Safety/Environmental Specialist

U.S. Sugar is one of the nation’s largest fully integrated producers of sugarcane, a leading provider of fresh vegetables and citrus products, and a regional short-line railroad operator. Headquartered in Clewiston, Florida, the company farms more than 200,000 acres and employs approximately 3,000 people, including many high-skilled, high-wage jobs in automated environments. U.S. Sugar produces 650,000–700,000 tons of cane sugar annually, providing nearly 8% of the nation’s sugar production.

About the role

Under the direction of the Safety Manager, the Safety Coordinator will assist with tasks related to safety, health, and environmental hazards in the workplace, as well as administrative needs for recordkeeping, training, safety job walks, and ensuring USSC Manufacturing EHS compliance.

Responsibilities

• Identify best practices and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce work process risks, raise safety awareness, and improve safe work practices.
• Work with latest technology, including apps, HIS equipment, EHS software, electronic devices, and video editing software.
• Lead by example in terms of engaged Safety Culture and foster a work environment that supports safe and healthy practices.
• Willing to work weekends when needed; participate in stand-by duty roster (once every 3 weeks).
• Familiar with and/or willing to learn hazardous waste regulations and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Attend spill training, DOT training, and all other regulatory compliance trainings as required.
• Conduct or coordinate worker training in areas such as safety laws and regulations, hazardous condition monitoring, and proper use of safety equipment.
• Perform safety audits and inspect facilities, machinery, and equipment to identify and correct potential hazards, and to ensure regulation compliance.
• Issue corrective actions and see to their compliance/closure.
• Investigate industrial accidents, near-miss incidents, and occupational injuries to determine causes, install preventive measures, and manage return-to-work activities.
• Provide technical advice, coaching, guidance, and mentoring to employees on safety initiatives and necessary changes.
• Work within company policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook and in compliance with the EHS Manual and OSHA Safety rules.
• Support investigations of work-related incidents, accidents, injuries, environmental impacts, and unsafe working conditions; prepare, review, and report findings from the investigation.
• Support the determination and implementation of preventive measures and develop recommendations to improve safety policies and programs.
• Support mission to standardize programs and develop best practices across the corporate footprint and share with franchise network as needed.
• Observe working practices and consult the risk assessment plan to determine standard use by workers; distribute and control the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct job hazard analysis (JHA) to drill down on tasks, assess risk profile, and recommend mitigation measures in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Assess equipment (PPE) selected for purchase in a continuous quality improvement context to ensure the PPE meets safety requirements/standards and recommend corrections or changes prior to purchase as needed.
• Perform the necessary training or be willing to attend the train-the-trainer course required to train personnel on the safe operation of company vehicles, including forklifts, powered industrial trucks, tele-handlers, scissors lifts, boom lifts, and skid steers.
• Inspect fire protection equipment and other emergency equipment, including emergency eyewash stations, drench showers, AEDs, First Aid Kits, and Spill Kits.
• All other duties as assigned by the EHS Specialist and EHS Manager.

Requirements

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University or College.
• 2–5 years of experience in health and safety at the plant level.
• Applied knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations.
• Interest in pursuing certifications in environmental, health, and/or safety (e.g., ASP, CSP, CHMM, CIH).
• Technically savvy with latest computers, apps, equipment, EHS software, electronic devices, and video editing software.
• Continuous learning mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player.
• Innovative and solution-oriented.
• Strong moral compass and transparent.
• Hardworking and honest.
• Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills (MS Office, SharePoint, SAP, etc.).
• Proven time management skills.
• Independent worker willing to take and follow directions.
• Ability to establish priorities and work effectively in a high-performance team environment.
• Prior experience in an industrial manufacturing or construction environment.
• Technical Skills: Computer and phone literacy; ability to understand and use Microsoft Excel and Word. Duties include ordering, software proficiency, and project/time management.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work as a team player. Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization, as well as customers and partners. Solution-oriented continuous learner with a positive mental attitude.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional environment and in the field. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and tablets. The job will require long hours on the feet in a heavy industrial environment, including exposure to weather conditions.

Physical Demands

In addition to performing the primary duties described, the employee is required to meet the job’s physical demands while wearing the proper work-safety attire. This includes frequent sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs. or more.

Benefits

• Employees have an ownership stake in the privately held business through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Challenging work with opportunities to learn and grow.
• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Supportive work environment where safety is the top priority.