Environmental Health & Safety Manager ID: 573 Portsmouth, VA 06/17/2025

Fairlead Precision Manufacturing & Integration, Llc; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense manufacturing sector is seeking an Environmental Health & Safety Manager responsible for implementing comprehensive EHS programs. This tactical leadership role involves ensuring compliance with various regulations and fostering a culture of safety excellence. The successful candidate will have significant experience in EHS programs, particularly within shipbuilding environments, and will be pivotal in mentoring teams and conducting safety audits and training.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in shipbuilding or defense manufacturing.
• Knowledge of OSHA Maritime Regulations and EPA standards.
• Certifications like CSP or CIH are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental, health, and safety programs across ship repair and manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and perform audits.
• Mentor EHS professionals to ensure high performance and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or related field

Tools

EHS software platforms

Job description

Environmental Health & Safety Manager ID: 573

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The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager is a tactical leader responsible for implementing and overseeing the day to day operations of Fairlead’s comprehensive EHS programs. Operating in a complex environment serving the U.S. Navy and major defense contractors, this role ensures strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, and customer-specific safety and environmental standards. The Manager fosters a culture of safety excellence across all shipyard, industrial, and systems manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of environmental, health, and safety programs across ship repair, new construction, and manufacturing facilities.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DEQ, USCG, NAVSEA standards, DoD directives, and all applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison for EHS matters with customers including the U.S. Navy, prime shipbuilders, and regulatory agencies.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans, hazardous material programs, air and water permits, and waste disposal procedures.
• Conduct and oversee audits, risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and accident/incident investigations; recommend corrective actions.
• Build and maintain an effective safety training program tailored to shipyard trades, confined space work, welding, heavy machinery, and maritime systems integration.
• Lead incident reporting, trend analysis, and continuous improvement efforts using KPIs and root cause methodologies.
• Coordinate with Quality, Operations, Human Resources, and Legal departments to align EHS strategies with broader company goals.
• Mentor and develop a team of EHS professionals to ensure high performance, compliance, and employee engagement.
• Stay abreast of emerging regulations, Navy/DoD safety initiatives, and industry best practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, or defense manufacturing environments.
• Deep understanding of OSHA Maritime Regulations (29 CFR 1915), EPA standards, and NAVSEA/DoD EHS requirements.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with government clients and regulatory agencies.
• Proven leadership skills in union and non-union environments with high-risk operations (welding, rigging, confined space, electrical).
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or similar credentials are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 and OHSAS/ISO 45001 standards.
• Experience with shipyard safety management systems and Navy audit protocols (e.g., SUBSAFE, QA Audits).
• Proficiency in EHS software platforms and reporting tools.
• Skilled in conducting EHS training, toolbox talks, and behavior-based safety programs.
• Must be able to climb, bend, lift a maximum of 50 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, work in adverse weather conditions, and work in cramped enclosed spaces.
• Also must be able to see clearly warning signs and lighting alerts as well as be able to hear audible alarms and communication to others to help with emergency responses.

Essential staff position Though infrequent, this position is determined to be essential to the operation of the company during times of emergency or when the Government may be closed for various reasons. Hence, this position could be expected to remain on duty or, if not on duty, to report for duty at any time when such emergencies or other closings occur.

Fairlead Integrated, LLC. and its subsidiaries are proud to be Equal Employ Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers (Minority / Female / Disability / Veterans).