Health, Safety & Environment Specialist

Mars; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Petcare in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is seeking a Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) Specialist for our manufacturing plant. You will support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of site environmental, health, and safety programs, partnering with site leadership to foster a culture of safety and regulatory compliance.

You will serve as an HSE technical resource for capital projects and risk management, lead training initiatives, conduct risk assessments, and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with site management and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site compliance with EPA, OSHA, DOT and company HSE standards.
• Develop and deploy HSE management systems and procedures.
• Lead or support incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Deliver HSE training and promote safety culture.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Support continuous improvement and emergency preparedness.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Training delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Enablon

Keytroller

Job description

Job Description: Mars Petcare is seeking Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) Specialist to join our exciting pet food business at a Fort Smith, AR, ARK, manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As a Health Safety Environmental Specialist at ARK, you will support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of site environmental, health, and safety programs. You will partner with site leadership and associates to foster a culture of safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive risk reduction initiatives. You will serve as an HSE technical resource for capital projects, environmental reviews, and risk management, collaborating with the Site HSE Manager. This is a dayshift role.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to interact with site level manufacturing/business management, and regulatory agencies is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including a high level of comfort developing and delivering training and motivational presentations to all levels of the organization.
• Strong HSE regulatory knowledge and expertise (EPA, OSHA, DOT).
• 1-5 years’ experience managing safety and environmental programs or projects in a manufacturing environment or school related program.
• Demonstrated leadership in leading a HSE program/system in a manufacturing environment program/system in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in an EHS field.
• Professional Certifications.
• Basic knowledge of food manufacturing.
• Experience with hazard recognition, behavioral-based safety, job hazard analysis.
• Strong technical ability, computer systems experience, ability to learn.

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Compliance & Standards: Ensure site compliance with federal, state, local, EPA, OSHA, DOT, and company HSE regulations and standards.
• Program Implementation: Assist in deploying and maintaining HSE management systems, policies, and procedures and the HSE site safety pillar.
• HSE Systems Management: Administer HSE systems such as Keytroller, Forklift Speed Zones, POKA, Weaver Apps, Enablon, and PPE Vending Machines.
• Drive HSE Programs: Develop, implement, and improve site-specific HSE programs and plans, positioning our site as a best-in-class operation.
• Training & Engagement: Deliver HSE training and promote associate engagement in safety initiatives, fostering a positive safety culture and driving participation in HSE initiatives.
• Incident Investigation & Risk Reduction: Lead or support incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Lead investigations using root cause analysis tools, implement corrective actions, and champion continuous improvement to prevent recurrence.
• Audits & Inspections: Conduct regular site audits and inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance and support third-party risk assessments and audits.
• Reporting: Maintain accurate, up to date HSE records and prepare regulatory and internal reports.
• Hazardous Waste Hygiene & Environmental Management: Oversee hazardous waste management, air, water, and spill control programs, ensuring all activities meet regulatory and company standards. Measure and improve industrial hygiene risks (ergonomics, dust, noise, chemical exposure), coordinating necessary monitoring and controls.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in risk assessments, drive continuous improvement projects, and support sustainability initiatives.
• Emergency Response: Support emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Contractor Safety: Oversee contractor safety programs and ensure compliance and property loss control during site projects.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 170,000 diverse and talented associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.