Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Work Location: Itasca

Itasca, IL

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

The Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist (EHS) is responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the plant workforce and environment by monitoring and evaluating health and safety conditions; assuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures and governmental standards; and maintenance of the EHS Programs for the site. The primary objective is to ensure a safe and incident-free work environment including methodologies, initiatives and strategies that promote safe operations, safety awareness, training and continuous improvement to eliminate or control unsafe behaviors, environments and hazards.

Ways you will make a difference

• In addition to overall input to site environmental, health and safety initiatives, strategies, programs and procedures, responsibilities include:
• Deliver EHS programs to train employees in work site safety practices by promoting and leading to a site culture where Safety is engrained as a core value with all employees
• Drives key effective, sustainable implementation of Corporate and Site EHS initiatives, strategies, programs and procedures, responsibilities via hands on leadership, coaching and teamwork
• Facilitate, train and coach employees from onboarding to OSHA required annual training and other safety related topics to ensure compliance with government mandated training
• Collaborates with employees to identify and implement solutions to safety issues identified in inspections and investigations to eliminate incidents and preventing recurrence
• Effectively coaches and develops supervisors to be effective EHS leaders/coaches
• Reviews incident and injury reporting and analyzes data to identify trends
• Compliance with regulations and Company policies by routinely interacting with employees on the plant floor
• Analyze EHS programs, conditions and behaviors and recommends changes to continuously improve site EHS performance
• Provides key support with all site Environmental policies and procedures
• Leads and ensures thorough investigation of all incidents, in coordination with site leadership
• Fosters/develops a culture where everyone is actively engaged in performing their work in a safe manner and co-workers hold each other accountable to prevent at-risk behaviors
• Oversee regulatory compliance audits/inspections and associated record keeping
• In partnership with HR oversees worker's compensation claims by working with the insurance company, injured employee and clinics from the opening of the claim and until the claim closes
• Collaborates with other key functions on initiatives including Engineering, HR, Quality, Operations, etc. to deliver on goals and plans..
• Thorough knowledge of basic industrial hygiene and occupational health hazards and regulations
• High attention to detail is needed to maintain awareness of existing and proposed safety codes/regulations and company guidelines plus maintain and analyze appropriate data
• Understanding of fire codes, standards, and regulations
• Awareness of applicable environmental policies, standards, guidelines, regulations, and local requirements (spill containment, facility waste stream & disposal requirements, etc.)
• First Aid, CPR, and AED skills and certification
• Strong computer skills, Microsoft Outlook.

Skills that will make you successful

To assist with teamwork and ensure a safe work environment in this 24/7 facility environment, this position requires the Specialist to work occasionally off traditional business hours shift, 10% depending on facility needs. In general the hours will be flexible as much as possible to deliver a strong life/work balance. Those who are flexible and agile to a pre-determined schedule are encouraged to apply to this position offering growth opportunities.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Sciences or related field, or a combination of education and experience related to the position
• Demonstrated 1 year of experience working in a safety and environmentally conscious manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience in successfully coordinating EHS sustainability activities in a manufacturing setting preferred
• First Aid, CPR, and AED skills and certification
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Outlook
• Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding OSHA, NFPA, DOT and EPA
• Professional certifications in EHS related fields are considered beneficial

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $71,100 - $99,540 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago