Safety Specialist

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise.

Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Ascend is currently seeking a Safety Specialist to be part of our Environmental, Safety, Security and Health (ESSH) team at our Pensacola Plant located in Cantonment, FL. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting the site to drive to achieve best-in-class occupational safety performance while maintaining compliance with applicable OSHA safety regulations.

The Safety Specialist is responsible for comprehensive safety activities with an understanding of OSHA standards for general industry, data analysis, and reporting of ESSH data to key stakeholders. The position works in conjunction with the Safety/IH Manager to develop, implement, and monitor programs for all safety standards, systems, and work processes. The Safety Specialists creates value by facilitating risk assessments and works with our employees to develop solutions to mitigate or eliminate risks that meet or exceed regulatory, company, and industry standards.

Assist the manager – Safety/IH Manager with tasks to assure compliance and reduce the risk of incidents. Works closely with his/her manager and team to deliver and maintain high ESSH performance across the site. Partner with the Maintenance & Reliability teams onsite to help ensure jobs are planned and executed safely. Support and drive improvements in the contractor management initiatives onsite to help ensure jobs are planned and executed safely per site policy.

Participate in emerging issues identification, analysis, and resolution. Participate as a core member of the site ESSH team in any other capacity necessary to maintain and improve ESSH programs, policies, systems, and initiatives for the site and/or company.

• Identifies and corrects unsafe behaviors or conditions when observed
• Perform safety housekeeping audits as directed/needed
• Act as the incident data management lead to analyze and report out key ESSH statistics
• Perform LOTO, fall protection, confined space entry permit, etc. audits as directed/needed
• Assist with Pre-Start Up Safety Reviews (PSSR’s) as needed
• Coach, mentor, audit, and train to the site’s Hazard Recognition Plus™ (HRP) risk mitigation process
• Learn and become an HRP coach, perform HRP audits, and coach at every opportunity
• Deliver safety related training for new hires and current site employees as required
• Support with reviewing and updating documents controlled by the Safety department (procedures, forms, etc.)
• Update site policies and training as needed

Site Safety/Industrial Hygiene Manager

• Bachelor of Science degree in safety related field
• Minimum of (2) two plus years of experience in organic chemical industry, oil refining, industrial manufacturing and/or heavy construction environment working as a degreed safety specialist
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and health practices and standards
• General safety program management with strong knowledge and understanding of OSHA and other industry related safety regulations required

Should have a desire to and be willing to obtain…