Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

POET is seeking an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist for its Gowrie, IA facility. The role involves leading safety programs, coordinating training, maintaining compliance records, and conducting audits. The specialist will work closely with local leadership and corporate EHS members to foster a culture prioritizing safety and environmental standards. Benefits include competitive bonuses, PTO, health insurance, and a wellness program. This position is not remote.
ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

BENEFITS & PERKS Eligible Team Members may receive
• $$ Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

All POET Team Members enjoy
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually
• 'Family-first' culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The EH&S Specialist is the leader of environmental, health, and safety programs at the POET bioprocessing facility, while working with other members of the local leadership team and the EHS members located at the corporate office to ensure a culture where the environment, health, and safety is top priority. The EH&S Specialist is responsible for maintaining records and training documentation for the Environmental Health and Safety Program as well as scheduling and coordinating safety training sessions for all team members at their designated bioprocessing facility. Team members in this position will participate in and lead the implementation of POET environmental and safety management systems, including audits and inspections, report generation, behavioral observations, and incident investigations when necessary. The EH&S Specialist may also assist POET Design & Construction in monitoring contractor safety performance on projects at the bioprocessing facility.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

- Champion Safety and Environmental at the facility, utilizing influential leadership skills to drive and improve the facility culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.

- Generate, review & submit daily, weekly, monthly and annual safety and environmental reports. Coordinate and take samples as needed.

- Lead safety training sessions for a variety of people including new and existing team members and contractors.

- Remain up to date on new safety-related regulations, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

- Ensure written safety programs are reviewed and kept current. Communicate changes to team members.

- Be an active participant in the local safety committee meetings.

- Lead and direct safety and environmental audits, incident investigations and other activities as needed throughout the facility.

- Serve as the local expert resource for environmental compliance issues, including a thorough understanding of the facility's environmental permits, hazardous waste management, stormwater, RMP, SPCC, and other applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.

- Maintain permit required recordkeeping for a variety of environmental programs.

- Lead and/or participate in team established guidelines to identify root cause analysis of environmental, health and safety concerns.

- Collect data, manage filing systems of the EH&S management systems, and maintain training records for each team member.

- Since we're all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

- High school diploma or equivalent is required.

- Associates or Bachelor's degree in a safety, environmental science, or engineering field or 6 plus years of experience in EHS work preferred.

- 2 or more years of safety-related work experience. Construction safety experience is beneficial.

- Required certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of starting the position:

o National Safety Council's Advanced Safety Certificate.

o Higher level certifications can be substituted, these include:

National Registry of Environmental Professionals Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer Certificate, Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Professional Engineer.

- Completed professional development; OSHA General Industry 30-Hour, Principles of Occupational Safety & Health (POSH), DOT Hazmat Transportation, OSHA Construction 10-hour, 24 hour HAZWOPER, and HAZWOPER Train-The-Trainer; or equivalent courses.

- You know how to engage an audience, no matter the size, while presenting and training on important environmental and safety related topics.

- Proficient filing, documentation, record keeping and organizational skills required.

- Workers' Compensation administration experience preferred.

- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.

- You communicate effectively in writing and in person.

- You have the ability to learn the technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility including air, water environmental permits.

- Know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. Capable of learning new programs.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We're all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren't just slogans on our walls. It's the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member's position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.