Environmental Health and Safety Compliance Specialist

Overview Mendocino Forest Products (MFP), The industry leader in sustainable forest management, seeks an Environmental Health and Safety Compliance Specialist to join our team based in Ukiah, CA. Relocation assistance provided if necessary. The base salary for this position is $70,000.00 to $80,000.00. Your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic locations, skills, education and/or experience. Please keep in mind that that the range published is the full base salary. We also offer a generous benefits package.

The Mendocino Companies (Mendocino Forest Products Company, Mendocino Redwood Company, Humboldt Redwood Company, Humboldt Sawmill Company, and Allweather Wood) own nearly 450,000 acres of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C031337) certificated redwood and Douglas-fir timberland, constitute the largest waterborne wood treater in the Western USA, and is the largest producer of redwood lumber in the world. Collectively providing 950 employees and their families with excellent wages and benefits in communities throughout the Western USA. Additionally, the Mendocino Companies own and operate a 25-megaWatt biomass cogeneration power plant and wood pellet plant.

Responsibilities:

The EHS Compliance Specialist owns day-to-day environmental and safety compliance and drives proactive improvements. The role ensures required inspections, sampling, training, documentation, and submissions are completed accurately and on time, partners with site leadership to reduce risk, and supports cross-site priorities as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environmental (own & execute):

• Maintain and implement environmental policies, procedures, and programs to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations and support company sustainability goals.
• Provide technical and regulatory guidance to management and supervisors on environmental compliance matters.
• Lead improvements that reduce environmental footprint (air emissions controls, stormwater, waste reduction, pollution prevention, groundwater protection, hazardous chemical management).
• Plan and perform environmental monitoring and sampling (air, water, waste); analyze and report results; track and close corrective actions.
• Prepare and submit environmental compliance reports (air, water, waste, hazardous materials) with complete, auditable documentation.
• Conduct routine inspections against permits and programs; recommend/drive corrective actions.

Serve as point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections and audits. Own stormwater (SWPPP/QSE), waste (RCRA), and SPCC programs; maintain permit/plan currency and records.

• Identify and implement environmental programs that improve sustainability and operational efficiency.

Safety (own & execute):

• Deliver and track required safety training; maintain matrices and records (OSHA/Cal-OSHA/OR-OSHA/WA L&I).
• Conduct field inspections/observations (incl. NHOs), document findings, and drive closure of corrective actions.
• Lead/participate in incident response and root-cause investigations (e.g., 5-Whys); verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Maintain and update JHAs, LOTO, PPE, hearing conservation, hazard communication, contractor onboarding, and emergency response plans.

Verify safe work practices in the field and coach supervisors/crews on expectations.

Collaboration and Training:

Partner with operations/maintenance/leadership to prioritize risk and schedule work.

• Conduct training on environmental and safety practices; ensure employees understand how environmental factors impact safety and compliance.
• Support cross-functional teams to integrate environmental management and safety goals into daily operations.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety, or related field (or equivalent experience). 4–7+ years in industrial/manufacturing with both environmental and safety responsibilities. Environmental: Working knowledge of stormwater (SWPPP/QSE), RCRA waste, SPCC, basic air/water permit compliance, reporting, and recordkeeping.

Safety: Working knowledge of OSHA/Cal-OSHA/OR-OSHA/WA L&I; proven ability to deliver and track training, conduct inspections/observations, perform incident investigations with root cause analysis, and drive closure of corrective actions.

• Demonstrated ability to own programs, meet regulatory deadlines, and maintain auditable documentation (training matrices, inspection logs, sampling records, manifests, reports).

Strong communication with operations/maintenance; able to coach in the field and partner on practical fixes.

Preferred:

ASP or CSP (or actively pursuing); other relevant credentials (e.g., HAZWOPER 24/40, OSHA-30, First Aid/CPR).

Experience maintaining JHAs, LOTO, PPE/hearing conservation, HazCom/chemical management, contractor safety onboarding, and emergency response plans.:

Experience interfacing with regulators during inspections/audits.:

Exposure to sustainability/pollution-prevention initiatives that tie to operational efficiency (nice to have, not the core of the role).

Travel Requirements:

Local/regional travel as needed, occasional travel to other company locations, vendors, or agencies.

Physical Requirements:

This position involves continuous walking, sitting for extended periods, and communication. Occasional physical tasks include standing, reaching with hands and arms, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting. Regular use of wrists and fingers for extended periods of typing or data entry is required.

The employee must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, either independently or with assistance. Specific vision abilities required for this role include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally required to sit or stand and maintain balance, particularly when working on elevated platforms or accessing machinery at height. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision (e.g., inspecting machine components); Distance vision (e.g., monitoring operations); Color vision (e.g., identifying wire colors and indicator lights); Peripheral vision; Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus

The employee is occasionally required to detect odors, such as smoke, gas, or burning materials, which may indicate safety hazards.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration from machinery such as saws, conveyors, and hydraulic systems.

The employee is frequently exposed to airborne particles, including sawdust, lubricants, fumes, and welding smoke. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, as well as high, precarious places including catwalks, scaffolding, and elevated work areas. The employee is also exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow, when working in or around outdoor areas of the facility.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, requiring the consistent use of hearing protection in designated areas. The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as mandated b company policy and OSHA Standards, which may include: Safety glasses or face shields, hearing protection, safety gloves, steel-toe safety footwear, hard hats, and respiratory protection if necessary.

Competencies

• Planning & OrganizingEffectively prioritizes and plans work activities to ensure efficient use of time and resources. Demonstrates the ability to set clear goals, develop realistic action plans, and allocate necessary resources for success.

TeamworkWorks collaboratively with others, balancing team, and individual responsibilities. Actively listens and is open to diverse perspectives. Provides constructive feedback and contributes to building a positive team environment. Places team success above individual interests and foster group commitment toward shared goals.

Motivation & InitiativeSets and works toward ambitious goals, demonstrating persistence and overcoming obstacles. Strives for excellence by continuously measuring performance and seeking opportunities for self-improvement. Takes initiative to pursue new challenges, assumes increased responsibilities, and acts independently when necessary. Proactively seeks out opportunities and offers help when needed.

Ethics & Organizational SupportActs with integrity and upholds ethical standards in all aspects of work. Follows established policies and procedures and completes tasks on time. Actively supports the organization’s goals, values, and mission, while respecting diversity and contributing to an inclusive workplace.

Adaptability & DependabilityAdapts effectively to changes in the work environment and successfully manages competing demands. Responds flexibly to new situations and challenges. Follows instructions and is receptive to leadership direction. Demonstrates reliability by meeting deadlines, completing tasks, and adjusting to unforeseen circumstances when necessary.

QualityMaintains high standards of accuracy and thoroughness in work, consistently looking for opportunities to enhance quality and operational efficiency. QuantityAchieves productivity targets, completing tasks efficiently and on time. Continuously seeks ways to improve output while maintaining a focus on quality.

Safety and SecurityAdheres to safety procedures and protocols, actively identifies and reports potential hazards. Ensure proper use of equipment and materials, with a clear focus on maintaining a safe work environment. Understands that safety is a top priority and consistently prioritizes it in all aspects of work performance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any, or a combination of, the following characteristics: race (including hair texture and styles), color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.