Maritime EHS Director

Job Title: Maritime Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Director
Department: Safety
Location: Albany, NY, with regular travel to terminals, ports, vessels, and project sites
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Executive Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer
Schedule: M-F 7AM-5PM

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Develop and own the maritime EHS strategy; annual plan; and key performance indicators that support operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and business growth.
• Establish, implement, and maintain a Safety Management System for marine and terminal operations, aligned with USCG standards; applicable CFRs; and industry best practices.
• Provide regular EHS performance reports to Executive Leadership, highlighting trends, risks, and recommended corrective actions.

Regulatory Compliance and Coast Guard Interface

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the United States Coast Guard on all matters related to vessel safety, inspections, incidents, and regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable USCG regulations, including those within Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as well as OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state requirements.
• Lead preparation for and participation in USCG inspections, Port State Control activities, and audits; oversee timely and effective closure of all findings.
• Monitor regulatory developments; interpret their impact on the business; and translate them into practical policies, procedures, and training.

Risk Management and Incident Response

• Lead serious incident and near-miss investigations using root cause analysis methods; ensure corrective and preventive actions are identified; implemented; and verified.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for marine operations, including oil spills, man overboard, fire, collision, and severe weather events.
• Coordinate drills and exercises with vessel crews, terminals, and relevant agencies, including the USCG, to validate readiness.

Safety Culture and Training

• Drive a proactive, “zero harm” safety culture where every employee understands and owns their EHS responsibilities.
• Oversee development and delivery of maritime-specific EHS training, including topics such as vessel operations safety; confined space; fall protection; HAZMAT and spill response; lockout/tagout; and job hazard analysis.
• Mentor and develop EHS professionals, vessel captains, supervisors, and front-line leaders in hazard recognition, risk assessments, and safety leadership behaviors.

Environmental Stewardship

• Oversee environmental compliance for marine operations, including fuel handling; ballast water management; waste management; stormwater; and emissions requirements.
• Manage spill prevention and response programs; ensure compliance with applicable plans and permits; and coordinate with environmental agencies when necessary.
• Identify and champion initiatives that reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability while supporting operational efficiency.

Operational Partnership

• Partner with Operations, HR, and Maintenance leaders to integrate EHS considerations into planning, scheduling, budgeting, contractor management, and performance reviews.
• Participate in capital planning and project reviews to ensure EHS risks are identified and mitigated early in the process.
• Support HR in return-to-work processes, workers’ compensation management, and fitness-for-duty evaluations for safety-sensitive positions.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Maritime Studies, Engineering, or a related field.
• Ten or more years of progressive EHS experience in maritime, marine construction, terminal operations, or offshore industries.
• Five or more years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi-site or fleet operations.
• Prior United States Coast Guard experience, ideally within marine safety, inspections, investigations, or prevention; or equivalent experience working closely with the USCG on marine safety and compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant regulations and standards, such as USCG regulations, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and applicable state laws.
• Proven track record leading serious incident investigations, implementing corrective and preventive actions, and reducing incident rates over time.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Professional certifications, for example CSP, CHST, CPEA, or similar.
• Experience with Safety Management Systems, ISM Code, ISPS-related work, or third-party audits.
• Experience in tug and barge operations, dredging, marine construction, or port and terminal management.
• HAZWOPER, TWIC, and other relevant credentials.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory and Technical Mastery; deep knowledge of maritime EHS requirements, and the ability to translate complex regulations into practical field guidance.
• Strategic Leadership; ability to develop and execute a multi-year EHS roadmap aligned with business objectives.
• Influence and Relationship Management; strong credibility with vessel captains, field supervisors, executives, and regulators, including the USCG.
• Incident Investigation and Risk Analysis; skilled at root cause analysis, risk assessment, and building effective preventive measures.
• Change Management; ability to shift culture in high-risk environments; from reactive compliance to proactive ownership.
• Communication; clear, confident communicator who can brief executives, train front-line crews, and interact professionally with regulatory agencies.
• Decision Quality and Judgment; calm under pressure; able to make sound decisions during incidents and emergencies.

 Physical Requirements

• Ability to board vessels, climb ladders, and navigate uneven surfaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50–75 lbs as needed.
• Frequent walking, climbing, bending, and working in outdoor or marine environments.
• Must be comfortable working aboard tugboats, barges, and marine terminals.
• PPE use required in all operational areas.

Work Environment

• Mix of office work, vessel inspections, and time spent at ports, marine terminals and construction sites
• Exposure to outdoor weather, loud machinery, moving equipment, and marine environments.
• Standard business hours with extended hours or travel required for vessel support, emergencies, or regulatory visits.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and applicable credentialing (TWIC may be required).
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to travel regularly to ports and vessels.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Additional AFLAC Coverage
• Paid Company Holidays
• 401(k) with 8% Company Match
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training & Professional Development
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Industry Discounts (if applicable)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Carver Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required.