Environmental Health and Safety Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change and environmental consciousness, the role of Environmental Health and Safety Managers has become increasingly critical.
As we strive towards sustainable development, we need skilled individuals who can guide, manage, and ensure our environmental health and safety practices.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the discipline of environmental health and safety,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Environmental Health and Safety Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Health and Safety Managers ensure the safety and health of employees and compliance with local, state and federal regulations regarding environmental impact.
They oversee the development of safety and environmental programs and maintain records of incidents and safety training.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement health and safety programs
- Identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate risk
- Conduct safety inspections and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations
- Investigate accidents, identify their causes and recommend solutions
- Prepare reports on incidents and violations and recommend corrective action
- Coordinate safety training programs for employees
- Keep abreast of new legislation and maintain a working knowledge of all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation
- Ensure safe disposal of hazardous or biological waste as per regulations
- Assist in maintaining ISO certification by ensuring policies and procedures are being followed
- Interface with regulatory bodies such as OSHA, EPA, etc
- Initiate and lead emergency response activities when required
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Health and Safety Manager to oversee our company’s safety operations.
Your chief goal will be to establish and enforce a safe and compliant work environment to ensure our employees’ health and wellbeing.
The EHS manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of health and safety programs, policies, and procedures, along with conducting regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
- Prepare and enforce policies to establish a culture of health and safety
- Evaluate practices, procedures and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law
- Conduct training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
- Monitor compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
- Inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions
- Investigate accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
- Recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a safety manager or similar
- Deep understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
- Ability in producing reports and developing relevant policies
- Good knowledge of data analysis and risk assessment
- Excellent organizational and motivational skills
- Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
- BSc/BA in safety management or relevant field is preferred
- Valid qualification in occupational health and safety
Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Wellness Program
Additional Information
- Job Title: Environmental Health and Safety Manager
- Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment, but also requires visits to other sites, which may include exposure to various elements.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operations Officer.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, with consideration to market and business factors.
- Pay Range: $89,000 – $120,000
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Environmental Health and Safety Manager Do?
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager is primarily responsible for ensuring that work environments are safe and comply with all environmental and health safety regulations.
They typically work for businesses across a range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
Their duties involve developing and implementing safety policies to minimize occupational hazards and ensure employees are working in safe conditions.
This can include conducting regular safety audits, identifying potential risks, and suggesting improvements to management.
They are also responsible for ensuring the company adheres to environmental laws and regulations.
This might involve monitoring waste disposal, managing pollution prevention efforts, and overseeing the handling of hazardous materials.
In the event of a workplace accident or emergency, the Environmental Health and Safety Manager is responsible for leading the response, including conducting investigations to understand the cause and developing strategies to prevent future occurrences.
They also conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment.
Additionally, they often liaise with regulatory bodies and maintain necessary paperwork, including permits and safety reports.
Ultimately, their role is to foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the organization.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Qualifications and Skills
An effective Environmental Health and Safety Manager should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local environment and safety regulations.
- Experience in implementing and managing environmental health and safety programs, standards, and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills to coordinate with various stakeholders, convey safety procedures, and promote a culture of safety.
- Ability to conduct risk assessments, audits, and inspections to evaluate environmental health and safety hazards.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify potential safety concerns and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Strong leadership and management skills to oversee the organization’s safety programs and initiatives.
- Attention to detail to ensure compliance with all safety guidelines and regulations.
- Proficiency in using safety management software and other relevant tools.
- Strong training and coaching skills to guide employees on safety protocols and procedures.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Experience Requirements
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager generally needs to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of environmental health and safety.
This experience can be gained through roles such as Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Safety Officer, or Compliance Specialist.
Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing safety programs and policies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Additionally, they should have experience in training employees on safety procedures and in conducting safety audits.
Candidates who have worked in industries with specific environmental health and safety concerns, such as manufacturing, construction, or oil and gas, may be particularly sought after.
Those with more than 10 years of experience in environmental health and safety, and a record of successful management of safety programs, may be well-suited for senior managerial or director-level positions.
These roles require a broad knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations, as well as leadership and strategic planning skills.
In addition to work experience, candidates for this role often require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field.
Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas may also be beneficial.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Education and Training Requirements
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager typically holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or environmental science.
They require a strong background in environmental health and safety regulations, as well as knowledge of the specific industry they are working in.
Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are also beneficial for understanding the scientific aspects of the role.
Several positions may demand a master’s degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health, or environmental science, particularly those requiring specialized expertise.
For many positions, professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is desired or even mandatory.
Experience in managing environmental health and safety in a corporate setting is also essential.
This can be obtained through internships, cooperative education programs, or initial entry-level employment.
Moreover, the Environmental Health and Safety Manager needs to be dedicated to continuous learning due to the evolving nature of environmental and safety regulations.
They should also possess strong leadership skills, as they will often be responsible for training and educating others about safety procedures and policies.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Salary Expectations
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.
The actual salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, education, certification, and the geographical location of the organization.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does an Environmental Health and Safety Manager need?
Environmental Health and Safety Managers should ideally have a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Some roles may require a Master’s degree in a related field or professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Additionally, they should have a solid understanding of federal and state health and safety regulations.
What are the daily duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager’s daily duties can include developing, implementing, and monitoring safety programs to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
They may also conduct safety audits and inspections, develop safety training programs, and lead incident investigations.
They often work closely with organizational leadership and employees to promote a culture of safety.
What skills are necessary for an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?
An Environmental Health and Safety Manager should have strong knowledge of safety regulations and standards.
They should also be detail-oriented and have excellent problem-solving skills to identify hazards and propose mitigations.
Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary to work with employees at all levels and convey the importance of safety protocols.
What experience should an Environmental Health and Safety Manager have?
Typically, an Environmental Health and Safety Manager should have several years of experience in a related role, such as a safety officer or coordinator.
They should have experience in developing safety programs, conducting safety audits and inspections, and training employees on safety procedures.
What qualities make a good Environmental Health and Safety Manager?
A good Environmental Health and Safety Manager is committed to promoting a culture of safety and health within the organization.
They are proactive, constantly looking for potential hazards and taking steps to mitigate them.
They are excellent communicators, able to convey complex safety procedures in an easy-to-understand manner.
They are also organized and able to manage multiple tasks and projects at once.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it.
Today, we unravelled the intricate details of what it really means to be an Environmental Health and Safety Manager.
Surprise surprise!
It’s not just about enforcing regulations.
It’s about safeguarding our planet and workplaces, one safety protocol at a time.
With our reliable Environmental Health and Safety Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re all ready to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every protocol you implement is a part of a larger mission.
Let’s create safer environments. Together.
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