EHS Specialist

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist

Position Summary

The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist is responsible for supporting and driving environmental, health, safety, and regulatory compliance programs within a highly automated solar module manufacturing facility. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and leadership teams to foster a proactive safety culture, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and continuously improve workplace safety and environmental performance.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of manufacturing safety systems, machine safeguarding, industrial hygiene, environmental compliance, and incident prevention practices within a fast-paced, technology-driven production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Management

• Support implementation and continuous improvement of site EHS programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and utility areas.
• Lead hazard identification initiatives and assist with corrective and preventive action tracking.
• Monitor compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Facilitate incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
• Support behavior-based safety programs and employee engagement initiatives.
• Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments for new equipment, process changes, and capital projects.

Manufacturing & Automation Safety

• Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure safe operation of automated production equipment, robotics, conveyors, and material handling systems.
• Evaluate machine guarding, interlock systems, emergency stops, and control reliability programs.
• Support Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program development, audits, and employee training.
• Participate in equipment commissioning and pre-startup safety reviews.
• Ensure contractor activities comply with site safety requirements.

Environmental Compliance

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Assist with management of waste streams, recycling programs, hazardous materials, and chemical inventories.
• Maintain environmental permits, records, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor air emissions, wastewater systems, stormwater controls, and waste management activities as applicable.
• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with the company's renewable energy mission.

Training & Culture Development

• Deliver EHS orientation and recurring training programs for employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Develop training materials related to safety procedures, emergency response, chemical safety, ergonomics, and environmental compliance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee involvement in safety initiatives.
• Participate in safety committees and cross-functional improvement teams.

Emergency Preparedness

• Support emergency response planning, drills, and preparedness activities.
• Coordinate with local emergency responders as necessary.
• Maintain emergency equipment inspections and response documentation.
• Participate in incident command and emergency response activities when required.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain EHS records, metrics, and compliance documentation.
• Analyze safety and environmental performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory agencies as required.
• Support ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management system activities, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
• 5 years of EHS experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, machine safety, hazard communication, and incident investigation practices.
• Experience supporting Lockout/Tagout, machine guarding, confined space, and contractor safety programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and EHS management systems.

Preferred

• Experience in automated manufacturing, semiconductor, photovoltaic, electronics, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Professional certifications such as ASP, CSP, CHMM, OHST, or CIH.
• Experience with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Knowledge of robotics safety standards and automated material handling systems.
• Experience with environmental permitting, hazardous waste management, and sustainability reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk production areas for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, and outdoor utility environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Success Factors

• Strong safety leadership and influence without direct authority.
• Ability to build partnerships across all levels of the organization.
• Data-driven approach to risk reduction and continuous improvement.
• Passion for supporting renewable energy manufacturing and operational excellence.
• Commitment to maintaining a world-class safety culture in a highly automated production environment.