EHS Specialist - Driver Safety & DOT Compliance

GFL Environmental Inc.; Kalkaska (MI); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Services is seeking an EHS Specialist - DOT Compliance to develop and oversee environmental, health, and safety programs with a focus on fleet safety and CMV operations. The role combines office work with field assignments and up to 30% travel.

Responsibilities include DOT regulatory compliance, driver qualification file oversight, HOS monitoring, and incident investigations. A bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of DOT experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Transportation/Logistics Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of direct experience managing DOT compliance, fleet safety, and/or CMV administration.
• Strong knowledge of FMCSR, DOT, and related regulations; experience with IFTA/IRP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure DOT regulatory compliance across FMCSA and state regulations.
• Oversee driver qualification files, MVR reviews, medical certificates, and drug/alcohol testing programs.
• Monitor Hours of Service (HOS) compliance and analyze ELD data to identify violations and implement CAPAs.
• Lead driver safety training programs (defensive driving, cargo securement, inspections, HazMat).
• Conduct incident investigations and root-cause analysis; implement corrective actions.
• Review telematics and safety camera data to coach drivers and manage safety recognition/remediation.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Driver coaching

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

ELD systems

Dashcams

Telematics platforms

IFTA/IRP software

Job description

Position Summary

The EHS Specialist - DOT Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing environmental, health, and safety programs with a specialized focus on fleet safety, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations. This role ensures total compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), State DOT regulations, and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements while championing a culture of driver safety and operational excellence. This is an office and field-based role (approx. 60% in-office and 40% in the field) with up to 30% travel required.

Key Responsibilities

• DOT Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee and maintain company compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state-specific Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
• Manage driver qualification files (DQFs), including pre-employment background checks, Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) reviews, medical examiner certificates, and drug/alcohol testing programs.
• Monitor Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, analyze Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, identify violations, and execute corrective action plans.
• Driver Safety & Training
• Facilitate onboarding and ongoing driver safety training programs (defensive driving, cargo securement, pre/post-trip inspections, hazardous materials).
• Conduct incident and accident investigations involving fleet vehicles; perform root-cause analysis and establish corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor telematics and safety camera data (e.g., speeding, hard braking, distracted driving) to coach drivers and administer driver safety recognition or remediation programs.
• Conduct regular fleet safety audits, ride a-longs, and road risk assessments.
• Vehicle Administration, Titles, & Permitting
• Manage full lifecycle administration for fleet vehicles, including registrations, titles, license plates, and renewals across multiple jurisdictions.
• Assist with International Registration Plan (IRP) licensing and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) filing, quarterly reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Ensure all vehicles maintain valid oversize/overweight permits, HazMat permits, and state-specific highway use tax filings as required.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) and annual periodic vehicle inspections are fully completed and documented.
• General EHS & Risk Management
• Maintain safety metrics, including DOT Recordable Incident Rates, CSA scores, and telematics performance trends; present quarterly reports to leadership.
• Assist with site-level health and safety management, including facility safety inspections, hazard assessments, and Workers' Compensation claims management associated with fleet incidents.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Transportation/Logistics Management, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and direct compliance experience).
• Experience: 3–5 years of direct experience managing DOT compliance, fleet safety, and/or commercial vehicle administration.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Extensive knowledge of FMCSR, DOT, Motor Vehicle Codes
  • Experience with ELD, Dashcam, and Telematics platforms preferred
  • Hands-on knowledge of IFTA, IRP, state vehicle registrations/titling, and registration processes preferred
• Skills: Must have strong communication skills, conflict-resolution skills with the ability to coach drivers constructively, proficient with online platforms. A working knowledge of Google based applications is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Combination of office environment, vehicle inspection bays, and outdoor field/yard conditions.
• Travel may be required to operational sites, fleet yards, or incident locations
• Ability to inspect commercial motor vehicles, which may involve bending, climbing, and standing for extended periods.

About GFL Environmental Services

GFL Environmental Services is your true one-stop provider across North America, specializing in liquid waste and soil remediation services. We focus on delivering specialized environmental solutions across a broad range of industries.

Driven by an uncompromising commitment to safety, we aspire to become North America’s leading Environmental Services provider. Our vision is to be Green For Life - it’s at the core of our business strategy and central to every service we provide. We bring this vision to life by offering accessible, sustainable environmental solutions for our customers and the communities we serve.

To learn more about GFL Environmental Services, visit: gesi.gflenv.com

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.