Sr. Specialist, Health and Safety Programs

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

13d

About The Position

The Senior Health & Safety (H&S) Specialist performs multifaceted occupational health and workplace safety tasks and leads and supports successful project and product delivery related to identifying, evaluating, eliminating and mitigating workplace hazards to prevent incidents. This includes leading in the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of enterprise-wide policies/programs, processes, systems and tools related to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and standards within the organization. The Senior Health & Safety Specialist serves as a key Health & Safety resource to San Diego teams and cross-functional stakeholders to strengthen implementation of H&S programs and compliance across daily operations and Research and Development. The role assesses and reduces risk through hazard assessments and incident investigations, leads assigned elements of chemical research safety, Process Safety Management and ISO 14001/45001 management systems, delivers H&S training and emergency response readiness, and interfaces with stakeholders and regulators as needed. The ideal candidate is an articulate communicator—both verbally and in writing—who brings strong organizational skills, technical aptitude, and a proactive mindset while balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic setting. Success in this role requires a collaborative approach, adaptability to shifting project demands, and the ability to develop systems and tools that align closely with the way people work. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening our safety culture, stewarding systems and processes, and driving continuous improvement in Health & Safety performance across the enterprise.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in a scientific or related discipline preferred and 4+ years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field OR AS degree in a scientific or related discipline preferred and 6+ years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field
• HAZWOPER 40 hour certificate preferred or ability to obtain within 3months of employment.
• DOT Hazardous Material Handler certificate preferred.
• DOT 49 CFR and IATA certificate preferred
• Ability to complete complex assignments independently and with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence decisions, build effective partnerships, and communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong communication, analytical, and decision-making skills with demonstrated ability to provide recommendations and guidance on complex Health & Safety issues within established regulatory and organizational frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations, standards, and industry best practices, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply requirements to operational activities.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret regulatory requirements and company policies and translate them into practical operational processes, procedures, and program improvements
• Advanced knowledge in hazard assessment and control methodologies with demonstrated ability to identify complex risks, develop mitigation strategies, adn review Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) for technical adequacy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead incident investigations, perform root cause analysis, develop corrective and preventive actions, and provide recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Ability to analyze Health & Safety performance metrics, identify trends, and recommend actions that improve compliance, operational effectiveness, and risk reduction.
• Demonstrated ability to administer, maintain, and improve Health & Safety management systems and leverage technology solutions to enhance program effectiveness and compliance
• Ability to serve as a technical resource and mentor to less experienced team members and business partners regarding Health & Safety programs, regulatory requirements, and risk management practices
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and implement process improvements that enhance safety performance, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Skilled in MS Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; proficiency with Internet applications
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive company vehicles

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrates understanding Neurocrine's business objectives and applies knowledge of functional area processes to support organizational goals
• Applies knowledge and experience within Health & Safety while continuing to expand technical expertise and professional capabilities
• Utilizes systems, tools, and technologies required to support environmental compliance, reporting, inspections, and program administration
• Establishes productive working relationships and collaborates effectively across functions to achieve shared objectives
• Applies analytical thinking and sound judgment to identify issues, evaluate options, and recommend practical solutions
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and recommend solutions to moderately complex environmental compliance challenges
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with employees, leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Adapts to changing priorities and business needs while maintaining a high level of quality and customer service.
• Ability to lead projects and coordinate activities involving multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrates strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement, compliance, and operational excellence
• Demonstrates attention to detail while maintaining awareness of broader operational impacts

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching and support to functional areas, project teams, and/or employees on health and safety policies, procedures, and other H&S guidance, including monitoring compliance, performance indicator tracking and/or reporting within the area of support and promoting, reinforcing, and sustaining a strong safety culture through engagement with leadership and teams
• Conduct routine inspections, audits, and/or work observations to assist in identifying potential hazards in the workplace environment. Track and report data that drives H&S performance reviews, engage in safety walks and continuous improvement activities that are H&S related
• Support the development of and/or administrative review of product or project-specific Health and Safety Plans, including conducting technical reviews for low to moderate complexity projects and activities and provides recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Maintain, monitor, and support aspects of local office health and safety, including related policies and procedures
• Support, as applicable to operational area and/or project, regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety standards, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER), and Radiation standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate solutions with involved parties
• Participate and/or lead in the facilitation of company H&S Training program including leading development and implementation of employee training
• Respond to incidents promptly, coordinating appropriate response activities and leading investigations involving moderate complexity incidents and serving as a technical resource for significant investigations.
• Partner with assigned Functions to implement methods, programs, controls, and safeguards which promote a safe work environment.
• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of assigned EHS programs (e.g., lab health and safety, biosafety, ergonomics, controlled substance, particularly hazardous chemicals, fire safety, inspections, risk assessments) and serve as program owner for designated program elements
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on Health & Safety related challenges and risk reduction activities during research and development and clinical operations, escalating complex issues as appropriate
• Investigate hazards, near misses and incidents with the goal of finding root causes and implementing ways to prevent recurrence
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements that enhance compliance, efficiency, and employee safety outcomes
• Provide technical guidance on chemical operations and Process Safety Management activities by providing guidance within established procedures and escalating complex technical matters as needed
• Perform EH&S assessments for new processes, projects, and equipment that include risk assessments, confined space, lockout/tagout, ergonomics, and machine guarding
• Assist in the program development of EHS management system (45001/14001)
• Engage and lead onsite Emergency Response Procedures, planning activities, tabletop exercises, and Operational Excellence initiatives; may facilitate designated activities under guidance of Director, Global EH&S
• Develop and deliver training and coaching programs that strengthen employee understanding of Health & Safety requirements, safe work practices and safety leadership behaviors
• Implement and monitor health and safety programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve Health & Safety performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness
• Monitor and track employee exposure to radiation per OSHA requirements.
• Support management of company personal protective equipment (PPE) and other similar programs, maintaining inventory and operation of safety equipment, including calibrating detection equipment
• Serve as a subject matter resource and mentor for less experienced EH&S team members and business partners
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• retirement savings plan (with company match)
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

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