EHS Specialist

Hexion•Dublin, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The EHS Specialist – R&D Laboratory is responsible for the environmental, health, and safety function at Hexion’s new Central Research & Development Laboratory in Dublin, Ohio, covering regulatory and internal compliance, risk assessment, hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, training, and safety culture across all laboratory operations. This role establishes and maintains a compliant, safe, and environmentally responsible operating environment for chemical research and development activities. The EHS Specialist develops and implements health, safety, and environmental programs tailored to laboratory work, supports laboratory leadership in risk management, and converts inspection findings, incident learnings, and EHS performance data into corrective actions and program improvements. This is a hands-on, site-based position that partners closely with R&D leadership, scientists, and laboratory personnel and promotes a proactive safety culture aligned with Hexion’s operational excellence expectations. The EHS Specialist reports to the Health & Safety Programs Leader – Industrial Hygiene, serves as the primary site contact for regulatory authorities and inspections, and acts as the interface between Regional EHS, the EHS Center of Excellence, and the facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of three years of EHS experience in a laboratory, chemical handling, or research and development environment.
Working knowledge of OSHA laboratory standards, advanced chemistry, and environmental compliance requirements.
Strong hazard recognition of chemical handling, material compatibilities, and implementing controls.
Experience supporting internal corporate EHS management systems.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with scientists, site teams, and cross-functional groups.
Ability to develop and deliver effective safety training.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting research and development laboratory environments.
Experience in chemical handling or specialty chemical environments.
Professional certification such as Certified Industrial Hygienist or Certified Safety Professional.
Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and applicable federal, state, and local environmental requirements.
Ensure laboratory operations comply with all applicable Hexion internal EHS policies, corporate standards, and management system requirements.
Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory-specific EHS policies, procedures, and standard operating practices aligned with regulatory, Hexion expectations, and the building management requirements.
Manage chemical hygiene plans, laboratory safety manuals, and safe work practices.
Oversee hazard communication programs, SDS management systems, and chemical inventory controls.
Maintain day-to-day compliance with environmental programs including air, waste, and water, as applicable.
Responsible for timely submission of periodic regulatory reports, including RCRA, EPCRA, and CAA requirements, in coordination with Regional Environmental resources.
Serve as the primary site contact for regulatory authorities and inspections, and act as the interface between Regional EHS, the EHS Center of Excellence, and the facility.
Conduct laboratory risk assessments, hazard analyses, and job safety analyses for R&D activities.
Identify chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards associated with laboratory operations.
Develop and implement mitigation strategies that eliminate or reduce risk.
Complete Management of Change reviews when operational or procedural changes occur.
Support safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste.
Conduct routine laboratory inspections and track corrective actions to closure.
Lead self-audits and coordinate external EHS audits.
Partner with Regional EHS and the EHS Center of Excellence to close audit findings and implement best practices.
Lead, coordinate, and participate in EHS performance improvement initiatives.
Use internal EHS data systems to track metrics, analyze trends, and drive data-informed performance improvements.
Track EHS metrics, assess performance, and communicate results to site and corporate leadership teams through routine status reviews that prioritize open EHS issues.
Lead emergency response coordination for laboratory incidents, including chemical spills.
Conduct incident investigations and implement corrective action plans.
Manage inspection and testing of emergency response equipement (safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Ensure emergency preparedness programs are current and aligned with corporate expectations.
Develop, update, and deliver site-specific EHS training programs.
Provide onboarding safety training for new R&D employees.
Support and guide EHS committees and safety engagement initiatives.
Promote a strong safety culture through coaching, visibility, and partnership with laboratory leadership.
Participate in annual budget planning for EHS initiatives and third-party services.
Identify resource needs necessary to maintain regulatory and internal compliance.