Position: Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Reports to: CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview: The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager will oversee and drive our EHS programs at our sawmill manufacturing facility. This role will focus on minimizing risks, protecting the health of workers, and promoting sustainability throughout our manufacturing operations.
Responsibilities: Environmental Compliance & Monitoring: - Develop, implement, and oversee environmental health and safety programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations (e.g., air, water, and waste management).
- Conduct regular environmental audits and inspections, identifying areas for improvement in waste reduction, emissions control, and resource conservation.
- Monitor and report on the environmental impact of operations, including managing the disposal of sawmill byproducts, hazardous materials, and effluent.
Health & Safety Management: - Develop and enforce safety protocols to reduce workplace accidents and ensure the health and safety of all personnel.
- Lead safety training programs, including proper machine operation, hazardous material handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures.
- Conduct regular safety audits, hazard assessments, and risk analyses to identify and address potential workplace hazards in the sawmill environment.
- Manage safety incident investigations, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are taken.
Fire Safety System Management: - Oversee the installation, maintenance, and inspection of fire suppression systems, including sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Develop and enforce fire safety protocols, ensuring employees are trained in fire evacuation procedures and the proper use of fire extinguishing equipment.
- Regularly inspect fire safety equipment and systems, ensuring they are operational and well-maintained to mitigate the risk of fire in the sawmill.
Waste Reduction & Resource Efficiency: - Implement and oversee waste reduction initiatives, including recycling programs, the efficient use of raw materials, and managing byproducts such as sawdust and wood chips.
- Explore opportunities to improve energy efficiency in sawmill operations, including the use of renewable energy sources and optimizing the use of water and other natural resources.
- Ensure compliance with all environmental permits and regulations related to waste disposal, emissions, and resource usage.
Reporting & Documentation:- Maintain accurate records of safety audits, inspections, training programs, and environmental compliance documentation.
- Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies, management, and stakeholders regarding EHS performance and improvements.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, environmental impact, and compliance, ensuring timely reporting and corrective action.
Employee Training & Engagement:- Develop and implement employee training programs that foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the sawmill.
- Promote active participation in safety programs and initiatives, encouraging employees to report potential hazards and suggest improvements.
- Conduct regular safety drills and environmental awareness sessions to keep all personnel informed of best practices and new regulations.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement:- Collaborate with local communities, regulatory bodies, and environmental organizations to ensure compliance with community expectations and environmental standards.
- Foster transparency in the company's EHS practices and initiatives, communicating progress and areas for improvement to external stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement:- Stay informed on the latest safety regulations, environmental laws, and industry best practices to ensure the sawmill maintains compliance with evolving standards.
- Research and implement modern technologies and processes to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Lead efforts to continuously improve both the safety culture and environmental performance of the sawmill.
Qualifications:- Proven experience in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (bachelor's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental health and safety management, preferably within manufacturing or industrial environments (sawmill or wood products experience a plus).
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental laws, and industry standards related to manufacturing, specifically wood processing and sawmill operations.
- Proven experience in managing safety and environmental compliance programs, conducting audits, and implementing corrective actions.
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
- Proficiency in EHS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and environmental monitoring tools.
- Certification in Environmental Health and Safety (e.g., OSHA, NEBOSH, or equivalent) is a plus.
- Knowledge of fire safety systems, fire prevention protocols, and relevant fire codes is preferred.
Physical Requirements: - Ability to work in an industrial sawmill environment, which includes exposure to machinery, dust and other manufacturing processes.
- Occasional travel to other operational sites may be required.
- Ability to lift and carry materials up to 100 lbs.
This role will require a proactive, hands-on approach to managing both environmental and safety programs, with an added emphasis on fire system management to ensure a safe working environment.
