Summary
The Environmental Specialist will report to the Environmental Manager and serve as part of the Environmental Center of Excellence. This role is responsible for planning directing and managing environmental programs across sites within an assigned region or business group. The position provides technical expertise to site and business leaders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to develop corrective actions that mitigate environmental risks. The role may also support manufacturing sites and lead or participate in environmental-specific projects.
Key Responsibilities
Support core values and continuous improvement initiatives identifying opportunities for operational and environmental enhancements.
Develop and implement environmental policies standards and operating guidelines.
Serve as a regulatory expert ensuring facility activities align with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Stay current on regulatory changes best practices and permit requirements.
Coordinate resourcesincluding consultantsto implement environmental programs and processes.
Perform air water and waste calculations and submit required regulatory reports.
Evaluate environmental program performance and provide summary reports to the Environmental Manager.
Participate in incident investigations in a technical advisory capacity.
Ensure regulatory training programs and record retention systems are maintained.
Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies.
Provide leadership mentorship and guidance to site management teams.
Interpret and monitor compliance with regulatory and industry requirements for preventive and remedial programs.
Participate in the internal HSE audit program as an auditor and/or advisor for corrective actions.
Education Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
Minimum of 5 years of environmental experience in a manufacturing environment.
Technical expertise in environmental compliance areas including air water and waste management along with associated permitting.
Ability to perform emission calculations required for environmental compliance.
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to simplify complex regulatory requirements for employees at all levels.
Ability to anticipate issues interpret complex regulations and guide sites toward compliance.
Knowledge of environmental regulations related to air water and solid/hazardous waste.
Strong multitasking organizational and influencing skills including interactions with regulatory agencies.
Ability to work effectively with operations technical and maintenance teams.
Self-directed with the ability to take initiative implement change and uphold Westlakes core values.
Working knowledge of stormwater and wastewater permitting RCRA hazardous waste rules generator compliance and routine reporting (TRI Tier II etc.).
Working knowledge of air permitting and compliance is a plus.
This is a fully onsite role requiring daily commute to a Westlake plant.
Physical Demands
The role requires frequent sitting standing walking use of hands reaching and verbal communication. Occasional stooping kneeling or crouching may be required. The employee must be able to regularly lift up to 10 lbs. frequently lift up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Vision requirements include close distance color peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses hearing protection etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements such as hot and cold temperatures and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air or auto travel will be required (50-60%).