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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HSE Specialist

💰 $ - $

Health and SafetyComplianceOperationsEnvironmental Science

🎯 Role Definition

The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Specialist is a critical organizational linchpin, responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining policies and programs that ensure a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace. This role serves as the subject matter expert on all HSE matters, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards, and championing a pervasive culture of safety. The HSE Specialist moves beyond simple enforcement, acting as a coach, trainer, and strategist to integrate safety and environmental stewardship into the very fabric of daily operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • HSE Coordinator or Technician
  • Safety Officer
  • Environmental Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior HSE Specialist or HSE Manager
  • Regional/Corporate EHS Director
  • Director of Health, Safety, and Environment

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Operations or Process Improvement Specialist
  • Corporate Sustainability or ESG Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization's Health, Safety, and Environmental management systems, aligning them with frameworks like ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
  • Conduct comprehensive and detailed risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and process safety reviews to proactively identify potential hazards in equipment, processes, and facilities.
  • Lead thorough and objective incident investigations for all accidents, injuries, and near-misses, utilizing root cause analysis methodologies to determine causation and establish effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Design, schedule, and deliver engaging and effective HSE training programs for employees at all levels, covering topics from new-hire orientation to specialized procedures like Lockout/Tagout, confined space entry, and hazard communication.
  • Diligently track, manage, and verify the closure of all corrective actions stemming from incident investigations, audits, and inspections to ensure continuous improvement and risk reduction.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for ensuring and documenting compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal health, safety, and environmental regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
  • Manage and oversee a portfolio of environmental programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality permitting, spill prevention (SPCC), and sustainability reporting.
  • Perform regular, in-depth workplace inspections and formal audits of operational areas to identify unsafe conditions and at-risk behaviors, and collaborate with leadership to implement timely remedies.
  • Drive employee engagement in safety by chairing the site Safety Committee, facilitating productive meetings, and empowering members to contribute to a safer work environment.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret HSE performance data, preparing detailed reports, dashboards, and trend analyses for senior management to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Develop, maintain, and test emergency preparedness and response plans, coordinating and documenting emergency drills (e.g., fire, evacuation, chemical spill) to ensure readiness.
  • Administer the contractor safety management program, including pre-qualification, site orientation, work monitoring, and post-job evaluation to ensure non-employee safety.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, providing practical and compliant HSE guidance and technical support to operational departments, engineering, and maintenance teams.
  • Champion and promote a world-class safety culture through the implementation and support of behavioral-based safety (BBS) programs and other proactive engagement initiatives.
  • Oversee the comprehensive chemical management program, including the maintenance of an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library, chemical inventory, and GHS-compliant labeling.
  • Coordinate and interpret industrial hygiene monitoring for potential workplace stressors such as noise, chemical vapors, and dust, and develop control plans based on exposure assessment results.
  • Manage the site's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program, from conducting hazard assessments to determine PPE needs to selecting equipment and training employees on proper use, care, and limitations.
  • Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies like OSHA and the EPA during inspections, inquiries, and reporting, ensuring professional and transparent communication.
  • Lead ergonomic risk assessments for both manufacturing and office environments, recommending practical engineering and administrative controls to mitigate musculoskeletal disorder risks.
  • Meticulously maintain all required HSE documentation, including training records, inspection reports, permit renewals, and regulatory filings, ensuring they are organized and audit-ready.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Quality Assurance team during integrated management system audits that span quality, environmental, and safety standards.
  • Participate in new project, equipment, and process design reviews to provide early-stage HSE input and ensure safety-by-design principles are applied.
  • Collaborate with the facilities and maintenance teams on safety-related capital projects, equipment guarding, and preventative maintenance scheduling.
  • Support Human Resources and site leadership in the management of workers' compensation claims and the development of effective return-to-work programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local HSE regulations (e.g., OSHA 29 CFR 1910/1926, EPA).
  • Proficiency in developing and auditing HSE Management Systems (ISO 45001, ISO 14001).
  • Expertise in incident investigation techniques and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
  • Competency in conducting formal risk assessments, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
  • Strong understanding of Industrial Hygiene principles and exposure monitoring techniques.
  • Experience in developing and executing Emergency Response and Crisis Management plans.
  • Skill in conducting formal HSE audits and workplace inspections.
  • Knowledge of environmental compliance, including waste management, permitting, and reporting.
  • Ability to develop and deliver effective, multi-format adult training and education programs.
  • Proficiency in chemical hazard communication, GHS, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management.
  • Competence in data analysis and preparing performance reports for management review.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a varied audience.
  • Strong influencing and persuasion skills to drive cultural change without direct authority.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in documentation and reporting.
  • Proven problem-solving ability with a solutions-oriented, analytical mindset.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for building trust and collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • High level of adaptability to navigate changing priorities and emergent situations.
  • Effective project management skills to lead initiatives from conception to completion.
  • Unwavering ethical conduct and professional integrity.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, or a related discipline.
  • Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Environmental Science or Engineering
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Safety Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in a dedicated health, safety, and/or environmental role within a relevant industry.

Preferred: Experience in a high-risk environment such as manufacturing, construction, chemical processing, or logistics. Demonstrated success in implementing or significantly improving HSE programs and fostering a positive safety culture.

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