Health, Safety, & Training Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The Health, Safety & Training Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive health, safety, and workforce training programs across all environmental services operations. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT), promotes a culture of safety, and supports employee development through targeted training initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental services, hazardous materials handling, and industrial safety.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Health & Safety Management

• Prepare health and safety strategies and develop internal policies.
• Develop and maintain site-specific safety plans, hazard assessments, and emergency response protocols.
• Carry out risk assessments and outline safe operational procedures that identify and account for all relevant hazards.
• Conduct regular site inspections to ensure policies and procedures are properly implemented.
• Plan practical and effective methods-both preventative and remedial-for promoting health and safety and safe working practices.
• Make changes to work practices that are safe and comply with legislation.
• Negotiate with managers and employees to eliminate conflict between production and safety considerations.
• Advise on specialty areas such as fire regulations, hazardous substances, noise, safeguarding machinery, and occupational diseases.
• Assist with the rehabilitation of workers after accidents or injuries and ensure satisfactory return-to-work processes.
• Keep up to date with new legislation and liaise with officials from regulatory authorities to ensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies and third-party auditors.
• Keep records of inspections, incidents, and accidents; produce reports and statistics for management.
• Carry out accident investigations and hazardous drills; recommend remedial training as necessary.

Training & Development

• Design and deliver onboarding and ongoing training programs for field technicians, drivers, and facility staff.
• Conduct in-house training with managers and employees on health and safety issues and risks.
• Maintain training records and certifications (e.g., HAZWOPER, confined space entry, forklift, respirator fit testing).
• Coordinate with department managers to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training solutions.
• Implement LMS (Learning Management System) tools and e-learning modules where applicable.
• Facilitate toolbox talks, safety stand-downs, and monthly safety meetings.

Leadership & Culture

• Promote a proactive safety culture through employee engagement and recognition programs.
• Mentor supervisors and team leads on safety leadership and accountability.
• Collaborate with HR on wellness initiatives and injury prevention strategies.
• Produce management reports, newsletters, and bulletins to communicate safety performance and updates.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience in health and safety leadership, preferably within environmental services or industrial operations.
• Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management practices.
• Skilled in developing safety policies, conducting risk assessments, and producing clear, actionable reports.
• Proficient in data analysis related to safety performance, incident trends, and training effectiveness.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong observational, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage and motivate teams across all levels of the organization.
• Proven leadership and supervisory capabilities, with a focus on building a safety-first culture.
• Familiarity with safety equipment, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
• Valid certifications in occupational health and safety or related fields strongly preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in health & safety management within environmental services, waste management, or industrial sectors.
• Certifications preferred: CSP, CHMM, OSHA 30/40, HAZWOPER Trainer.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state environmental regulations.
• Experience with training program development and LMS platforms.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites and work in field conditions as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing, walking, crouching, use of hands, and lifting or carrying items weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Must be capable of wearing and operating personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, as required by job duties.
• Must be available to respond to environmental emergencies 24/7/365.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment background checks and drug screening.