EHS Specialist

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that's First in Food.


Location Description

Hopkins, MN is home to our Michael Foods, Inc. corporate headquarters. Hopkins is located 7 miles west of Minneapolis, boasting natural surroundings in a suburban environment that also provides quick access to major travel ways and local restaurants that give our community a distinct character. Located in the Excelsior Crossing building where employees are provided with beautifully landscaped walking paths and water features creating an optimal environment for outdoor and walking meetings, along with the opportunity to take a relaxing walk or outdoor lunch before, within, or after your work day.


Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY :

Reporting to the Senior Director SES, this role supports both the corporate safety and environmental teams, including environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs, compliance efforts, SRMP, training initiatives, and recordkeeping while reinforcing workplace safety as a core value.

This position provides foundational experience in OSHA and EPA regulations, audits, risk assessment, and employee safety engagement, offering hands-on exposure to EHS leadership responsibilities. By actively leading and contributing to data tracking, safety observations, and SRMP team participation, the EHS Specialist ensures alignment with company-wide safety, environmental, and sustainability objectives and regulatory compliance. The role also provides critical administrative and operational support, preparing employees for advancement within MFI's safety leadership structure.

This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Manage, process, design and maintain the EHS data systems (online and electronic), as well as keeping records, and ensuring documentation is accurate, compliant, and accessible at HQ.
• Facilitate data entry across the MFI network into EHS management platforms (Intelex) to track safety observations, EHS investigations, EHS audits, and EHS training compliance.
• Assist in workplace EHS audits and inspections, supporting risk identification and corrective action planning.
• Provide EHS leadership and serve as primary EHS contact for MFI's warehousing operations
• Lead and contribute to data tracking, safety observations, and SRMP team participation across all MFI locations.
• Ensure alignment with company-wide safety, environmental, and sustainability objectives and EHS regulatory compliance.
• Assist in safety training sessions, tracking attendance and ensuring employees receive required compliance education at HQ.
• Support incident investigations, compiling reports and assisting in identifying corrective measures for unsafe conditions and behaviors in partnership with SES colleagues.
• Develop, maintain and coordinate updates to the EHS policies at MFI.
• Develop, maintain and coordinate updates to the EHS training curriculum (online) at MFI.
• Lead and/or participate in safety-related committees and SRMP element teams, contributing to compliance and risk reduction initiatives at HQ.
• Serves as point person (through Intelex) for all environmental emissions tracking for sustainability reporting for all MFI locations.
• Provide administrative support to the SES Team at MFI, including documentation updates and compliance tracking.
• Assist in Behavior-Based Safety (BBSO) initiatives, conducting observations and tracking data to improve safety performance.
• Travel occasionally to assist with EHS audits, training, and compliance efforts across MFI facilities and lead these efforts at MFI distribution and warehouse locations across the country
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and, incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Lead SES Annual Conference planning activities.
• Support HQ emergency response processes and compliance activities.
• Lead HQ (through SRMP) HQ waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMP's, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Perform other EHS-related duties as assigned, including working flexible shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or two-year technical training preferred. College degrees in the sciences are beneficial.
• 1-3 years of experience in health, safety, and/or environment preferably within a manufacturing environment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Bilingual in Somali or Spanish.
• Experience facilitating basic safety meetings and engaging employees in compliance efforts.
• Previous involvement in risk management and workplace safety programs.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards and adult learning principles related to safety training.
• Ability to obtain OSHA 10-hour certification within 180 days of employment.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED or First Responder certification within 180 days of employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to train and present basic safety concepts effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, ensuring efficient recordkeeping and compliance reporting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret safety data from inspections, audits, and incident reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and safety management systems (Intelex).
• Experience assisting with incident investigations and compliance monitoring.
• Ability to work with employees from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Capability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects effectively.

CAREER PROGRESSION:

The EHS Specialist is an entry-level position designed as an early step in MFI's SES Career Path, leading to roles such as:

• Safety Supervisor
• Safety Manager
• Regional Environmental Specialist
• Regional Environmental Manager
• Sustainability, Environmental and Compliance Manager
• Regional Safety Manager
• Senior Regional Safety Manager
• Director SES

The pay range for this position is $61,205 - $85,688 per year.