EHS Manager

Summary of position:

The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role promotes a proactive safety culture, reduces risk, and ensures the well-being of employees, contractors, and the surrounding community while supporting operational objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and enforce site-specific EHS plans, programs, and procedures for construction projects.
• Manage the workload of the EHS team by coaching and developing the EHS Specialist as their direct manager.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926), EPA regulations, and applicable local/state requirements.
• Conduct frequent jobsite safety inspections, audits, and hazard assessments; identify unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Lead and document incident investigations, near-miss reporting, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
• Review and approve Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and Safe Work Plans.
• Deliver and coordinate safety training, toolbox talks, new-hire orientations, and subcontractor onboarding.
• Monitor subcontractor safety performance and enforce contractual safety requirements.
• Oversee environmental compliance activities including stormwater pollution prevention (SWPPP), erosion control, waste management, and hazardous materials handling.
• Support emergency preparedness, including emergency response plans, site drills, and incident response coordination.
• Ensure required EHS records including OSHA 300 logs, training documentation, permits, and inspection reports are maintained.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inspections, insurance carriers, and third-party auditors.
• Track safety metrics (TRIR, DART, EMR) and provide regular reports to project and executive leadership.
• Promote a culture where safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organization.
• Maintain Confidentiality.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or a related field strongly preferred.

Preferred experience and/or training:  

• Previous experience leading for a minimum of 3 years required, preferably in the construction industry.
• Previous experience managing EHS staff members strongly preferred.
• The ability to work effectively independently and within a team.
• Strong working knowledge of construction safety regulations and best practices (OSHA 1926, fall protection, excavation, confined space, crane operations, electrical safety, EPA and NFPA).
• Familiarity with EPA environmental requirements relevant to construction sites (SWPPP, spill prevention, waste handling).
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and construction schedules to anticipate safety and environmental risks.
• Experience conducting jobsite audits, incident investigations, and safety training in active construction environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence both management and craft workers.
• Ability to work effectively with project teams, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficient in developing training materials and delivering effective presentations.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between jobsites as required.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Required Licenses/Certificates:

• Relevant certifications such as CSP, ASP, OSHA 510 or CHMM are strongly preferred.

Technology/Equipment:

• Experience with Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Experience with EHS software for tracking OSHA recordkeeping, JHA’s and workplace accident investigations.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to walk jobsites with uneven terrain, climb ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during inspections, meetings, and field activities.
• Capability to bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach to assess work conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind).
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety boots, eye protection, and fall protection gear.
• Visual, physical, and auditory ability to identify hazards and communicate clearly in a construction environment.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Team members must be able to work outdoors inclement weather, in addition to office work environment on days not in the field.
• Travel throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

Benefits:

• Retirement plan
• Health benefits
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement