS Manager in job safety analysis.
• Coordinates indoor air quality and hearing conservation surveys.
• Leads 8D Problem Solving and Root Cause Incident investigations.
• Coordinates hazard communication and MSDS directories/libraries.
• Promotes emergency response & evacuation planning.
• Owns respective QMS standard and executes all processes, including documentation specification requirements.
• All other duties as assigned or become evident.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and may be exposed to loud noises in the plant. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems

Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is: $81K - $105K per year. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone USA additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in safety, Environmental Health, Chemistry, or related field and at least 3 years of related experience, required.
• In lieu of a completed bachelor’s degree, candidates need at least 5 years of EHS experience within a manufacturing environment with prior safety duties or responsibilities, and completed high school diploma or GED, required.
• Basic knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations, required. Knowledge of Virginia state requirements is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good leadership skills and ability to mentor and motivate (a real passion for EHS).
• Effective management skills.
• Serves as a change agent to drive process improvements and cultural change.
• Creates alignment.
• Must be adaptable and flexible.
• Works well under pressure, effectively handles conflict, strict deadlines and multiple tasks.
• Ability to assess and implement EHS best practices.
• Excellent organization, recordkeeping and documentation skills.
• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate. Work schedules could include days, nights or weekends as needed.