Sr. EHS Specialist

Leads critical safety and environmental programs and drives site‑level execution of the EHSS strategy established by the EHSS Director. Partners with operations and leadership to ensure rigorous compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; delivers measurable progress toward a zero‑incident, zero‑harm culture; and leads ESG reduction initiatives (energy, water, waste, and GHG) that align with enterprise goals. Serves as the primary facility owner for high‑impact EHS programs, mentors the EHS Specialist, and ensures programs are effectively implemented and sustained on the production floor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Champion Polaris safety values and zero‑incident culture. Lead risk assessment practices (JHAs, PSIF, Ergonomics, etc), significant incident investigations (recordable, lost‑time, high‑potential), and ensure systemic corrective actions are implemented and effective. Own or oversee critical programs (e.g., LOTO, Machine Guarding, Confined Space, PIT, Contractor Safety); conduct risk‑based audits and close findings to verified effectiveness.
• Serve as site lead for environmental compliance and pollution prevention. Coordinate/maintain permits and plans (air/water/waste, stormwater, SPCC), manage regulatory reporting (e.g., Tier II/TRI as applicable), and interface with agencies. Lead robust environmental audits; analyze trends and drive continuous improvement to ensure sustained compliance.
• Build and execute facility roadmaps that reduce energy, water, waste, and GHG (Scope 1 & 2; support Scope 3 collaboration); develop baselines, targets, and business cases; ensure new/modified processes incorporate low‑carbon and energy‑efficient design. Track and communicate progress to site/business leadership.
• Ensure exposure assessments, IH monitoring, and medical surveillance are completed and risks controlled (e.g., hearing conservation, respiratory protection, ergonomics). Lead ergonomic risk-reduction projects with measurable exposure reductions.
• Design and deliver advanced, role‑based training (e.g., Authorized LOTO, Confined Space Supervisor, PIT, Hazard Communication) with competency verification (observations, quizzes, OJT). Coach supervisors, safety teams, and the EHS Specialist to strengthen ownership and accountability.
• Maintain accurate EHS/ESG data (injury/illness, inspections, waste/air/water/energy, GHG) and submit timely regulatory and internal reports. Publish monthly dashboards, analyze trends, and lead countermeasures to closure with verification of effectiveness.
• Lead EHSS reviews for new/modified equipment, materials, and processes; manage Management of Change and Pre‑Startup Safety Reviews to ensure engineered controls are in place before start‑up. Apply structured project/change management and share lessons learned across the site.
• Build constructive relationships with regulators, waste/utility partners, and professional associations; anticipate external issues and support site reputation and compliance readiness.
• Translate enterprise EHSS strategy into site programs and routines; prioritize and sequence work; mentor the EHS Specialist and coach area leaders/associates; facilitate site EHS steering routines and best‑practice transfer across departments.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree required; Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible EHS experience in a manufacturing environment required; 7+ years preferred. Advanced professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM) and demonstrated program leadership may be considered in lieu of some experience requirements.
• Certifications preferred: CSP, CIH, CHMM, CPEA, COEE, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional EHS initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Proficient in data analysis, metric development, trend identification, and executive-level presentations.
• Proven ability to influence and engage employees, supervisors, and leadership teams without direct authority.
• Experience with EHS management systems, risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation, and structured problem-solving tools (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, etc.).
• Ability to mentor and develop less experienced EHS professionals.