Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

About the Job At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. The Sr. Environmental Specialist is responsible for the development and execution of programs to ensure that the Company provides a safe workplace for employees and minimizes impacts to the environment. This position will primarily lead environmental program compliance with Danone requirements and all federal, state, and local regulations. The incumbent will assist in animation and implementation of a sustainable program at the plant and drive environmental, health and safety (EHS) performance improvements and efficiencies. This position will be participating in the Danone North America EHS Leadership Network. The incumbent is successful through strong leadership, vision, and effective management and ensures these goals in a professional atmosphere that enhances Company economic viability. Job Summary We are currently looking to hire a Sr. EHS Specialist based in Mt. Crawford, Virginia . Key Responsibilities Supports the Sr. EHS Manager in the development and implementation of Environmental, Health, and Safety programs, including standards, training, compliance systems, and communications that reduce or eliminate risks. Champion ongoing efforts to build a proactive EHS culture through the implementation of the Wise2 and WiseR Safety Programs and the ISO 14001 standard. Lead EHS initiatives that improve environmental compliance, resource conservation, and emissions reductions using best practices, lean, and six sigma. Interface with contractors for waste management, wastewater operations, and CAPEX project execution to ensure overall EHS compliance. Serve as plant lead for the Zero Waste to Landfill Program and support other sustainability initiatives. Participate in global auditing programs including Wise2, Green, Environmental, and Sustainability Audits and build internal auditing competency and capability within the site to ensure compliance. Manage data collection and analysis of environmental and sustainability metrics and reports including injury and illness, air, waste, energy, and water data. Own the preparation, maintenance, and compliance with federal, state, and local agency environmental reporting and permitting, and Company EHS Standards. Interface with regulatory agencies as needed. Research existing and emerging regulations and identify best practices to maintain cost effective and efficient compliance with internal and external environmental requirements. Assist with emergency response, evacuation planning, investigation, and escalation of EHS incidents. Determine root cause of incidents and provide support of corrective and preventative action plans. All other duties as assigned or become evident. Physical Demands The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, talk and hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment Work is performed throughout the facility. Potential hazards include proximity of moving machinery, chemical exposure, noise, and heavy lifting. The position may require an individual to stand, stoop, move equipment; bend, reach, or lift for prolonged periods of time. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and slip‑resistant steel‑toed shoes. Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, the responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement. The salary range for this position is $90-$115K per year . The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone U.S. additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. About You The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria. Education & Experience A bachelor’s degree in safety, Environmental Health, Chemistry, or related field and at least 5 years of related experience, required. In lieu of a completed bachelor’s degree, candidates need at least 7 years of EHS experience within a manufacturing environment with prior safety duties or responsibilities, and completed high school diploma or GED, required. Must be knowledgeable with multi‑media environmental regulations including RCRA, CAA, CWA, NPDES, SPCC, and RM. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional leadership skills and ability to mentor and motivate (a real passion for EHS). Effective management skills. Serves as a change agent to drive process improvements and cultural change. Creates alignment. Must be adaptable and flexible. Works well under pressure, effectively handles conflict, strict deadlines and multiple tasks. Ability to assess and implement EHS best practices. Excellent organization, recordkeeping and documentation skills. Able to interface with the global environment team and various levels of leadership, internal and external. About Us Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose‑driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best‑known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, International Delight, Light + Fit, Nutricia, Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, STōK Cold Brew Coffee, Too Good & Co, and YoCrunch. With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world One Planet. One Health By YOU. Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here. #J-18808-Ljbffr