Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The HSE Specialist is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) programs to ensure compliance with corporate standards and all applicable regulatory requirements. This role serves as the primary HSE subject matter expert on-site supporting laboratory and operational environments, driving risk reduction, strengthening safety culture, and influencing operational decision-making.

Operating as an independent contributor, this position partners closely with laboratory leadership, engineering, and operations teams to proactively identify hazards, maintain compliance, and deliver measurable improvements in safety and environmental performance.

What to Expect

You will serve as the site HSE leader supporting laboratory and technical operations in a regulated, high-performance environment. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration to drive compliance, enhance safety culture, and integrate HSE best practices into daily operations and decision-making.

You will influence both strategic and day-to-day activities, ensuring risk mitigation, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement across all HSE systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HSE programs aligned with corporate standards and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT, ISO 14001/45001)
• Serve as a key point of contact for all HSE matters, supporting laboratory operations and partnering with leadership to drive accountability and performance
• Conduct and approve risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and hazard evaluations across processes, equipment, and materials
• Identify hazards and implement engineering and administrative controls to mitigate safety and environmental risks
• Participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation to address systemic gaps in a timely manner
• Own regulatory reporting, compliance tracking, and recordkeeping, ensuring audit readiness at all times
• Maintain and improve ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems, ensuring alignment with corporate and global best practices
• Assist internal audits, inspections, and external regulatory interactions; drive closure of findings and continuous improvement
• Develop and deliver HSE training programs to build capability and reinforce safe behaviors across the organization
• Champion safety culture through coaching, engagement initiatives, and proactive risk identification
• Support capital projects and operational changes through Management of Change (MOC), ensuring risk is assessed and mitigated early
• Track and report HSE KPIs (incidents, risks, compliance metrics), driving performance improvements
• Knowledge of worker compensation programs

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field
• 5-7+ years of HSE experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or industrial environments
• Demonstrated expertise in OSHA, EPA, DOT regulations and environmental compliance requirements
• Strong experience with risk assessment, incident investigation, and safety management systems
• Proven ability to lead audits, manage compliance programs, and drive corrective actions
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive accountability without direct authority

Preferred

• Professional certifications (ASP, CSP, NEBOSH, ISO Lead Auditor)
• Experience managing ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 systems
• Expertise in ergonomics, machine guarding, emergency response, and hazardous energy control (LOTO)
• Experience in laboratory or technical testing environments
• Strong training, coaching, and employee engagement experience

Core Competencies

• Hazardous Energy Control (LOTO)
• Electrical Safety, PPE, and HAZCOM
• Confined Space and Material Handling
• Environmental Compliance (Air, Water, Waste)
• Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
• Safety Culture Development and Leadership

PAY & BENEFITS

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000
• Relocation is not provided
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

#LI-JS2