Health & Safety Specialist (12 month contract)

Health & Safety Specialist | US East

Take Safety Beyond Compliance

At Gateway Services, Health & Safety isn't a function that operates from the sidelines. Our H&S team works directly with Operations to understand what's happening in our Care Centers, identify risks, solve problems and help our teams go home safely every day.

We're looking for a Health & Safety Specialist to support Gateway's operations across the Central region.

This is a field-facing opportunity for an H&S professional who enjoys being where the work happens. You'll partner directly with operational leaders, conduct workplace assessments and inspections, support incident investigations, help identify practical preventive actions and ensure commitments don't disappear after the investigation or audit is finished.

You'll have the opportunity to influence safety across a geographically diverse operational business while being part of a broader H&S team that provides the technical programs, resources and support you need to succeed.

Why H&S Professionals Choose Gateway

Get into the operation. This isn't a role built around sitting behind a desk reviewing reports. You'll spend meaningful time in our Care Centers, working directly with the people responsible for operating them.

Be a partner, not just the safety police. We want Operations leaders to involve H&S because the advice they receive is practical, responsive and useful.

See your recommendations put into practice. You'll identify hazards, recommend controls and follow corrective actions through to completion.

Work across a diverse regional footprint. You'll gain experience supporting multiple locations, leaders and operational environments across central United States and Canada.

Make safety easier to understand and execute. Your job isn't simply to explain what a standard says. It's to help our leaders understand what good looks like and translate requirements into practical action.

What You'll Do

Partner directly with Operations. Build trusted working relationships with Managing Directors, Regional Managers, Care Center Managers and Team Members. Understand operational priorities and safety challenges, provide practical advice and help resolve routine H&S matters efficiently.

Identify and prevent risk. Conduct workplace inspections, audits, job-hazard assessments and exposure assessments. Identify unsafe conditions, work methods and behaviors; recommend practical controls, PPE and preventive actions; and follow corrective actions through to completion.

Investigate incidents and vehicle accidents. Respond through established protocols, gather facts and evidence, support investigations, identify contributing causes and recommend actions designed to prevent recurrence. Work with Operations, Fleet, HR and other Gateway partners when incidents cross functional boundaries.

Support safe return to work. Provide timely field information and local support following workplace injuries. Work with Operations and Gateway's broader HR and H&S teams to help implement approved return-to-work plans and identify barriers to a safe and sustainable return.

Bring safety programs to life. Help implement Gateway's approved safety policies, tools, campaigns and learning programs. Support safety discussions and committees, reinforce safe Care Center practices and help managers address CSR driving safety and incident prevention.

Use data to make us better. Maintain accurate regional safety information and use incident, hazard and assessment trends - together with field feedback - to identify recurring risks and recommend practical improvements.

What Success Looks Like

Success isn't measured simply by completing inspections or submitting reports. You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Operations leaders see H&S as a valuable and responsive partner.
• Risks are identified and addressed before they become incidents.
• Investigations result in practical preventive actions and corrective actions are completed.
• Managers become increasingly capable of leading safe operations.
• Safety requirements are translated into practices Team Members understand and use.
• Recurring incidents and unsafe behaviors are identified and addressed.
• Your commitments are completed when you say they will be.

Is This You?

We're looking for someone with a strong safety foundation who also knows how to work effectively with people. You should bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• At least four years of relevant safety experience, ideally in manufacturing, distribution or another multi-site operational environment.
• Experience with workplace inspections, incident investigations and job-hazard analysis.
• Working knowledge of applicable H&S requirements and accurate recordkeeping.
• The ability to assess hazards and recommend practical controls.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain safety requirements to operational leaders and frontline Team Members.
• Sound judgment, calm response to urgent situations and dependable follow-through.
• Comfort working independently across a geographically dispersed territory.

Fleet safety experience, exposure to safety or environmental management systems, and a relevant occupational H&S certification or designation are assets rather than requirements.

The Kind of H&S Professional Who Will Thrive Here

Practical. You look for solutions that protect people and can actually work in an operating environment.

Approachable. Managers and Team Members are comfortable coming to you before a problem gets bigger.

Curious. You want to understand why something happened rather than simply record that it happened.

Visible. You are comfortable spending time in Care Centers and seeing the work firsthand.

Accountable. When you commit to something, people know it will get done.

Constructively challenging. You are willing to speak up when something is not safe while maintaining productive relationships with Operations.

Service oriented. You understand that great H&S support means helping internal customers succeed while maintaining appropriate safety standards.

What It's Like to Work Here

This is a regional field role requiring travel of up to 50%. Your time will be divided between computer-based work and visits to Gateway Care Centers and other operational locations.

Care Center environments may include elevated noise, heat and other operational hazards requiring appropriate PPE. Occasional response outside normal working hours may be necessary following serious incidents or urgent field matters.

Benefits You'll Appreciate

• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program and Gateway CarePath
• Pet Insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Discount Marketplace
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Meaningful Work. Practical Safety. Real Impact.

Gateway Services is North America's leading pet aftercare provider, supporting veterinary professionals and pet families during one of the most difficult moments of pet ownership. Protecting the people who perform that work matters just as much.

If you're an H&S professional who wants to get closer to the operation, build strong partnerships and make safety better through practical action, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue raising the standard for Health & Safety at Gateway.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Eligibility

Gateway Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Team Members.

New employees joining Gateway Services will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

Accessibility and Accommodations

Gateway Services Inc. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please inform our Talent Acquisition team, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

#INDSLS