Environmental, Health, and Safety Specialist

Vicinity Energy is North America’s largest provider of district energy solutions, offering low carbon energy to most of the iconic buildings you see in the skylines of Boston, Cambridge, Philadelphia, Baltimore and many other cities in the US. As a member of the communities we serve, all of us at Vicinity understand the critical role we play in reducing the impacts of climate change and being a leader in decarbonization. We are committed to net zero and eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels, but we need the best and the brightest minds on our team to help us reach our goal, not only for us as a company, but for our customers, our communities, and our planet.

 Summary

The EH&S Specialist is responsible for establishing, developing, and implementing the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) programs at Vicinity Energy’s South Region locations.  The EH&S Specialist establishes and manages programs directed toward the continuous improvement of EH&S objectives and integrates EH&S objectives into plant and distribution functions.  The EH&S Specialist provides regulatory expertise to strategize and maximize company position within safety, health, and environmental programs and interaction with regulatory officials. Coordinates EH&S programs with an emphasis placed on identification and communication of regulatory requirements to facility management and personnel.

This is full-time exempt position and reports to the EH&S Manager. This position is located in Baltimore, MD and provides regional support to company locations including Washington, DC, Morgantown, WV, and Atlanta, GA and other locations as needed.  Approximately 25-30% travel to regional locations and more frequent local site travel are expected.

Responsibilities

• Identifies EH&S risks and provides mitigation plans which are consistent with business performance and reliability goals.  Facilitates the implementation of management systems that support company goals and meet/or exceed regulatory requirements.
• Provides regulatory support for environmental requirements such as Title V Air Permits, NPDES Permits, SWPPP, Hazardous Waste Management, etc.
• Audits EH&S program implementation.  Works closely with Managers to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of EH&S policies and procedures including inspections.
• Contributes and aids with implementing hazardous material emergency response and contingency planning efforts.  Coordinates facility program with response contractors, LEPC, and Government Agencies.
•  Leads Safety Committee
• Provides oversight and reviews accident/incident investigations.  Recommends corrective actions and actions to prevent re-occurrence.
• Supports environmental record-keeping and reporting program.  Prepares reports for regulatory submittal. Maintains plant environmental records including permits, compliance data, training records etc.
• Identifies and coordinates environmental & safety training requirements.  Tracks training completion and provides updates to management.
• Designs and implements Employee training programs on topics such as accident investigation, safety inspections, use of protective equipment, confined space entry, lockout tagout, respiratory protection, etc.
• Observes and complies with all standard safety codes and practices, performs work in accordance with recognized trade and company standards and, where applicable, local, state, and federal laws.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety & Health, Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2-4 years’ experience with safety and environmental programs in a utility or manufacturing industry.
• Must be familiar with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills are required.
• Requires individual with a high degree of professionalism.  Requires the ability to work well independently and effectively with others, daily.
• Successful candidate will also be detail oriented, able to take direction and handle multiple tasks, prioritize work effectively, and see a work project through to completion. 
• A willingness to acquire new skills and utilize technology to streamline processes and problem solve is essential.
• High level of proficiency with database, spreadsheet, email, and word processing software required. Proficiency with MS Office and Windows preferred.  Experience with RedTag, TK Pro, and Maximo is a plus.
• Ability to obtain ERM, CSP, CIH, and/or CHMM certifications preferred.
• Emergency Status Designation: Essential; EH&S Incident Coordinator/Commander, Qualified Individual alternate

Physical Requirements 

• Must submit to company required pre-employment drug screening and physical exam.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license in good standing.
• May be required to wear protective clothing including protective suits, respiratory protection, gloves, safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hat, and others as required.  Must be able to work internally in the physical plant and externally on the facility’s grounds or at satellite facilities. 
• The employee will be required to wear personal protective equipment and clothing where appropriate because of their work around potential hazards such as loud noise, airborne particles, vibration and hazardous materials.  This protective equipment includes, but is not limited to, safety eyewear, footwear, hard hat, gloves, hearing protection, and specialized clothing where applicable.
• Must be able to work in extremes of hot and cold temperatures and inclement weather conditions.  Under certain conditions while working in the plant, may be required to wear a respirator – respirators are required in specified areas, therefore the employee will be issued with and trained in the proper use of this equipment.  
• May require repetitive stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, and carrying; intermittent lifting, and moving up to 20 lbs.  Must be able to work from ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and in confined spaces.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT Vicinity North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.