Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Operations Lead

Coherent•East Granby, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives in injury prevention, operational risk mitigation, ergonomic improvements, and regulatory compliance. The position involves developing and implementing EH&S operational strategies aligned with manufacturing and business objectives, leading incident investigations, and monitoring EH&S performance metrics. Additionally, the role includes managing environmental activities, serving as the Laser Safety Officer (LSO), leading EHS training efforts, and participating in EHS & Laser Safety Committee activities. Other responsibilities encompass managing safety programs, SDS, medical surveillance, industrial health, and waste programs.

Requirements

7+ years EHS experience required
2 years laser safety experience can be substituted for 2 years of EHS experience
Firm knowledge of regulations under OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and EPA, along with familiarity of LEAN principles
Required to be a mandatory member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
Must respond to emergencies as part of the ERT and put on PPE/SCBA and work in harsh/adverse conditions.
Must be willing to lead the team and run incident command in an emergency.
CPR certified or willing to become certified.
Must be open to flexible work hours.
Ability to work independently and efficiently with little supervision.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and contractors simultaneously.
Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, climbing ladders and frequent periods of walking and standing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in environmental safety, Occupational Safety and Health, or related field desired; equivalent experience considered.
Semiconductor or laser related industry experience in engineering, manufacturing, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
Knowledge of cleanroom environments, tool installation and hookups.
Certified trainer in EHS topics, including but not limited to First Aid/CPR, Forklift Operations Certification, Emergency Response, Fire Safety, is a plus.
Participate in required safety training (RCRA, DOT Hazmat Shipper, etc.).

Responsibilities

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on injury prevention, operational risk mitigation, ergonomic improvements, and regulatory compliance.
Develop and implement EH&S operational strategies aligned with Coherent’s manufacturing and business objectives.
Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive action programs.
Monitor EH&S performance metrics, KPIs, and audit findings to drive measurable operational improvements.
Lead Emergency Medical Response Team and coordinate training at the site for CPR, AED, First Aid.
Ensure timely submission and renewal of all required environmental permit applications and complete environmental calculations as needed.
Lead environmental inspections and audits.
Ensure all local, state and federal environmental reporting requirements are met.
Coordinate and conduct any required environmental sampling.
Prepare and submit environmental reports including, but not limited to, Tier II, TRI, emissions reporting and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) data and safety scorecards.
Serve as the designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for all laser operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain laser safety programs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Conduct laser hazard evaluations and risk assessments for manufacturing, laboratory, service, and R&D environments.
Approve laser operating procedures, engineering controls, PPE requirements, and administrative controls.
Ensure compliance with all enclosures, interlocks, signs/labeling, PPE, etc.
Lead laser safety audits, inspections, and training programs.
Support incident response and investigation related to laser exposure or laser-related hazards.
Partner with engineering teams on safe integration of new laser systems and manufacturing processes.
Lead efforts for planning site EHS training for employees, contractors, and other visitors.
Implement & manage the company’s learning management system (LMS) and training matrices.
Maintenance of PowerPoints, and other training materials.
Ensure EHS training is completed, including written feedback by participants.
EHS training records maintained for easy access.
Lead/support site EHS & Laser Safety Committee.
Lead promotion of safety culture for the site.
Work with the committees to develop site safety initiatives.
Drive completion of the safety observations and corrective actions.
Ensure all safety programs are current, comprehensive and operationally effective to protect employees, contractors and visitors.
Manage SDS program including program for approving new chemicals to site.
Lead Medical Surveillance efforts for the site, as required.
Lead Industrial Health program and related efforts for the site.
Participating in execution of the Respirator Fit-Testing Program for the site, as required.
Manage the Prescription Safety Glasses & safety shoes programs for the site.
Conduct JSAs, EHSRs, Incident Investigations/RCAs as directed by the Regional EHS Manager, Auditor, or as required by tasks, programs and projects within the site.
Follow-up and manage on employee EHS Concerns and Near Miss events received verbally or through the sites notification system.
Attend meetings or functions as the subject matter expert on EHS and Facilities, as necessary.
Escort and assist regulatory inspectors as necessary.
Coordinate waste programs, including hazardous, non-hazardous, Universal waste and recycling programs.
Ensure monthly audits are completed for general and laser safety.
Perform other projects as assigned.