Environment, Health, and Safety Sr. Associate

Key Responsibilities

EHS Program Development and Implementation

• Develop, implement, and enforce EHS policies, procedures, and programs tailored to the specific needs of research and development activities, including but not limited to construction and trades safety, laboratory safety, chemical & biological safety, and emergency response.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential hazards and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate EHS considerations into construction projects, facility design, and research and development.
• Serve as a resource and point of contact for safety-related inquiries, concerns, and initiatives from internal and external stakeholders.
• Own and maintain written programs (e.g. contractor safety, LOTO, respiratory protection, PPE, hot work, emergency action plan, etc).

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay abreast of relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations as well as corporate expectations to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards.
• Manage permits, licenses, and reporting requirements related to environmental protection and workplace safety.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and occupational health risks.
• Develop emergency response plans and protocols to address potential incidents and ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and the surrounding community.
• Proactively qualify and monitor contractor safety, using a centralized platform for approval of high-risk contractors.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver training programs on EHS-related topics, policies, procedures, and best practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor EHS performance metrics and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead or participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses, implementing corrective and preventive actions as necessary.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in EHS-related field, science discipline, or a similar technical discipline
• 3+ years of relevant site-based experience, ideally in construction and trades safety
• Strong understanding of relevant regulations (e.g., EPA, EGLE, OSHA) and industry best practices
• Ability to bridge construction and trades safety with the needs of scientists, maintenance personnel, and other end users by translating EHS requirements into practical guidance and fostering safe work practices in a complex, dynamic R&D environment

This is a fully on-site position (no remote work).

Preferred

• 5+ years of relevant EHS experience
• Laboratory safety experience (biosafety, chemistry safety, etc)
• Knowledge of Incident Command structure
• ASP/CSP/CHMM or similar
• The ability to use personal protection equipment including hearing protection, respiratory protection, and safety glasses
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders in a matrix environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful EHS programs and initiatives
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed (primarily to sites within Kalamazoo County), approximately 5% of the time