Safety Specialist- Manufacturing, Food Plant

Whole Foods Market, Inc; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Store discount

Paid time off

Financial wellness

Health & wellness support programs

Team Member perks

Job summary

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Safety Specialist to oversee the site safety program for a metro food manufacturing facility in Maryland. The role focuses on developing, promoting, and enforcing comprehensive safety measures while coordinating with facility leadership.

Responsibilities include inspections, audits, training, incident investigations, and ongoing safety program improvements to protect Team Members and uphold regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Requires 2–4 years in safety or EHS in manufacturing.
• Degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field or equivalent.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety training programs.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Asset Protection and facility leadership to ensure OSHA-compliant safety.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Lead safety programs, policies, and training materials.
• Post-accident investigations and root-cause analysis with corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training for new hires and temporary workers.
• Maintain safety KPIs and report to leadership.
• Promote a safety-first culture and engage teams in safety initiatives.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

• This position requires previous experience overseeing a site safety program in a manufacturing environment. This is not a food safety position ***Budget: $37.50/hour The Safety Specialist is responsible for developing, promoting, and enforcing a comprehensive safety program for the metro food manufacturing facility.

• This position requires previous experience overseeing a site safety program in a manufacturing environment. This is not a food safety position ***Budget: $37.50/hour The Safety Specialist is responsible for developing, promoting, and enforcing a comprehensive safety program for the metro food manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Asset Protection team and facility leadership to maintain a safe and compliant working environment in adherence Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and other applicable laws.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments of the facility to identify potential hazards and non-compliance issues.
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the facility’s safety programs, including safety policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Post accident investigation, document and analyze safety incidents to identify root causes, recommend retraining and corrective actions, and track follow-up to ensure corrective measures are effectively implemented.
• Establish and maintain all training programs in accordance with facility Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP) and facility-powered equipment.
• Create and maintain facility safety Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and generate reports to be shared with facility leadership and Store Support teams.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs and conduct regular safety meetings for new hires, existing Team Members, and temporary workers to ensure a clear understanding of safety protocols, food safety, and hazard awareness.
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to Team Members regarding safety procedures, hazard recognition, and safe work practices and actively engage with Team Members to gather feedback, address safety concerns, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Promote and foster a safety-first culture throughout the organization by conducting monthly safety meetings, maintaining On Point program, and encouraging Team Member participation in safety initiatives and committees.
• Ensure safe operation and proper maintenance of machinery, tools, work areas, and personal protective equipment (PPE) through regular monitoring and inspections, proactively identifying and mitigating potential safety risks.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures for handling hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, cleaning agents) and maintain proper storage, labeling, and disposal protocols.
• In collaboration with subject matter experts, ensure compliance with relevant regularity rules and standards, including OSHA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), State Department of Agriculture, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Department of Labor, Health and Sanitation regulations, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Weights and Measures.
• Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with Store Support teams and Operational Areas supported by Facility Leadership.
• Foster a positive, safe work environment of outstanding teamwork and mutual respect.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2-4 years of experience in a safety or EHS role within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, and OSHA.
• Experience with safety training and employee engagement programs is a plus.
• Intermediate computer skills; proficiency in select Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); and ability to learn custom applications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to train and engage employees at all levels.
• Ability to work well with others, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with little supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the facility, including nights, weekends and holidays as required.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including Team Members, customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• A genuine passion for food and a deep commitment to our purpose to nourish people and the planet.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must adhere to company dress code and standards of production kitchen dress and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodation.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• May require the use of ladders.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

The wage range for this position is $28.26-$45.50 Hourly, commensurate with experience.

• Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks.
• Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal).

Click here for benefit details.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.