Environmental Health & Safety Manager

The Test Technology Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Health and Safety Manager to lead our safety initiatives at multiple test site locations. As our Health and Safety Manager, you will be a pivotal leader responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive health and safety programs that align with our strategic objectives and ensure regulatory compliance across our operations. The successful applicant will drive continuous improvement in our safety performance, cultivate a proactive safety culture, and potentially lead a team of safety professionals. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned safety leader to champion best practices and make a significant, measurable impact. Our multi-disciplined team is comprised of engineers, scientists, fielding and explosives technicians, and administrative professionals, supporting the government and commercial clients. Our work is primarily performed in New Mexico on Kirtland Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range and at our ARA test site in Moriarty, NM. 

Due to the nature of work performed candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for a Department of War Secret, or higher, level security clearance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development 

• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive health and safety programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with OSHA and other National Consensus standards (ANSI, NFPA, MSHA, DOT, and NIOSH) and site-specific regulations 

• Set strategic safety objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and annual safety plans 

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local health and safety regulations, proactively tracking and responding to legislative changes 

• Risk Management & Incident Oversight 

• Lead comprehensive risk assessments and hazard analyses across all operations, developing and implementing effective control measures 

• Oversee the investigation of all incidents, accidents, and near-misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and the implementation of robust corrective and preventative actions 

• Manage and maintain accurate safety data, preparing reports for senior leadership on performance trends, compliance status, and improvement opportunities 

• Safety Culture & Training 

• Champion a strong, proactive safety culture throughout the organization, engaging with all levels of employees from executive leadership to front-line staff 

• Design, deliver, and manage comprehensive health and safety training programs, ensuring all employees are adequately trained on relevant safety procedures, emergency protocols, and life saving measures 

• Lead safety committees and foster active employee participation in safety initiatives 

• Regulatory Liaison & External Relations 

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, and investigations 

• Manage relationships with external consultants, contractors, and other safety-related service providers 

• Team Leadership/Specific Responsibilities 

• Mentor, coach, and develop a team of Safety Officers 

• Manage the health and safety budget, ensuring effective resource allocation 

• Oversee environmental compliance programs 

• Develop and implement industrial hygiene monitoring strategies 

• Manage the health and safety inventory and equipment 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety or a related field and at least 10 years’ relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and at least 8 years’ relevant experience 

• Minimum of 4 years of supervisory experience – Demonstrated history of mentoring junior staff 

• In-depth knowledge of National Consensus Standard (OSHA, NFPA, MSHA, DOT, ANSI) regulations and proven experience in implementing effective safety management systems 

• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and drive change within an organization 

• Exceptional communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of personnel 

• Strong analytical skills, proficient in data analysis and report generation using Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Proven experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation 

• Able to spend significant amounts of time moving and walking around test beds and provide safety guidance for fielding and construction activities 

• Experience with electrical and construction elements is required 

• Experience with Hazardous Materials and SDS compliance 

• First Aid and CPR trained 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or equivalent certification 

• HAZWOPER trained 

• Experience supporting field testing at DOW/DOE government ranges or proving grounds 

• Experience with laser safety 

• Experience with cryogenics, compressed gases, energized electronics and metal fabrication 

• Experience with Unmanned Aerial Systems safety 

• Experience with MSHA and NEPA regulations 

• Familiar with atmospheric monitoring techniques and equipment 

• Experience with respiratory protection standards and fit testing procedures 

Company Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, currently employs over 2,300+ professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging, and innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com. 

Experience

Required

• 10 year(s): Relevant work experience

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Occupational Safety Management or related field

Behaviors

Required

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Required

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.