What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist position at King's Hawaiian?
Summary
Working under general supervision, the EHS Specialist will support the day-to-day implementation and maintenance of environmental, health, and safety programs in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This role ensures operational compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a proactive safety culture aligned with GMP and SQF standards. The EHS Specialist is a key contributor to safety training, hazard analysis, incident investigation, and environmental monitoring programs across all production shifts. Employees in this position may interact with their leader several times a week to receive guidance and feedback. Most non-routine activities may require their leader’s advance approval, but routine decisions within the general scope of the role may be made independently.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct and support employee training programs on all EHS topics, including OSHA-mandated programs (e.g., hazard communication, LOTO, powered industrial trucks), site-specific protocols, and GMP/SQF requirements.
- Assist with development and revision of EHS-related policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring alignment with current regulatory requirements and best practices in food manufacturing.
- Perform risk assessments and job hazard analyses (JHAs) across production areas, collaborating with department leads to implement risk mitigation controls and promote safe behaviors.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of production, warehouse, sanitation, and maintenance areas, documenting findings and tracking corrective actions to resolution.
- Participate in incident investigations using root cause analysis tools and support timely completion of required reports and corrective/preventive actions.
- Monitor and manage reporting procedures for safety incidents and near misses using internal tracking systems; analyze trends and recommend safety improvements.
- Promote a culture of safety and engagement through ongoing communication, coaching, and participation in safety team meetings across all shifts.
- Support environmental compliance by assisting with the management of air, water, stormwater, and waste programs, including required monitoring, documentation, and reporting per EPA and local agency requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date environmental records and ensure accurate inspections and logs for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, chemical storage, and material safety data sheets (SDS).
- Collaborate with the security team to maintain a safe workplace by managing contractor safety expectations, tracking security metrics, and leading routine safety and security reviews.
- Serve as the Emergency Response Coordinator during mid-shift operations, ensuring readiness for weather-related or security-related threats and facilitating employee communication.
- Assist in facilitating with security operations and third-party security vendor management, including coordination of access control systems, incident reporting protocols, and security audits.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness programs, including drills, emergency response team activities, and safety/security alerts.
- Support ergonomic assessments and workplace improvements to reduce strain injuries and promote employee wellness across all shifts.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of this role.
BASIC AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or equivalent relevant experience required; degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or related field preferred. At least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- 1 year of experience in EHS program execution or regulatory compliance support required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Manufacturing only)
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Ability to stand and walk on production floor up to 90% of the time during shift hours.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)
- Working understanding of OSHA 29 CFR and EPA 40 CFR regulations, particularly as applied to food manufacturing environments.
- Working understanding of GMP and SQF compliance principles and how they intersect with EHS procedures and controls.
- Working ability to perform safety audits, conduct hazard assessments, and track corrective actions in real-time environments.
- Developing knowledge of environmental permit requirements and hazardous waste management practices.
- Working ability to engage employees in safety practices through effective communication and training delivery.
- Developing knowledge of ergonomic principles and how to apply them to reduce injury risk in high-volume production roles.
- Proficient administrative skills including report writing, data tracking, and electronic document management.
- Developing knowledge of emergency response coordination and basic workplace security procedures.
- Ability to work a mid-shift schedule (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
- Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.
- Ability to consistently demonstrate King’s values of excellence, dignity, saying it like it is in a way it can be heard; and curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Benefits:
Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off