Emergency Response Officer

About Blue Whale Materials
Blue Whale Materials is an American recycling company producing a source of domestic critical minerals from battery material. We are building lithium-ion battery recycling facilities producing a high-quality black mass containing cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium in the first stage of a closed-loop solution for lithium-ion battery manufacturers. Blue Whale Materials has established its first recycling plant in Bartlesville, OK. As we grow, we are seeking talented and motivated candidates to join our team. Compensation is based on experience.

Position Overview
The Site Security and Emergency Response Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe, controlled, and compliant environment at a lithium-ion battery recycling facility. This role integrates site security with high-hazard emergency response, supporting operations involving battery discharge, dismantling, shredding, and material processing. The position plays a critical role in preventing incidents, ensuring rapid and effective response to emergencies, and protecting personnel, assets, and the surrounding community.

Key Responsibilities

Security Operations

• Control and monitor access to the facility, ensuring all personnel, contractors, and visitors meet site entry and PPE requirements
• Verify training, qualification, and authorization levels for entry into restricted and high-hazard operational areas (e.g., discharge, dismantling, shredding zones)
• Conduct routine patrols of the site, with emphasis on battery storage areas, processing lines, and high-energy risk zones
• Monitor and operate security systems, including CCTV, alarms, fire detection, gas detection, and access control systems
• Enforce company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements, including EHS and PSM-related controls

Emergency Response

• Serve as a first responder for site emergencies, including thermal events, battery incidents, fires, chemical releases, medical events, and security threats
• Execute and support emergency response procedures specific to lithium-ion battery hazards, including thermal runaway and off-gassing scenarios
• Coordinate with local emergency responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement) and provide site-specific hazard information
• Lead and support site evacuations, accountability, and incident command structure (ICS) activities
• Provide first aid/CPR and assist with incident stabilization until advanced responders arrive

Incident Management & Investigation Support

• Accurately document all incidents, near misses, and security events in accordance with company procedures
• Secure and preserve incident scenes for investigation and regulatory compliance
• Support root cause investigations (RCA) and corrective action follow-up
• Track and communicate incident trends to support continuous improvement

Risk Prevention & Safety Integration

• Identify hazards associated with battery handling, storage, shredding, and processing operations and proactively escalate concerns
• Support implementation and enforcement of safe work practices, permits, LOTO, and energy isolation controls
• Assist with development and continuous improvement of emergency response plans and procedures specific to battery recycling risks
• Participate in and help lead emergency drills, including fire, spill, and evacuation scenarios
• Perform routine inspections of emergency equipment (fire suppression systems, extinguishers, spill kits, AEDs, gas monitors)

Training & Qualifications Support

• Verify personnel are qualified and trained prior to entering or working in high-hazard areas
• Support onboarding and ongoing site-specific safety and emergency response training
• Reinforce adherence to qualification standards and escalate gaps in competency

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Prior experience in industrial security, emergency response, fire service, military, or high-hazard manufacturing preferred
• Experience in chemical processing, energy, or recycling environments is a plus
• CPR/First Aid certified (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to meet site PPE and respiratory protection requirements, including clean-shaven policy where applicable

Skills & Competencies

• Strong situational awareness, hazard recognition, and decision-making capability
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-risk, rapidly evolving situations
• Working knowledge of incident command systems (ICS) and emergency response protocols
• Strong communication skills across operations, EHS, and external responders
• Basic understanding of industrial processes, equipment hazards, and safety systems
• Physical capability to perform patrols, respond quickly, and operate in PPE

Work Conditions

• Rotating shifts may be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Work in industrial environments with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures
• Regular patrols requiring prolonged standing, walking, and rapid response capability

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of background check and drug screening
• Participation in ongoing EHS, emergency response, and qualification training programs
• Willingness to support a continuous improvement culture focused on safety, compliance, and operational excellence