EHS Specialist

AFL; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL is seeking an EHS Specialist in Ashburn, Virginia, to advance organizational safety culture through leadership and mentorship. This role involves researching safety compliance, leading incident investigations, and improving safety programs.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Safety or Environmental Science and 3–5 years of relevant experience. Excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative work ethic are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive EHS experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading RCA investigations and managing specialized safety programs.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to EHS Technician I team members.
• Lead safety incident investigations using Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Own and improve specialized EHS programs.
• Drive EHS initiatives based on regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver advanced EHS training for employees.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Safety or Environmental Science

Job description

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ more than 5,800 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

Position Summary

The EHS Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s safety culture through leadership, mentorship, and program ownership. This role focuses on mentoring entry-level EHS technicians, leading incident investigations, and driving continuous improvement across Environmental, Health, and Safety programs. The EHS Specialist is expected to apply strategic thinking, influence operational teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while aligning EHS initiatives with broader business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentorship & Development
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to EHS Technician I team members.
  • Foster skill development, technical competency, and professional growth within the EHS team.
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
  • Lead safety incident and near-miss investigations using structured Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
  • Identify underlying causes and partner with operations to implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Program Ownership
  • Own and continuously improve one or more specialized EHS programs (e.g., Stop Call procedures, confined space, or other advanced safety programs).
  • Serve as the subject-matter expert for assigned programs and ensure consistent execution across sites.
• Compliance & Strategic Influence
  • Drive EHS initiatives that align with regulatory requirements and company policies.
  • Influence operational leadership and field teams to adopt best practices and proactive safety behaviors.
  • Support audits, inspections, and internal assessments as needed.
• Training & Education
  • Develop and deliver advanced EHS training for employees and contractors, including specialized and certification-based training.
  • Ensure training materials align with regulatory standards and company requirements.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive EHS experience, preferably in industrial, manufacturing, or construction environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading RCA investigations and managing specialized safety programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.

Key Competencies

• Safety leadership and mentoring
• Incident investigation and analytical thinking
• Regulatory knowledge and compliance
• Program management and continuous improvement
• Training facilitation and presentation skills