Sr. EHS Specialist

Safety And Environmental Manager

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.