Emergency Response Specialist (South)

Westlake Chemical; Sulphur (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks an Occupational Safety Specialist I – Emergency Response to provide 24/7 emergency response capabilities across fire, hazmat, rescue, and medical incidents at our chemical facility. You will train and coach the Emergency Response Team, conduct inspections, and support regulatory compliance through investigations and action plans.

You will lead monthly ERT trainings, participate in incident command, and help develop corrective actions while maintaining readiness of

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in emergency response, industrial safety, or related field.
• 5+ years of industrial experience in chemical plant, refinery, or high‑hazard atmosphere.
• Current National Registry and Louisiana EMT certification (or ability to obtain reciprocity within defined timeframe).
• Must have or obtain within 12 months: Firefighting (industrial or equivalent), Technical Rescue, HazMat Technician, or equivalent special trainings.
• Ability to educate and train employees in health and safety principles and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work in a team.
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Responds as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to fire suppression, hazmat, rescues, and medical emergencies.
• Leads monthly ERT training for assigned shift and conducts annual training, including specialized rescue and hazardous materials.
• Assists with investigations of alarms, fires, hazardous releases, and other incidents; performs root cause analyses and develops corrective actions.
• Assists in evaluating and reviewing confined space entry and hot work permits; conducts field inspections to verify compliance.
• Provides coaching and reinforcement of safety policies and participates in safety observations to promote safe behaviors.

Skills

Emergency response

Industrial safety

On-Scene Incident Command

Communication

Teamwork

Training & coaching

Root cause analysis

Incident investigation

Education

Associate degree in related technical field

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.SUMMARYThe Occupational Safety Specialist I – Emergency Response provides 24/7 emergency response capabilities (fire, rescue, hazmat, and medical) for our chemical manufacturing facility. This role combines hands‑on emergency operations with training, inspections, and coaching to support a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance.RESPONSIBILITIESMay include, but are not limited to, the following:Emergency ResponseResponds as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to:Fire suppression and fire prevention activitiesHazardous materials/chemical spill responseTechnical rescue operations (e.g., high angle and confined space rescue)Medical emergencies in accordance with EMT/Paramedic scope of practice and applicable protocolsPerforms all response activities in accordance with NFPA, Federal, State and local standards, and site procedures.May participate in the Incident Command Center (ICC), may serve as On-Scene Incident Commander (OSIC) for a facility or unitOperates and maintains emergency response vehicles and associated equipment in a ready stateSafety & ComplianceConducts regular inspections of plant areas, equipment, and systems to detect potential fire, life safety, and general safety hazards; communicates findings and follows up to ensure corrective actions are implemented.Assists with investigations of alarms, fires, hazardous releases, and other emergency incidents, including root cause analysis and development of corrective and preventive actions.Assists in evaluating and reviewing confined space entry and hot work permits and participates in field inspections to verify compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements at hazardous work sites.Follows and supports standard practices, procedures, and policies as part of the Fire and Emergency Response Services and Occupational Safety teams.Training & CoachingLeads monthly ERT training for assigned shift, including fire, rescue, hazmat, and medical topics, to maintain team readiness and competency.Attends and leads annual training, which may be offsite, including specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and fire training.Performs administrative duties related to training, including tracking completion records, scheduling classes and instructors, coordinating facilities/resources, and preparing statistical summaries.Provides coaching and reinforcement of safety policies and procedures in cooperation with the Safety department and operating departments.Conducts safety observations and provides visible, consistent safety presence throughout the facility to help verify training effectiveness and promote safe behaviors.Administration & Department SupportAssumes duties of other Safety Specialist/Department team members as needed during absences (vacation, illness, training, etc.).Assists in compiling, verifying, and correlating data related to emergency response, drills, and safety performance metrics.Performs other related duties and special assignments as directed by supervision.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSRequired QualificationsAssociate degree in a directly related technical field and 3–5 years of progressive experience in emergency response, industrial safety, or related field; OR High school diploma/GED and 5–7 years of progressive experience in emergency response, industrial safety, or related field.Minimum of five (5) years of industrial experience working in a chemical plant, refinery, or similar high‑hazard atmosphere.Experience in On-Scene Incident Command of fire, rescue, medical, and hazmat emergencies.At minimum, current National Registry and Louisiana EMT certification (or ability to obtain Louisiana reciprocity within a defined timeframe after hire).Must have or be able to obtain within 12 months of hire, required certifications in: Firefighting (industrial or equivalent), Technical Rescue Services (e.g., confined space and high‑angle rescue), Hazardous Materials Technician level, Other specialized training as designated by the facility.Demonstrated ability to educate and train employees in general health and safety principles and techniques.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.Preferred QualificationsNR-EMT Paramedic certification.Prior experience on an industrial ERT within a chemical/refinery or other high‑hazard process facility.Experience leading emergency response drills and training programs.Working knowledge of NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and relevant Federal/State safety and environmental requirements.Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis tools.WORK SCHEDULEThis position may be assigned either to a regular shift position or to a shift‑relief assignment.When assigned to a shift position, the employee will typically work a rotating 12‑hour schedule providing 24/7 coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays.When assigned to a shift‑relief role, the employee will provide coverage for vacancies on the shift schedule and, when not covering vacancies, will normally work a standard 40‑hour workweek (day schedule).The position requires flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, and unscheduled coverage when necessary to avoid open emergency response positions.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.