Safety Program Manager - Industrial Operations & Compliance

Covanta; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 109,500 - 145,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Covanta is looking for a Safety Program Manager in Newark, NJ, to lead safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance at the facility. The ideal candidate will have over three years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety, preferably in industrial environments.

This role requires a strong leader committed to promoting a safe working environment and involves training personnel, investigating incidents, and overseeing compliance with safety regulations such as OSHA 1910 and 1926.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Occupational Health and Safety experience.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1910 and 1926 regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Safety, Health, and Environmental programs at the facility.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA regulations.
• Monitor safety program effectiveness through KPIs and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Safety regulations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Safety, Health, Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Who we are

For more than 40 years, Reworld has been a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing our customers with innovative solutions that help them achieve carbon‑negative outcomes.

Our Vision

Reworld is leading the charge to a carbon‑negative future through revolutionary sustainable materials management solutions that reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine waste for the benefit of society and the environment.

Our Business

Reworld partners with businesses by offering cutting‑edge engineering and innovative solutions, to help customers reduce, reuse, recycle and recover value from waste streams and meet or exceed their sustainability goals.

Our Value

Reworld's differentiator comes from our ecosystem of technology, facilities and partnerships, trusted by the world's largest organizations to reimagine waste management for a smarter, more sustainable world.

All that we're missing is you. Apply today!

About the role

Reporting to the Regional Safety Manager and Facility Manager, the Safety Program Manager is responsible for leading, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environmental program aligned with Reworld standards. The scope of responsibility may vary based on facility size, complexity, workforce levels, and project activity. This role spans strategic, tactical, and transformational safety leadership, including regulatory compliance, safety policy implementation, training, incident investigation, OSHA VPP activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. In addition to managing the facility's safety program, the incumbent oversees employee safety training and supports the daily execution of safety and health activities to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations. This role may also support cross‑facility collaboration, mentor other SPMs, and participate in enterprise‑wide safety initiatives. Please note that this position is eligible for a sign‑on bonus.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the facility's Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) programs, demonstrating a visible and personal commitment to safety excellence and injury‑free operations.
• Ensure 100% compliance with all applicable OSHA regulations (1910/1926), permits, and Reworld safety requirements, including participation in OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiatives where applicable.
• Actively monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the facility safety program through KPIs, audits, field observations, and inspections, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvements as needed.
• Lead and manage all accident, nearmiss, first‑aid, recordable, vehicle, and contractor incident investigations, including securing incident scenes, coordinating medical response, conducting root cause analyses, and tracking corrective actions to closure.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and compliant safety records, logs, and reporting in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Manage the facility safety training program, ensuring timely completion of required safety training, safety alerts, bulletins, memos, and procedures for employees and contractors.
• Educate, motivate, and coach employees and contractors in safe work practices; provide positive recognition for safe behaviors; and intervene immediately to correct unsafe acts or conditions.
• Partner with facility leadership to oversee contractor and temporary worker safety performance, ensuring proper training, qualifications, tools, and equipment are in place to protect all personnel.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the facility health clinic and coordinate medical surveillance programs, including physical exams, hearing testing, respirator evaluations, and other required health monitoring activities.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred, ideally in Safety, Health, Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of Occupational Health and Safety experience, preferably in industrial, power generation, waste‑to‑energy, manufacturing, or utility environments.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1910 and 1926 and applicable state safety regulations.
• Experience supporting operations and maintenance activities in an industrial setting is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self‑directed, action‑oriented leader with strong ethical standards.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and achieve results both individually and through teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback.
• Analytical thinker with sound judgment and a strong safety and operational focus.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Effective change leader capable of constructively challenging the status quo.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, and climb ladders and stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Ability to qualify for and wear a full‑face respirator.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

What We Offer You

In addition to salary, this role is eligible for benefits. The benefits would include medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental plans; a 401(k) plan; paid parental leave; paid time off; and paid holidays.

Additional details are available at https://www.reworldwaste.com/careers/benefits.

For additional information, refer to the Pay Transparency section below.

All Reworld positions require a candidate's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the role while upholding Reworld's Values, including (but not limited to) contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace, delivering results through trust, and building breakthrough capabilities.

Please note that Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Pay Transparency

Reworld is committed to paying its staff equitably, and we strive to provide competitive compensation and benefits packages. The range below reflects Reworld's reasonable estimate of base pay for this role based on primary posting location. It is expected that most qualified candidates in this location will fall within the posting range. The final salary offered for this role will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to: experience, education, geographic location, skills and competencies, travel requirements and/or union contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the future.

The pay range for the primary location of this position is: $109,500.00 - $145,700.00 USD. For hourly roles, this is the annualized salary. To calculate the hourly rate, divide by 2080.

Our DEI Commitment

Reworld is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has developed an affirmative action program (AAP), and will not discriminate against any qualified applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability (including perceived disability, physical, mental, and/or intellectual disabilities), veteran status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by going to Reworldwaste.com and clicking on the 'Contact Us' button. Under Inquiries, select 'Careers' in the Interest field, fill out all required fields including your message. In the message section, please note this is a 'Job Application Accommodation Request'.

Attention Staffing Agencies & Search Firms

Reworld may sometimes selectively collaborate with staffing agencies and search firms (Agencies). Reworld will only consider candidates from Agencies with whom a signed agreement and a duly authorized work order (for a specific role) has been duly executed. Any unsolicited candidate submissions or candidate submissions from Agencies that do not meet these criteria, will be deemed invalid and ineligible for any fees.