Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist
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Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist
Location: Columbus, IN
Department: Operations / Human Resources
Reports To: Department Manager
Department: Operations / Human Resources
Reports To: Department Manager
Job Classification: Salary, Exempt
Hours: Monday – Friday – Flex Friday Schedule
Job Summary:
We are seeking a proactive, solution-oriented EHS Specialist to lead health, safety, and environmental initiatives at our Columbus site. This position places a strong emphasis on occupational health and workplace safety, including injury prevention, hazard identification, ergonomic assessments for all new hires and existing employees, regulatory compliance, and continuous risk reduction, while also leading ISO 14001 Environmental Management System compliance and environmental stewardship efforts.
The EHS Specialist will be responsible for ensuring strict compliance with all federal, state, and local health, safety, and environmental regulations; driving proactive safety programs; reducing workplace injuries and Workers’ Compensation exposure; and fostering a culture where employee well-being and safe work practices are core operational priorities. The ideal candidate will take a hands-on, forward-thinking approach to identifying health and safety risks, implementing corrective and preventive actions, leading employee training and engagement initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across all health, safety, ergonomic, and environmental performance metrics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain EHS policies, programs, and procedures that align with corporate objectives and compliance requirements, including recycling and environmental cost-reduction initiatives and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System requirements.
- Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments; ensure timely corrective action and follow-up including environmental compliance audits and ISO 14001 internal audit support.
- Lead monthly safety initiatives to educate, inform, and engage employees through newsletters, flyers, or other communication channels, including environmental awareness and sustainability topics.
- Investigate incidents, conduct root cause analyses, and ensure effective closure of corrective actions including environmental incidents and ISO 14001 corrective and preventive actions.
- Partner with Human Resources on Workers’ Compensation management—supporting claim filing, investigation reports, training, and return-to-work accommodations including ergonomic accommodations based on assessment findings.
- Perform ergonomic assessments of all new hires as part of onboarding and for existing employees on a periodic and as-needed basis, and implement and document appropriate workplace adjustments to reduce injury risk
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, IDEM, and other regulatory agencies, including required reporting and recordkeeping, as well as ISO 14001 environmental compliance obligations and documentation requirements.
- Maintain records and prepare reports for regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders, including ISO 14001 documentation, environmental metrics, and audit records.
- Deliver comprehensive EHS training for employees and contractors, including onboarding for new hires, ergonomic best practices, and ISO 14001 environmental awareness training.
- Manage hazardous waste disposal, air and water permits, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with ISO 14001 environmental objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reinforce a proactive safety culture and drive EHS improvement projects, including environmental performance and ISO 14001 compliance initiatives.
- Serve as the primary contact for emergency response, managing the company’s contingency and crisis management plans.
- Own and report weekly safety metrics to the leadership team, highlighting performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Lead proactive initiatives that minimize incidents and maintain low Workers’ Compensation claim rates.
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Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of EHS experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.
- Strong working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards, EPA regulations, Workers’ Compensation processes, and applicable state regulations.
- Experience conducting job hazard analyses (JHAs), risk assessments, safety audits, and ergonomic evaluations in a manufacturing setting.
- Demonstrated experience leading incident investigations, performing root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.), and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Experience managing or supporting Workers’ Compensation claims, return-to-work programs, and injury reduction initiatives.
- Working knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
- Ability to develop and deliver safety training programs, including new hire onboarding and ongoing employee safety engagement initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of hazard recognition, hierarchy of controls, and injury prevention strategies in production environments.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to influence leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees.
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a proactive, hands-on approach to compliance, safety improvement, and risk mitigation.
- Preferred certifications: CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist), CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager), OSHA 30-Hour General Industry, or ISO Internal Auditor certification.
Optional but very strong preferred qualifications:
- Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS) or ergonomics training/credential
- ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 internal auditor certification
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification
- First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor or certification
This role is ideal for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values compliance and accountability, and takes pride in building a culture where safety and continuous improvement are at the forefront of every decision.
What We Offer:
- Join a supportive, dynamic workplace with global exposure and a strong commitment to your growth. We value work–life balance and invest in our people with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and opportunities to advance your career.
- Competitive salary
- Three medical plan options, including an HSA-compatible plan
- Comprehensive dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid long-term disability and group life insurance
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, Flex Fridays Off, and 10 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Opportunities for professional development
- A collaborative and safety-focused work environment
- A culture rooted in integrity, respect, trust, and teamwork
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive with a company that values you.
