Environmental Health and Safety Engineer

Job Title: Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
Location: 9390 Towne Centre Dr #200, San Diego, CA 92121
Duration: 12-Month Contract (Potential for Extension or Conversion)
Pay Rate: $37.93 – $55.17 per hour (W2)
Benefits: Weekly pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Work Schedule:
Standard hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be required to work earlier or later as needed, and occasional weekend work may be required, though it is not expected to occur frequently.
Position: Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Engineering Associate
Reports To: Senior Environmental Health & Safety Program Manager
 
Position Summary
The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Engineering Associate supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This role also promotes a strong safety culture and environmental responsibility across the organization.
The position involves hands-on program implementation, safety training, incident investigation, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate EHS risks. The ideal candidate will help drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
 
Key Responsibilities
EHS Program Development & Implementation

• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining EHS programs, policies, and procedures including:
  • Hazard Communication
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Emergency Response
  • Waste Management
  • Ergonomics
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ensure EHS programs meet or exceed regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Support implementation and maintenance of EHS management systems.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations including OSHA, EPA, DOT, CUPA, and local fire codes.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain EHS documentation, permits, and records.
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audits.
• Generate safety metrics (headcount, work hours, incidents, inspection findings, etc.) for reporting to the Safety Committee and site leadership.

Risk Assessment & Hazard Control

• Conduct routine EHS inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Identify hazards and compliance gaps and recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Perform Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and assist in developing safe work procedures.

Training & Communication

• Develop and deliver EHS training programs for new and existing employees.
• Promote safety awareness and encourage a proactive safety culture.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for EHS-related topics.
• Facilitate safety committee meetings and safety initiatives.

Incident Investigation & Emergency Response

• Lead or assist in investigations related to accidents, injuries, near misses, spills, and environmental incidents.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain incident records and track injury/illness metrics such as DART and TRIR.
• Coordinate and participate in emergency response activities and drills.
• Organize and lead site-specific Emergency Response Team (ERT) training.

Waste Management

• Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste programs including:
  • Proper labeling
  • Storage
  • Transportation
  • Disposal
• Ensure compliance with regulatory waste management requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze EHS performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes, industry trends, and best practices.
• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives within EHS programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 
Requirements
Education
Degree or certification in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an EHS role, preferably within biotechnology, medical device, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with IACUC, animal care, and husbandry.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing EHS programs.
• Experience managing regulatory compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other relevant regulations.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety audits.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels.

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EHS management systems such as ISO 14001 or ISO 45001.
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (5S, Lean, Six Sigma fundamentals).
• Experience using EHS software platforms or safety databases.
• First Aid / CPR / AED certification.
• HAZWOPER certification.

 
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, lab coats, respirators, hard hats, and safety shoes.
• Work may take place in office areas, manufacturing floors, research laboratories, and vivarium environments.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, biological materials, and bloodborne pathogens.
• Occasional travel may be required for training or to support other company locations.

 
Key Technical Expertise for This Role
The ideal candidate will have strong experience with:

• Hazardous and biological waste management
• Chemical handling and chemical waste disposal
• Spill response procedures
• San Diego County HAZMAT regulations
• CERS (California Environmental Reporting System) online portal
• Chemical safety, storage, and regulatory compliance