EHS Partner - Ridgefield, WA

PURPOSE: The Environmental Health & Safety Partner supports the UNFI teams to deliver on a critical UNFI value: “Do the Right Thing – Put Safety and Integrity at the Forefront of Everything We Do.” The EHS Partner at the site is responsible for ensuring the execution of the company’s EHS strategy and goals in a fast paced and complex environment. This role will serve as a main advisor on EHS matters for the Distribution Center’s (DC) stakeholders including but not limited to operations, human resources, claims and security/loss prevention leaders. This role will assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of the EHS management system at the site.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a key member of the site leadership team, you will:

• Execute injury prevention programs/initiatives to motivate and influence the creation of a world class safety culture and minimize injury risk.
• Identify, assess, and control site-level hazards, including supporting Supervisors in completing detailed incident investigations with root cause analyses.
• Analyze and identify trends that increase injury and accident frequency/severity; develop and direct the implementation of training programs using the appropriate media.
• Partner and collaborate with all functional leaders to influence and help manage EHS resources, projects, and business decisions.
• Provide input on the design of standardized safety systems, policies, training, campaigns and programs to reduce risk, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Support environmental compliance and claims programs.
• Create a network of internal (operations, human resources, finance, legal, claims and security/loss prevention) and external alliances (industry partners, safety groups) to develop and implement EHS policies, programs, procedures, standards, training, and processes.
• Perform other job duties as required.
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Certification:

• Associates degree with major course work in EHS, risk management or a closely related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in EHS, risk management or a closely related field is preferred.
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional) certification is preferred.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation; Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or other professionally recognized certifications in EHS (ISO 14001/ISO 45001) are highly desirable.
  
  

Experience:

• 3 years of progressive EHS program management experience.
• Ability to coordinate planning and collaboration with other business functions in a way that is mutually beneficial and drives continuous improvement.
• Ability to drive a strong safety philosophy and implement programs designed to effectively change behavior and prevent injury using data- and research-driven methods.
• Ability to analyze and independently resolve a variety of difficult situations and problems using timely decision making.
  
  

Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact and influence effectively with all levels of management, employees, and customers and experience collaborating with unions.
• Familiarity of OSHA, Root Cause Investigation, Incident Investigation procedures, Hazard Assessment, Job Safety Assessments. EPA
• Broad working knowledge of federal, state & local EHS laws and regulations
  
  

Skills/Abilities:

• Training and coaching skills
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power point and Excel
• Adapts well to and initiates change in the organization
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
  
  

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment or a distribution center environment, including cooler/freezer for short periods of time
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.