Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for EHS Associate

🎯 Role Definition

As an EHS Associate, you will be the cornerstone of our operational integrity, actively championing a world-class safety culture and ensuring full environmental compliance. You are a hands-on professional who will identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks across the facility. This role involves developing and implementing critical EHS programs, conducting training, and leading incident investigations to drive continuous improvement. You will collaborate with all levels of the organization, from front-line team members to senior leadership, to ensure our operations are not only productive but are fundamentally safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

EHS Intern or Co-op
Safety Technician or Coordinator
Recent Graduate (EHS, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety)
Operations or Lab Technician with a strong interest in safety

Advancement To:

EHS Specialist
EHS Manager
Corporate EHS Program Manager
Industrial Hygienist

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Specialist
Compliance Coordinator
Facilities or Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive EHS policies, procedures, and programs in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
Conduct routine site-wide safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards, non-compliant practices, and at-risk behaviors, and track corrective actions to completion.
Lead or actively participate in incident investigations, utilizing root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone) to determine contributing factors and implement robust preventative measures.
Develop and deliver engaging and effective EHS training content for new hires and current employees on topics such as Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, PPE, and Emergency Response.
Manage the facility’s hazardous waste management program, including proper labeling, storage, documentation (manifests), and coordination with disposal vendors in compliance with RCRA standards.
Perform Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and risk assessments for new and existing processes and equipment to proactively identify risks and engineer appropriate controls.
Maintain and organize all critical EHS documentation, including training records, inspection reports, incident logs, OSHA 300 logs, and environmental permits.
Oversee the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program by conducting needs assessments, managing inventory, and ensuring proper employee training on use and care.
Chair the site Safety Committee, facilitating productive meetings, encouraging employee participation, and driving safety initiatives generated by the committee.
all chemical inventories and ensure the library of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is current, accessible, and compliant with GHS/HazCom standards.
Conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations and job tasks to identify and mitigate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks, recommending adjustments and equipment.
Coordinate and document emergency response drills, such as fire and evacuation drills, to ensure employee preparedness and procedural effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

Support the EHS Manager in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on key EHS performance metrics and trends to senior leadership.
Assist in the preparation and submission of environmental regulatory reports, such as Tier II, biennial waste reports, and air or water permit reports.
Act as a primary point of contact for regulatory agency inspections and inquiries, providing documentation and accompanying inspectors as needed.
Champion behavioral-based safety (BBS) programs by conducting observations, providing constructive feedback, and promoting a culture of peer-to-peer safety coaching.
Evaluate and recommend new safety-related technologies, equipment, or process changes to enhance overall EHS performance.
Participate in contractor safety management, including pre-qualification, orientation, and monitoring of on-site activities to ensure compliance with company policies.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to incident rates, near misses, and other leading/lagging safety indicators.
Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams on capital projects to ensure safety and environmental considerations are integrated during the design and implementation phases.
Contribute to the organization's sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities for waste reduction, energy conservation, and pollution prevention.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of federal and state OSHA (e.g., 29 CFR 1910), EPA, and DOT regulations.
Proficiency in incident investigation techniques and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Knowledge of hazardous waste management principles and RCRA regulations.
Experience with EHS Management Systems (EHSMS) and standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
Competency in conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and risk assessments.
Ability to develop and deliver effective safety training and presentations.
Familiarity with industrial hygiene concepts, such as air and noise monitoring.
Strong technical writing skills for creating policies, procedures, and reports.

Soft Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage audiences at all organizational levels.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and complex documentation.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to dissect issues and develop practical solutions.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to build trust and influence a positive safety culture.
Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Adaptability to changing regulations, work environments, and operational priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in EHS or a related discipline.
Professional certification such as ASP (Associate Safety Professional) or working towards CSP (Certified Safety Professional).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Occupational Safety and Health
Industrial Hygiene
Environmental Science or Engineering
Chemistry or Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-4 years of professional experience in an Environmental, Health, and Safety role.

Preferred:

Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, chemical, or industrial environment is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and hazardous waste management is a significant asset.