Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

The EHS Specialist provides direct, field-based Environmental, Health & Safety support to canal operations and maintenance teams in Upstate New York. This role focuses on implementing and executing EHS programs at the operational level, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant work practices. The specialist works closely with field personnel to translate safety requirements into practical solutions while maintaining a strong presence at canal structures, maintenance facilities, and active job sites. Responsibilities:

• Assist with implementation of EHS programs, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Conduct field observations, job site visits, and informal audits.
• Support pre-job planning efforts including job briefings and hazard identification.
• Identify hazards and collaborate with field personnel to implement practical solutions.
• Integrate EHS requirements into routine work activities with supervisors and employees.
• Provide real-time guidance during active work to ensure safe execution.
• Support planning and execution of higher-risk activities such as confined space entry and work over water.
• Reinforce safe behaviors and organizational safety expectations.
• Support incident reporting, investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Assist with regulatory compliance, inspections, audits, and documentation maintenance.
• Maintain site-level EHS records, reports, and documentation.
• Coordinate distribution and accessibility of procedures, forms, and guidance materials.
• Assist with tracking metrics, corrective actions, and program activities.
• Collaborate with EHS leadership on implementation needs.

• Strong ability to work independently in field environments.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with operational personnel.
• Working knowledge of OSHA/PESH-based safety principles.
• Valid New York State driver s license.
• Strong field presence and ability to build trust with operations teams.
• Practical hazard recognition and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate requirements into clear, actionable practices.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Adaptability to dynamic, outdoor work environments.
• Associate s or Bachelor s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1 3 years of experience supporting or implementing EHS programs in industrial, construction, utility, or field-based environments.

• Experience in utilities, public infrastructure, construction, or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience supporting higher-risk work activities such as confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and fall protection.
• Experience with incident investigations and corrective action tracking.
• Familiarity with EHS reporting or work management systems.

• Frequent presence required at canal structures, maintenance facilities, and active job sites.
• Work involves dynamic, outdoor field environments.
• Support for higher-risk activities including confined/enclosed spaces and work over water.

• Field-driven position requiring regular on-site presence during operational and maintenance activities.