The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Specialist is the leader of environmental, health, and safety programs at the POET bioprocessing facility.  This role works with other members of the local leadership team and the EH&S members to ensure a culture that prioritizes environment, health, and safety. The EH&S Specialist is the primary interface with government agencies and the local expert on environmental compliance and safety-related matters. They are responsible for leading the implementation of POET environmental and safety management systems, including audits and inspection, incident investigations, report generation and analysis, and behavior observations. They also lead trainings and are responsible for safeguarding critical records and training documentation for the Environmental Health and Safety Program.  The EH&S Specialist must also be ready to assist our Design & Construction business partners in monitoring contractor safety performance on projects at the facility.

This is an on-site role located in Preston, MN. Responsibilities include:

• Champion Safety and Environmental at the facility, utilizing influential leadership skills to drive and improve the facility culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.

• Function as the primary liaison between your bioprocessing facility and government agencies.

• Serve as the local expert resource for environmental compliance issues, including a thorough understanding of the facility’s environmental permits, hazardous waste management, stormwater, RMP, SPCC, and other applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.

• Recommend solutions to streamline processes, eliminate waste and improve sustainability of robust compliance management systems.

• Generate, analyze & submit thoughtful daily, weekly, monthly and annual safety and environmental reports. Coordinate and/or take samples as needed.

• Lead and coordinate incident investigations following EH&S events.  Ensure proper documentation is completed and submitted to proper agencies when required. 

• Lead and direct safety and environmental audits, incident investigations and other activities as needed throughout the facility.

• Lead safety and environmental training for a variety of people including new and existing team members and contractors.

• Remain up to date on new safety-related regulations, safety equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Ensure written EH&S programs are reviewed and kept current. Effectively communicate changes to team members.

• Lead bioprocessing facility safety committee and actively facilitate the site safety committee meetings.

• Maintain permit-required recordkeeping for a variety of environmental, health & safety programs.

• Collect data, manage filing systems of the EH&S management systems, and maintain training records for each team member.

• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times

• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

• EH&S Specialist Education/Experience Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.

  • National Safety Council’s Advance Safety Certificate is required, or the ability to obtain it within 6 months of starting the position. Higher-level certifications can be substituted; these include Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.

• Senior EH&S Specialist Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a safety, environmental science, or engineering field or 8+ plus years of experience in EH&S work is preferred.

  • National Safety Council’s Advance Safety Certificate is required. Higher-level certifications can be substituted; these include Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.

  • Demonstrated influential leadership skills that have driven cultural EH&S improvements.

  • Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Senior EH&S Specialist Skills Checklist.

• Completed professional development; OSHA General Industry 30-Hour, DOT Hazmat Transportation, OSHA Construction 10-hour, 24 hour HAZWOPER, and HAZWOPER Train-The-Trainer; or equivalent courses is preferred.

• Construction safety experience is beneficial.

• Workers’ Compensation administration experience beneficial.

• You have the ability to learn the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility including air and water environmental permits.

• Proficient filing, documentation, record keeping and organizational skills required.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

• High level of personal integrity

• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

• Communicate effectively in writing and in person.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Ability to embrace and promote change

• Innovative mindset

• Ability to engage an audience, no matter the size, while presenting and training on important environmental and safety related topics.

• Ability to think objectively

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

• Ability to work in a team environment

This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:

• Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.

• Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.

• Opening valves.

• Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.

• Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.

• Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.

• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.

• Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.

• Standing for extended periods of time.

• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Using hand and power tools.

Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.

The compensation for this position is competitive and will be based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. While the salary range listed is between $80,000 to $110,000 annually, the final salary offered will be determined by the successful candidate's skills, expertise, and relevant experience.