EH&S Specialist

POET•Chancellor, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Specialist leads environmental, health, and safety programs at a POET bioprocessing facility. Working with local leadership and EH&S colleagues, this role promotes a culture that prioritizes safety and environmental compliance. The specialist serves as the facility’s primary liaison with government agencies and its local expert on environmental compliance and safety matters. This is an on-site position in Chancellor, South Dakota. The role leads implementation of POET’s environmental and safety management systems, including audits, inspections, incident investigations, reporting and analysis, behavior observations, and training. It maintains EH&S records and training documentation and may assist Design & Construction partners with monitoring contractor safety performance. The position also supports the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes and may perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certificate, or ability to obtain it within six months of starting; higher-level certifications may substitute, including Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.
Proficient filing, documentation, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
Ability to learn the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility, including air and water environmental permits.
High personal integrity; effective interpersonal skills with people at all organizational levels and outside the organization.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; ability to embrace and promote change, think objectively, and work in a team environment.
Ability to engage and train audiences of varying sizes on environmental and safety topics.
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty.
Ability to perform the listed physical requirements, including occasional lifting up to 60 pounds, climbing stairs and ladders, walking up to two or more miles per day, standing for extended periods, and wearing PPE.
Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
Must complete a physical and pass a pre-employment drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment and required to follow safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

For the Senior EH&S Specialist level, an associate or bachelor’s degree in safety, environmental science, or engineering, or more than eight years of EH&S experience is preferred.
For the Senior EH&S Specialist level, OSHA General Industry 30-Hour, DOT Hazmat Transportation, OSHA Construction 10-Hour, 24-hour HAZWOPER, and HAZWOPER Train-The-Trainer courses, or equivalent, are preferred.
Construction safety experience is beneficial.
Workers’ compensation administration experience is beneficial.
Demonstrated influential leadership that has driven EH&S cultural improvements.
Documented proficiency in the Senior EH&S Specialist Skills Checklist.

Responsibilities

Champion safety and environmental compliance at the facility, using influential leadership to improve the culture of safe behavior and compliance.
Serve as the primary liaison between the bioprocessing facility and government agencies.
Act as the local expert on environmental compliance, including facility permits, hazardous waste management, stormwater, RMP, SPCC, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Recommend ways to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve the sustainability of compliance management systems.
Generate, analyze, and submit daily, weekly, monthly, and annual safety and environmental reports; coordinate or collect samples as needed.
Lead and coordinate incident investigations following EH&S events, and ensure required documentation is completed and submitted to the appropriate agencies.
Lead and direct safety and environmental audits, investigations, and other facility activities.
Lead safety and environmental training for new and existing team members and contractors.
Keep up to date on safety regulations, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Review and maintain written EH&S programs and communicate changes to team members.
Lead the facility safety committee and facilitate its meetings.
Maintain required permit records and EH&S program documentation; collect data, manage filing systems, and maintain team member training records.
Foster safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
Maintain and advance food safety and product and process quality.
Assist Design & Construction business partners with monitoring contractor safety performance on facility projects as needed.

Benefits

Competitive bonus opportunities, including up to six bonuses per year through quarterly profit sharing and Value Share.
Paid time off, including 40 hours available on the first day and ongoing biweekly accrual.
Paid holidays.
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans, including individual and family plans and an employer Health Savings Account contribution.
Competitive pay, including shift premiums for qualifying positions.
401(k) with company match.
Paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions or locations.
Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
Discounted home and auto insurance.
Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
Family-first culture and support for work-life balance.