EHS Specialist

Company Overview

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is the global leader in thermoset resins. Through a broad range of thermoset technologies and specialty products, Hexion serves and supports customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Hexion materials are found in products that touch nearly every facet of modern living. At Hexion, we believe that leadership begins with integrity, ethics and environmentally sound operations. When you work for Hexion, you are partnering with a company that is not only focused on delivering value but on doing it in a safe, ethical and environmentally responsible manner.

Position Overview

EHS Role for Chemical Manufacturing

Main work location: St Romuald, QC

Part time support for: Moreau, NY

Position Title: EHS Field Specialist

Supervisor: Site Leader

Position Type/Term: Full-time 40 hours/week Monday to Friday (On-Call)

Role Overview:

This role provides Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) coverage for 2 chemical manufacturing sites. The goal is to ensure compliance with all relevant EHS regulations, maintain a safe working environment, and minimize environmental during fluctuating volumes, changing processes and engineering improvements.

Role Scope:

Providing comprehensive EHS services including conducting EHS audits and inspections, developing and implementing EHS management systems, providing EHS training for employees, monitoring and reporting on EHS performance, managing hazardous materials and waste, and ensuring compliance with local, provincial, and federal EHS regulations. Additionally, the scope includes daily monitoring and follow-up of EHS activities at site, regular communication with site management to address EHS issues promptly, and documentation and reporting of daily EHS activities and incidents.

This includes implementing corporate EHS directives and initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate EHS policies and goals, and coordinating with corporate EHS teams to execute company-wide EHS programs.

Job Responsibilities

Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification

• On-Site, Field safety role. During daily inspections, conduct regular risk assessments and hazard analyses specific to chemical processes and operations
• Identify potential exposure to toxic substances, fire risks, and equipment-related hazards.
• Supporting the Process Safety Management team.
• Permit-to-Work Systems: Ensure safe execution of high-risk tasks like confined space entry or hot work.
• Behavioral Safety: Promote safe behaviors through coaching and observation programs.

Regulatory Compliance

• Manage environmental testing, monitoring and sampling.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports (e.g., NPRI, GHG, IQEA, annual approval report).
• Responsible for implementation of environmental approval; maintain documentation and liaise with regulatory agencies.
• Responsible for environmental training and promoting environmental awareness across the site.
• Ensure adherence to local, provincial, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving legislation and standards.

Incident Investigation & Reporting

• Lead investigations into accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Document findings, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.

Safety Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver training programs on chemical handling, PPE usage, emergency response, and safe work practices.
• Oversee safety inductions for new employees and contractors.

Emergency Preparedness

• Create and test emergency response plans for chemical spills, fires, and explosions.
• Coordinate drills and ensure readiness of first aid and firefighting equipment.

Environmental Monitoring

• Monitor air and water quality, waste disposal, and emissions.
• Work with vendors on improving waste management & reduction.

Safety Audits & Inspections

• Perform routine inspections of equipment, storage areas, and work practices.
• Ensure proper labeling, containment, and handling of hazardous materials.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Draft and update HSE policies tailored to chemical plant operations.
• Collaborate with management to embed safety culture across departments.

Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Review contractor HSE plans and ensure compliance during site activities.
• Liaise with external agencies and internal teams to align safety goals.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track safety performance metrics and trends.
• Prepare reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in providing EHS services in the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of successful EHS management and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital safety systems.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Canadian and US EHS regulations and standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• NCSO, National Construction Safety Officer or CRSP, Canadian Registered Safety Professional, preferred.
• Experience in managing multisite EHS programs in the chemical industry.
• Certified EHS professionals with relevant qualifications preferred.
• French and English communication skills, reading and writing.
• Requires substantial on-site presence, with the role being unsuitable for remote work arrangements.
• Fit for Duty; this is a safety-sensitive position, requiring a high degree of responsibility and alertness to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
• Physical: Requires the ability to wear full and half face respirators. Must be able to work in all weather conditions. Walking, sitting, climbing, lifting, balancing, kneeling, reaching, handling, dexterity, talking, hearing, seeing. Possess the ability to handle weights up to 55 lbs. Requires visual acuity to distinguish colors.
• Aptitudes: must possess the ability to understand the meaning of words and their ideas, as well as instructions and their underlying principles. Perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately and possess eye-hand coordination. Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Temperaments: Must have the ability to accept responsibility, perform duties under stress, adapt to situations requiring preciseness and adapt to changing duties and responsibilities.
• Travel Requirement: This position is based in Quebec and requires regular business travel to support U.S. operations, typically one week every six weeks. Candidates must possess a valid passport and be legally admissible to the United States for business travel.
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and any other pre-employment assessments required for the position.
• Must be eligible for cross-border travel between Canada and the United States without employer sponsorship.