HSE at ALS Kelso, Washington

Health, Safety & Environment Specialist

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you become part of a purpose- and values-driven organization that empowers innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our global team brings passion and commitment every day-continually challenging conventional thinking to solve some of the world's most complex problems and contribute to a safer, healthier world.

Position Summary: The Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving health, safety, and environmental programs across laboratory operations. This role serves as a technical resource and compliance leader, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture within a fast-paced, high-hazard laboratory environment. The HSE Specialist works closely with laboratory management, operations, quality, and corporate HSE leadership to identify risks, implement controls, conduct training, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that align with ALS global safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain health and safety programs in accordance with OSHA, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections, hazard assessments, and risk evaluations
• Identify unsafe conditions or behaviors and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Lead incident, near-miss, and injury investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective action tracking
• Monitor safety performance metrics and provide data-driven recommendations to management

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to hazardous waste management, chemical storage, air emissions, and wastewater discharge
• Oversee hazardous waste handling, labeling, storage, and disposal in accordance with RCRA and site-specific permits
• Coordinate with waste vendors and regulatory agencies as required
• Support environmental reporting, recordkeeping, and permit compliance activities
• Promote waste minimization, pollution prevention, and sustainability initiatives

• Develop and deliver safety training programs including new-hire orientation, annual refresher training, and task-specific instruction
• Ensure employees are trained in chemical hygiene, hazard communication, PPE use, emergency response, and safe work practices
• Act as a visible safety advocate, reinforcing expectations and promoting a culture of accountability
• Support behavior-based safety initiatives and continuous improvement programs

• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Prepare for and support internal audits, external inspections, and regulatory agency visits
• Maintain accurate and inspection-ready HSE records, including training documentation, incident reports, and compliance logs
• Assist in developing and maintaining site-specific safety manuals, SOPs, and emergency response plans

• Partner with laboratory management, operations, QA, and corporate HSE teams to integrate safety into daily laboratory activities
• Communicate safety performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to all levels of the organization
• Provide technical guidance to supervisors and employees regarding safety and environmental concerns
• Support change management efforts related to new equipment, methods, processes, or facility modifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, laboratory safety standards, and chemical hygiene principles
• Working knowledge of EPA and RCRA requirements related to hazardous waste and environmental compliance
• Experience applying risk assessment, hazard analysis, and incident investigation methodologies
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels on safety expectations
• Strong observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with electronic recordkeeping systems, safety databases, and reporting tools

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience in an HSE role within a laboratory, industrial, or regulated environment
• Demonstrated experience supporting regulatory compliance and safety program implementation

Preferred Experience and Certifications:

• Experience in an environmental, analytical, or chemical laboratory setting
• Familiarity with TNI/NELAC, ISO, or DoD-regulated laboratory environments
• Professional certifications such as DOT, CIH, or CHMM
• Experience leading safety committees or cross-functional improvement teams
• Experience supporting multi-site or matrixed organizations

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk laboratory and facility spaces for inspections and assessments
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Occasional lifting of safety equipment, training materials, or documentation binders
• Ability to respond to emergency situations as required

Working at ALS: Our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. ALS is a diverse, inclusive community of professionals united by a shared purpose to make a meaningful difference. We recognize and reward excellence, invest in continuous learning, and provide career development opportunities across our global organization. At ALS, you will find a supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment-allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a positive impact on our people, our planet, and our communities.