Environmental Health Safety Specialist (Chicago)

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Facilities, Safety & Security, the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving PowerStop's Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) programs across its distribution operations. This role partners closely with Operations, Human Resources, Facilities, and leadership to ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations while fostering a proactive culture of workplace safety and operational excellence.

The EHS Specialist will serve as a trusted business partner by leading safety training initiatives, conducting facility inspections and risk assessments, investigating workplace incidents, managing workers' compensation reporting, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that reduce workplace injuries, improve regulatory compliance, and support PowerStop's commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. This role is based out of our Hodgkins facility, and it is 100% on-site

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement, administer, and continuously improve environmental, health, and safety programs that ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Conduct new hire safety orientations and coordinate ongoing safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and managers; maintain accurate training records and annual training schedules
• Develop and facilitate engaging safety presentations, toolbox talks, and department-specific training to reinforce safe work practices and regulatory compliance
• Promote a culture of safety by coaching leaders and employees on safe behaviors, hazard recognition, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Conduct routine facility inspections, safety audits, ergonomic assessments, and behavioral observations to identify hazards and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Investigate workplace injuries, illnesses, near misses, and other safety concerns; perform root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims, including communication with insurance carriers, medical providers, supervisors, employees, and Human Resources to ensure timely reporting, case management, and return-to-work coordination
• Maintain OSHA recordkeeping requirements, including OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
• Maintain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management system and ensure hazardous chemicals are properly documented, labeled, and stored in accordance with the Hazard Communication standards
• Develop, maintain, and update Environmental, Health & Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emergency response procedures, and safety policies
• Support emergency preparedness efforts by coordinating evacuation drills, emergency response procedures, first aid readiness, and incident response planning
• Partner with Operations and Facilities to evaluate new equipment, warehouse automation, conveyors, material handling systems, and operational changes to ensure EHS requirements are incorporated into project planning and implementation
• Monitor Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) safety programs, including operator certifications, inspections, and compliance with company policies
• Manage inventory and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety-related supplies while ensuring appropriate usage throughout the facility
• Remain current on changes to OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and EHS best practices; recommend improvements that enhance employee safety and operational performance
• Other duties may be assigned

Key Competencies

• Safety Leaders h ip. Champions a proactive safety culture by influencing behaviors, promoting accountability, and leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Regulatory Complia n ce. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of OSHA, environmental regulations, and industry best practices while ensuring organizational compliance
• Analytical Think i ng. Utilizes data, observations, and investigative techniques to identify trends, determine root causes, and implement sustainable solutions
• Problem Solv i ng. Anticipates operational risks, develops practical corrective actions, and drives measurable safety improvements
• Communicat i on. Effectively communicates with employees, supervisors, leadership, regulatory agencies, and external partners while fostering collaboration and engagement
• Organization and Plann i ng. Manages competing priorities, training schedules, compliance deadlines, investigations, and projects with exceptional attention to detail
• Initiative. Demonstrates ownership, works independently with minimal supervision, and proactively identifies opportunities to improve safety performance and operational efficiency
• Integrity. Maintains confidentiality, exercises sound judgment, and consistently demonstrates ethical and professional conduct

Experience and Skills:

• 3–5 years of Environmental, Health & Safety experience within a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, logistics, or industrial environment
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA regulations, workers' compensation administration, hazard communication, incident investigation, root cause analysis, ergonomics, and risk assessment
• Experience conducting facility inspections, compliance audits, and implementing corrective and preventive action plans
• Working knowledge of environmental compliance requirements, including hazardous waste management, chemical handling, and spill prevention
• Experience supporting Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) safety programs and warehouse material handling operations
• Familiarity with warehouse automation systems, conveyor operations, and distribution center safety practices preferred
• Experience with contractor safety management and emergency response planning preferred
• Working knowledge of ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems is preferred
• Professional certifications such as Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC), HAZWOPER, or First Aid/CPR certification are preferred
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence employees and leaders at all levels of the organization
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; experience with EHS management software or incident reporting systems is preferred

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $35 to $40 per hour, reflecting the anticipated compensation at the time of posting. Final placement within this range will be determined by several factors, including—but not limited to—education, certifications, relevant experience, skills, and overall business needs. In addition, eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) match retirement plan.