Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Zone 5 Technologies • San Luis Obispo, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
The EHS Specialist executes day-to-day environmental, health, and safety programs across Zone 5 Technologies manufacturing operations. Working under the direction of the Director of Operational Excellence (OpEx), this role is the hands-on technical owner of compliance activities, hazard assessments, industrial hygiene monitoring, incident documentation, and safety training delivery. The Specialist does not set EHS strategy or manage staff but is independently accountable for ensuring that established programs are properly implemented, records are meticulously maintained, and emerging hazards or compliance gaps are identified and escalated promptly.
The ideal candidate brings solid field-level EHS knowledge and is comfortable operating in the complex hazard environment unique to aerospace manufacturing, including composite and beryllium materials, energetic materials, RF/EMF, ionizing radiation, and classified program areas with the discipline and attention to detail required in a regulated defense contractor environment.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of hands-on EHS experience in a manufacturing, defense, or industrial environment
• Working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry standards and basic EPA environmental compliance requirements
• Experience conducting JHAs, safety inspections, and incident investigations in a manufacturing setting
• Familiarity with industrial hygiene sampling methods, PPE selection, and hazardous materials handling
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in regulatory recordkeeping and documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to deliver training and interact with production floor personnel
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or closely related field (or Associate’s degree with equivalent experience)
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) working toward CSP, OSHA 30-Hour General Industry, or HAZWOPER (24 or 40 hour) certification
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments
• Familiarity with RF/EMF safety standards (IEEE C95.1, ICNIRP), laser safety (ANSI Z136.1), or beryllium/composite hazard programs
• Experience with energetic materials, pyrotechnics, or propellant handling per DDESB standards
• EHSMS / GRC platform experience (KPA, Cority, Vector solutions, VelocityEHS, or equivalent)

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine compliance inspections and walkthroughs to verify adherence to Local, State, and Federal requirements; document findings and initiate corrective action requests
• Maintain EHS compliance records, permit documentation, and regulatory filing calendars; prepare draft permit reports and renewal packages for EHS Manager review and submission
• Collect and compile data for required regulatory reports including Tier II, TRI Form R, EPCRA Section 313, OSHA 300/300A logs, and stormwater monitoring reports
• Support hazardous waste management operations: waste characterization, manifest preparation, container labeling and inspection, and LQG/SQG recordkeeping in compliance with RCRA
• Assist in preparing for and supporting regulatory agency inspections and third-party audits; gather evidence packages, escort inspectors on the floor, and document inspection findings under manager supervision
• Monitor compliance calendars and alert the Director of OpEx to upcoming deadlines, permit renewals, and reporting obligations
• Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) for new and modified manufacturing tasks, maintenance activities, and non-routine operations; coordinate reviews with supervisors and document approvals
• Perform industrial hygiene monitoring tasks: collect air samples, conduct noise dosimetry surveys, and administer ergonomic assessments using established protocols; submit samples and compile results for EHS Manager interpretation
• Assist in day-to-day specialized hazard programs under established procedures: RF/EMF, composite and carbon fiber exposure controls, beryllium awareness, confined space entry, and LOTO/LOTOTO
• Maintain and update the chemical inventory and SDS/GHS library; review incoming chemical requests against approved substances list and flag new hazards.
• Support classified area EHS controls: conduct periodic inspections of controlled-access areas in coordination with the FSO and program security teams; document findings and corrective actions
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) reviews as an EHS technical contributor alongside engineering and operations teams
• Administer the respiratory protection program: coordinate fit-testing scheduling, maintain fit-test records, verify proper respirator selection, and track medical clearance status
• Maintain site emergency response plan (ERP) documents, contact lists, emergency equipment inventories, and evacuation maps; coordinate annual reviews with the Director of OpEx.
• Support incident investigations by conducting scene preservation, photographing physical evidence, gathering witness accounts, and entering findings into the EHS management system; conduct root cause analysis (RCA).
• Track and follow up on corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) arising from incidents, near-misses, inspections, and audits; verify completion and document closure evidence
• Maintain OSHA 300/300A injury and illness logs with accuracy; flag recordability questions to the Director of OpEx for determination
• Coordinate emergency response drills and tabletop exercises: schedule participants, set up scenarios, document exercise outcomes, and track corrective actions
• Serve as a trained first responder resource during hazmat spill events and facility emergencies.
• Deliver EHS training sessions for new hires, annual refreshers, and specialized hazard-specific programs; manage attendance records and completion documentation in the LMS
• Administer the near-miss and hazard reporting program: process submissions, acknowledge reporters, route items for investigation, and track closure
• Develop training aids, visual safety communications, toolbox talk materials, and job aids for manufacturing floor audiences under guidance
• Partner with supervisors and engineers to reinforce EHS requirements during daily operations, pre-job briefings, and toolbox talks
• Track and compile facility waste stream data: hazardous waste generation volumes, universal waste, non-hazardous solid waste, and recycling; maintain monthly logs for regulatory reporting
• Monitor air emissions sources and stormwater management controls; collect samples and document inspections per permit requirements
• Maintain the chemical management program: track chemical inventory quantities, ensure proper storage segregation, and support substitution evaluations for hazardous substances
• Maintain the EHS management system (EHSMS) with current inspection records, incident data, training completions, chemical inventory, and corrective action status
• Compile EHS metrics and leading/lagging indicator data (injury rates, inspection completion, training compliance, near-miss frequency) for EHS Manager review and dashboard reporting
• Maintain organized EHS files, permit binders, and program documentation in compliance with recordkeeping retention requirements
• Research regulatory updates and emerging EHS best practices; summarize findings for EHS Manager review

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree