Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

POET • Full-time • Jewell, Iowa • 2w ago

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Paid Parental Leave
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
401K with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Specialist is the leader of environmental, health, and safety programs at the POET bioprocessing facility. This role works with other members of the local leadership team and the EH&S members to ensure a culture that prioritizes environment, health, and safety. The EH&S Specialist is the primary interface with government agencies and the local expert on environmental compliance and safety-related matters. They are responsible for leading the implementation of POET environmental and safety management systems, including audits and inspection, incident investigations, report generation and analysis, and behavior observations. They also lead trainings and are responsible for safeguarding critical records and training documentation for the Environmental Health and Safety Program. The EH&S Specialist must also be ready to assist our Design & Construction business partners in monitoring contractor safety performance on projects at the facility.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY (IF THERE IS ONE)…

Champion safety and environmental at the facility, utilizing influential leadership skills to drive and improve the facility culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
Function as the primary liaison between your bioprocessing facility and government agencies.
Serve as the local expert resource for environmental compliance issues, including a thorough understanding of the facility’s environmental permits, hazardous waste management, stormwater, RMP, SPCC, and other applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.
Recommend solutions to streamline processes, eliminate waste and improve sustainability of robust compliance management systems.
Generate, analyze & submit thoughtful daily, weekly, monthly and annual safety and environmental reports. Coordinate and/or take samples as needed.
Lead and coordinate incident investigations following EHS events. Ensure proper documentation is completed and submitted to proper agencies when required.
Lead and direct safety and environmental audits, incident investigations and other activities as needed throughout the facility.
Lead safety and environmental training for a variety of people including new and existing team members and contractors.
Remain up to date on new safety-related regulations, safety equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ensure written EHS programs are reviewed and kept current. Effectively communicate changes to team members.
Lead bioprocessing facility safety committee and actively facilitate the site safety committee meetings.
Maintain permit-required recordkeeping for a variety of environmental, health & safety programs.
Collect data, manage filing systems of the EH&S management systems, and maintain training records for each team member.
Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

EHS Specialist Education/Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- National Safety Council’s Advance Safety Certificate is required, or the ability to obtain it within 6 months of starting the position. Higher-level certifications can be substituted; these include Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.
Senior EHS Specialist Education/Experience Requirements:
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a safety, environmental science, or engineering field or 8+ plus years of experience in EHS work is preferred.
- National Safety Council’s Advance Safety Certificate is required. Higher-level certifications can be substituted; these include Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.
- Demonstrated influential leadership skills that have driven cultural EH&S improvements.
- Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Senior EH&S Specialist Skills Checklist.
Completed professional development; OSHA General Industry 30-Hour, DOT Hazmat Transportation, OSHA Construction 10-hour, 24 hour HAZWOPER, and HAZWOPER Train-The-Trainer; or equivalent courses is preferred.
Construction safety experience is beneficial.
Workers’ Compensation administration experience beneficial.
You have the ability to learn the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility including air and water environmental permits.
Proficient filing, documentation, record keeping and organizational skills required.
You know how to engage an audience, no matter the size, while presenting and training on important environmental and safety related topics.
You communicate effectively in writing and in person.
Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and are capable of learning new programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
This position is largely self-directed and requires a thorough understanding of company policy, procedures, and values.
Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.
Due to the physical and safety sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Specific physical requirements may include:
- Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
- Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
- Opening valves.
- Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
- Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
- Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
- Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
- Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
- Standing for extended periods of time.
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Using hand and power tools.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.