Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Job Description
SUMMARY
The Environmental Health and Safety Manager will implement policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure a safe and health work environment at water production facilities, administrative buildings, and throughout the water distribution system. The incumbent will review, evaluate, and analyze work environment hazards and risks, and provide program support to control, eliminate, and prevent injuries caused by chemical, physical, ergonomic, and human factors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Emergency Preparedness:
a. Develop, evaluate, and implement emergency procedures, including the Emergency Response Plan (ERP); Cybersecurity Evaluation Program; Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) plan; and Spill Prevention Response (SPR) plan in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.
b. Use the Vulnerability Assessment as a guide to formulate a program that ensures the security of all Erie Water Works operations, equipment, and facilities.
c. Lead emergency preparedness drills and training across all departments following best practices such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
d. Serve as the primary liaison for emergency response coordination with external agencies.
e. Establish emergency communication procedures, including coordination with stakeholders, regular testing, and ongoing training.
f. Evaluate and implement best practices with guidance from industry leaders such as The Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
2. Workplace Safety Program Management:
a. Design, implement, and evaluate a robust safety program tailored to operations in the water industry.
b. Conduct regular safety audits, hazard assessments, and workplace inspections.
c. Communicate and coordinate with Erie Water Works management team to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DEP, and other relevant regulations.
d. Establish a comprehensive safety training program utilizing internal and external resources to ensure compliance, increase safety awareness, and establish a positive safety culture among staff.
e. Manage and routinely evaluate Erie Water Works environmental, health, and safety specifications for all Capital Improvement Projects in coordination with department staff.
f. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all necessary functions.
3. Safety Committee Leadership:
a. Act as Chairperson of the organization’s Safety Committee.
b. Facilitate committee meetings, including development and implementation of goals, objectives, and incentive programs.
c. Analyze incident trends and safety data to guide proactive committee recommendations.
d. Complete reports and trainings necessary to maintain safety committee certification.
4. Workers’ Compensation & Return-to-Work Programs:
a. Oversee all aspects of the workers’ compensation program, including injury reporting, claims management, and coordination with insurance carriers and healthcare providers.
b. Lead investigations for workplace accidents, injuries, and near-misses, and recommend corrective actions.
c. Develop and manage the return-to-work program, including light-duty assignments and reasonable accommodations in coordination with Human Resources.
d. Develop and manage the Accident and Illness Prevention Program.
e. Complete reports and trainings required as a self-insured entity.
5. Policy Enforcement & Compliance:
a. Provide coaching and support to the management team to ensure consistent enforcement of safety policies and procedures.
b. Be proficient and up-to-date with regulations, industry best practices, changing technologies, and advancing threats.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Qualifications:
Education:
· Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, or a related field.
· Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in EHS leadership roles.
Experience:
· Minimum 2-5 years of progressive experience in an EHS role.
· Experience in the water industry, utilities, or a regulated industrial setting is highly desirable.
Certifications:
· Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent certifications strongly preferred.
· OSHA 30-hour General Industry or Construction Certification preferred.
Skills:
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local EHS laws and regulations; Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive safety culture initiatives; Excellent communication, training, and facilitation skills; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Proficient in Microsoft Office; Experience with EHS management software systems preferred.
Special Requirements:
· Driving/Valid driver’s license required? ☒ Yes ☐ No CDL ☐ A ☐ B ☒ C ☐ None
· Ability to travel? ☒ Yes ☐ No
· Ability to respond to emergency and call-out situations, as needed. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Physical, Mental, and Work Environment Demands:
The physical, mental, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands for fine and gross motor skills; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, enter and/or work in confined spaces, utilize self-contained breathing apparatus, and balance. The employee must regularly lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Attention to detail specifically with visual and auditory components.
Mental Demands:
Verbal/written communication skills
Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas effectively with internal and external stakeholders to include EWW management, customers, contractors, and other utilities. Must maintain a positive image within the community.
Reasoning/problem solving
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to interpret a variety of technical instructions, and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind, requiring appropriate attire and adaptability to changing elements. The role involves navigating uneven terrain, including dirt, gravel, and concrete surfaces, which may pose challenges such as mud, debris, or obstructions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $57,500.00 – $72,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person