Sr. EHS Specialist

About the role

The Sr. EHS Specialist operates in full compliance with applicable hygiene, safety, quality, and regulatory standards, and in alignment with the organization’s framework, company’s procedures, and the defined scope of responsibility the role is accountable for. The Sr. EHS Specialist serves as a site subject matter expert for environmental, health, and safety programs and is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, risk reduction efforts, and safety culture development. The role partners with site leadership to identify trends, implement corrective actions, and achieve site EHS objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead investigations of workplace injuries, near misses, environmental incidents, and property damage events, utilizing root cause analysis techniques and ensuring timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Analyze EHS performance metrics, trends, and inspection findings to identify opportunities for risk reduction and continuous improvements
• Lead and support internal EHS audits, regulatory inspections, and corporate assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness
• Serve as the site subject matter expert for key EHS programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Hearing Conservation, Contractor Safety, Emergency Response, and Hazardous Waste Management
• Lead the tracking, verification, and closure of corrective and preventive actions resulting from audits, inspections, incident investigations, and regulatory findings
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate EHS training programs to enhance employee knowledge, engagement, and regulatory compliance
• Partner with operational leaders to conduct risk assessments and implement engineering, administrative, and behavioral controls to mitigate workplace hazards
• Support workers’ compensation and return-to-work processes by participating in incident reviews and corrective action planning
• Participate in the development and execution of annual EHS objectives, strategies, and improvement projects
• Develop, maintain, and administer environmental, health and safety programs as needed
• Support applicable corporate, plant, and regulatory reports and requirements as needed
• Provide assistance as an internal resource to plant departments on EHS issues as needed
• Conduct plant audits and equipment evaluations to ensure EHS compliance and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and deliver EHS training programs and communications to ensure regulatory compliance and employee engagement
• Inspect and review plant operations to recommend corrective actions where safety, health, and environmental hazards and risks exist
• Actively participates and provides oversight to the plant's emergency response teams
• Create, review, and update standard operating procedures related to EHS
• Serve as the plant EHS committee facilitator
• Administer the safety shoe and prescription safety glasses programs
• Manage site hazardous waste and environmental compliance programs, including waste disposal, inspections, reporting, and regulatory requirements
• Performs other duties as required by management

Department Specific/Non-Essential Functions

• Work safely in accordance with regulations, standards, and procedures and in a manner that eliminates unreasonable risk to health and the environment.
• Notify management of unsafe conditions or practices, unlawful activities and activities which present unreasonable health and/or environmental risk.
• Report all safety and/or environmental incidents to management immediately.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management

Education, Experience, and/or Skill

Required:

• BS degree in physical or biological science or engineering required
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental compliance, and/or EHS program management within a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience conducting incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation required
• Experience managing OSHA compliance programs and supporting environmental regulatory requirements preferred.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical, medical device, chemical, or regulated manufacturing environment preferred
• Competency in use of windows-based computer systems required.
• Possess working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations. Knowledge of Current Good Manufacturing Practices and experience working in a manufacturing environment are a plus

Preferred:

• ASP (Associate Safety Professional)
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager)
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and ISO quality systems preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of less than 25 lbs. may be required for moving/carrying monitoring instruments.
• Extended periods of standing and/or sitting may be required.
• Must be physically able to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in areas of plant where it is required

Cognitive Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to influence employees and leaders at all organizational levels
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local EHS regulations to site operations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to utilize EHS data for decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to read and understand military time
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment
• Must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to assess risk, escalate issues, and make sound quality decisions