Head of Health and Safety

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio. IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.
Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.
The Market Safety Director is responsible for leading and driving all facets of safety in the designated market area. This role is responsible for compliance with the IWS’s Health and Safety/ Transportation Compliance Programs for our landfill, rail and short haul operations. This position is responsible for reinforcing the safety and compliance of front-line employees. They will also have a dotted line responsibility to the Corporate Vice President of Safety, ensuring safety policies/ programs, standards, and tools are deployed in the market.
This position will provide strategic and operational leadership for safety programs at the APEX landfill in Amsterdam, Ohio and the company’s rail and short haul operations based in Kearny, New Jersey. The selected candidate will be a visible field leader who can balance long-term program development with timely support for daily operating needs.
Develop and execute the company’s safety strategy aligned with operational goals.
Serve as the subject matter expert in the market on safety regulations and best practices
Interact with all levels of management to communicate site-specific safety programs.
Maintain a regular field presence across tipping areas, haul roads, heavy-mobile-equipment operations, the scale house, maintenance areas, rail-served activities, and landfill gas and leachate support work.
Responsible for implementing leading indicator programs, analyzing collected data to meet Market Area goals and drive proactive safety results throughout the market.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and state/ local H&S regulations/ company best practices throughout hauling, post collections, and maintenance operations.
Develop a strong partnership with all levels of the organization, specifically Vice Presidents of Landfill, Rail and Short Haul Operations, to effectively implement safety policies/ procedures, identify trends and ensure that corrective actions are being implemented and followed up on, as needed at the market level.
Serve as the regulatory point of contact during safety audits and inspections, as needed.
Submit required reports to regulatory agencies.
Lead, manage and participate in team audits of the facilities (landfill, transload facility and various short haul operations)
Training & Development
Design and deliver safety training programs for frontline staff based on identified areas of focus as determined by available analytics and metrics.
Manage and deliver onboard safety orientation for new hires.
Implement monthly safety training/meetings within the market area. This includes providing topic information, participating in meetings, and ensuring safety training is properly conveyed/ understood by all employees.
Risk Management and Incident Management
Investigate safety concerns, report findings and recommend corrective measures.
Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses including medical events, fires, severe weather, spills, vehicle accidents, equipment incidents, railcar releases, derailments, and other rail, transportation, or landfill emergencies
Track and analyze safety metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
Manage care of employees when injury occurs including use of tele-nurse program, clinic/ emergency medical attention in conjunction with Operations.
Evaluate personal protective equipment needs and oversee exposure monitoring and controls for noise, dust, gases, heat and cold stress, traffic exposure, and other occupational hazards at both locations.
Audits, Inspections, & Emergency Preparedness
Conduct regular site inspections and safety audits across all locations.
Conduct and manage leading indicator programs which includes heavy equipment/ route observations, Safety Lanes (trans compliance audits) and facility inspections.
Coordinate drills and ensure readiness for potential fires, hazardous material incidents or natural disasters.
Supervise and manage work assignments for market level safety team (Manager and Trainer).
Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement while promoting a safety-first culture.
Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving, and adhering to safety policies in all work environment areas.
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, Environmental Science) or equivalent combination of education and technical experience. Familiarity with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and Jefferson County General Health District (JCGHD) requirements and inspection practices is preferred, particularly as they relate to landfill operations and environmental protection.

• 10+ years of progressive Health & Safety experience, preferably in solid waste, landfill, transportation, or industrial operations.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and federal/state/ local Health & Safety and Transportation compliance regulations. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and reliable transportation for travel. 25% travel to NY/NJ area to support all covered operations
• Must be able to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours.
• Lead or participate in special projects as assigned.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety reporting systems, with the ability to prepare clear analyses, presentations, audit reports, and Market-level updates.
• Demonstrated experience controlling risks involving heavy mobile equipment, site traffic, contractors, lockout/tagout, confined spaces, fall protection, hot work, excavation or trenching, and work near slopes or edges.
• Experience developing safety budgets, managing vendors or consultants, and using safety technology and reporting systems to support decision-making.
• Ability to work routinely in an active landfill environment, outdoors in varying conditions, and respond to urgent site needs outside regular business hours. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred.

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.