EHS Specialist

The Visual Pak Companies; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 75,791 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Tuition and education assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Job summary

The Visual Pak Companies in Waukegan, IL is seeking an EHS Senior Specialist to lead the site's EHS program. The role involves managing environmental health and safety initiatives and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety or Environmental Sciences, and at least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing setting. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities.

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience as a safety professional in a manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Investigate root causes for occupational injuries, illnesses, and near misses.

Responsibilities

• Oversee training and development of safety policies and procedures.
• Manage site industrial hygiene plans and compliance reviews.
• Act as EHS SME, supporting safety initiatives and audits.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety or Environmental Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

EHS Management Systems

Job description

Job Details

Location: Waukegan, IL 60085

Shift: 1st Shift

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Salary Range: $75,791.20 - $10,500.00

Job Category: EHSE Senior EHS Specialist

Role Summary

Primary lead for site EHS program, overseeing training, development, and maintenance of safety & health policy and procedures.

Responsible for aligning and executing corporate EHS strategy and managing EHS programs across the organization. Serves as the lead EHS SME, working with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Sustainability, and Product Safety leadership to embed an EHS culture.

Accountable for all environmental, health, and safety performance and continuous improvement across all site activities, including warehousing, laboratories, and process/track work. Covers all employees and contractors on behalf of the Company.

Position Responsibilities

• Participate in site compliance reviews and internal and external audits.
• Manage site industrial hygiene plans: exposure monitoring, containment testing, hearing conservation.
• Monitor site‑specific EHS leading and lagging indicators.
• Practice and reinforce safe working techniques, safety policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Research, investigate, and analyze information to deliver timely results.
• Conduct environmental, health and safety reviews, routine inspections, and incident investigations with manufacturing and maintenance personnel.
• Act as EHS SME, answering questions from sites and stakeholders.
• Maintain current EHS knowledge and regulations, notifying management of changes.
• Partner with departments on training compliance and safety initiatives.
• Provide research on topics and best practices as required.
• Identify site‑specific circumstances requiring changes to the EHS management system and support implementation.
• Mentor other EHS Specialists in the network.
• Support plant leadership on capital project planning to align sustainability efforts with engineering projects.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate completion of work.
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving to EHS challenges.
• Anticipate EHS urgency and redirect resources to meet updated expectations.
• Lead processes or projects indirectly through ownership.
• Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and respectful language.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Occupational H&S, Environmental Sciences, or equivalent mix of education and experience.

Certifications (desired but not required): CSP, CHI, CHMM, CEAS.

Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish.

Experience: At least 5 years as a safety professional in a manufacturing environment.

• Investigate root causes for occupational injuries, illnesses, incidents, and near misses.
• Strong communication skills; actively listen and present information clearly.
• Analyze options, exercise judgement, and make sound decisions.
• Partner with HR to file incident reports and determine accommodations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions.
• Use corporate EHS software to track and report performance metrics.
• Basic understanding of ergonomic principles.
• Manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, and multitask.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and adapt to changing operations.

Technology/Software: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with EHS Management Systems.

Miscellaneous

Travel: On-demand, 10% of time.

Vehicle: Must be able to commute to nearby facility.

Technology: Smart phone – Preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Dependent care subsidy.
• Childcare and elder care resources.
• Tuition and education assistance.
• Active & Fit Direct – gym access.
• Geode Health – mental health support.
• Commuter benefits.
• Health Advocate services.
• Benefit hub – employee perks and discounts.
• Pet insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.