Health & Safety Specialist I

The role is primarily responsible for developing programs related to industrial hygiene, respiratory protection, and other chemical hazards in the workplace. In addition, but to a lesser extent, additional responsibilities include other health, safety & risk management policies and procedures, and safe work practices as needed.

The role regularly audits Health & Safety program effectiveness via periodic inspections to monitor compliance with safety procedures; evaluates incidents and their causes and makes preventative recommendations to Leadership. Initiates problem-solving efforts and makes decisions while obtaining leadership consensus.

Performs duties with limited instruction and guidance. Able to make effective decisions based upon knowledge of plant processes and personnel, as well as regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Trains and mentors other H & S department members. Uses leadership abilities to encourage behaviors consistent with Company Core Values and continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Identifies industrial hygiene risks and compliance obligations to include program development, training, equipment needs and sourcing, and schedules compliance tasks. Includes periodic travel to other locations to conduct training and related activities.

Acts as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and maintains programs to ensure compliance with all associated radiation licensing at HRC facilities.

Possesses a detailed knowledge of applicable industrial hygiene principles, monitoring, sampling, industry standards (NIOSH, ACGIH, OSHA) and best practices. Directionally moving the organization beyond regulatory compliance.

Possesses a working knowledge of applicable fire protection systems (NFPA), industry standards and best practices.

Possesses a working knowledge of applicable general industry safety regulations (OSHA), industry standards and best practices.

Possesses a working knowledge of all Risk Management/Loss Control regulations, industry standards and best practices.

Provides a visible safety presence in the field with operations, maintenance and contract work forces to identify and evaluate risky behaviors and potentially unsafe conditions, and practical, safe work practices.

Ability to think strategically and act at both a strategic level (analysis/planning/problem solving) and a tactical level (hands-on implementation). Role frequently represents the H & S department when the manager is absent.

Demonstrates the ability to lead initiatives, nurture relationships at all levels in the organization as well as encouraging involvement.

Provides coaching and mentoring to facilitate ownership for safety at all levels and supervises Safety Technicians as necessary.

Skillful public speaker and presenter of training/educational programs to all HRC employees and occasional external industry groups.

Possess knowledge to participate in root cause evaluations as the safety representative as needed. Follows up on timely and effective implementation of corrective actions.

Prioritizes assignments effectively and utilize resources efficiently.

Be able to troubleshoot / and perform basic repairs of monitoring instruments (e.g. Multi-gas monitors, Ultra Rae etc..)

Ability to wear a tight-fitting respirator, climb up to 14 flights of stairs, climb vertical fixed ladders, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs is required.

Available to work scheduled shifts (day, evening, night) during shut down, turn around activities at the Tuscaloosa refinery, and special occasions that warrant IH monitoring during off shifts at all HRC facilities.

Participates as an active member of the Plant Emergency Response Team (PERT). Responds to business emergencies and maintains an "on call" status when not on vacation or leave.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

BS degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in occupational safety administration or engineering, and one or more years of equivalent experience in a related industry, or seven or more years of experience in an EHS position at a Petroleum Refinery, Chemical Plant, and/or Pulp and Paper Mill or other related industrial experience. Refining or chemical industry experience is preferred. Experience with applicable regulations and standards is to include the following: (a) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), (b) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), (c) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (d) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (e) American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and (f) American Petroleum Institute (API).

Strong listening, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills that demonstrate enthusiasm to succeed, and support a comprehensive (occupational, off-the job and wellness) commitment to employee health & safety.

Must be computer literate including spreadsheet software programs, and must be an effective communicator in both oral and written correspondence. Applicant must have the ability to present compelling information in a group setting.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

A valid/current driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in the U.S

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) strongly preferred. Other professional designations (CSP/ASP/CHCM and the like) are desired.

Be a current holder or able to obtain Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) within 2 years of hire.

Be a current holder or able to obtain OSHA 501 Trainer certification within 1 year of hire.

Be a current holder or able to complete advanced emergency response training (firefighting, rope rescue, or EMT) within 1 year of hire.