What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health Safety Specialist position at Sterling Engineering?
Environmental & Safety Specialist (Contract)
📍 Palatine, IL | ⚙️ Electrical Manufacturing | 💵 $45–$52/hr
We’re supporting a global electrical manufacturer looking for a highly experienced Environmental & Safety Specialist to step in and lead EHS initiatives at their Palatine facility. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned professional who’s confident operating independently, driving compliance, and elevating safety performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role is a contract assignment with the possibility of conversion based on business needs and performance—perfect for someone who enjoys impactful project work and bringing expertise to a critical function.
What You’ll Take Ownership Of
- Managing and executing all environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (OSHA, EPA, ISO 14001, etc.)
- Performing audits, inspections, and risk assessments to proactively identify and mitigate hazards
- Leading incident investigations and root cause analyses, and implementing preventive solutions
- Overseeing environmental permits, reporting, and regulatory documentation
- Serving as the facility’s EHS subject-matter expert and primary contact for regulatory agencies
- Driving safety training, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Managing hazardous waste, air/water quality programs, and emergency response procedures
- Tracking and reporting key safety metrics to support data-driven decision-making
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- 5 years of hands-on EHS experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting; electrical manufacturing is a plus
- Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and state regulatory requirements
- Proven ability to implement programs that reduce risk and improve safety performance
- Confident communicator who can influence, train, and partner across all levels
- Relevant certifications (CSP, CHMM, CIH) are highly valued
âś… Why This Contract Role Appeals to Experienced Specialists
- High-impact opportunity with autonomy and visibility
- Ability to step in as the go-to EHS expert
- Work with a global, well-established organization
- Option for future conversion, but no long-term commitment required upfront
Salary : $45 - $52
