Senior / Principal EHS Specialist

Position Description

Calico is seeking a Senior/Principal Environmental Health & Safety Specialist to join the EHS team. Calico EHS works directly with researchers, facilities and operations staff, to prevent accidents, resolve unsafe conditions, protect the environment, and provide consultation on environmental, health and safety practices and regulatory information.

The role will be the primary owner for Environmental Programs, as well as own or assist with the implementation of several other EHS programs, promote safety practices and look for ways to offer continuous improvement in a fast paced, always changing start up environment.

In this role, you will exercise a high degree of independent judgment to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee government reporting. You will proactively analyze systemic risks, lead significant incident investigations, and implement effective CAPAs to mitigate organizational liability.

An exceptional collaborator and communicator, you will interface seamlessly with lab, office, and operations staff, manage vendor performance, and design and deliver complex technical training.

Additionally, you will lead small-to-medium or safety initiatives and facility modification reviews to champion a proactive culture of compliance or lead cross-functional teams for significant safety culture initiatives and strategic facility planning.

Position Responsibilities

• Environmental Programs owner:
• Air, Water, Waste programsHazardous Waste (chemical and bio- hazardous waste) program
• Work with vendors and lab members to manage waste appropriately
• Permits and reporting for the above programs
• Regulatory Environmental reporting requirements (CERS, biennial report, etc.)
• Controlled Substances Program owner
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program owner
• Pandemic (e.g., COVID) Response (day-to-day activities/communications)
• Life Safety Programs and Emergency Response
• Building Evacuation Team Lead
• First Aid / AED / Fire Boxes maintenance
• Fire/Earthquake Drills Lead
• Emergency action plan Lead
• Worker's Compensation liaison (HR Program Owner) and OSHA Log maintenance
• Supervisor of on-site Hazardous Waste vendor staff
• Assist with implementation and record keeping for Environmental Health and Safety programs such as: Radiation Safety, Biosafety, Chemical Safety, Physical Safety Programs, Ergonomics, Overall Training Programs/LMS, Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, and Contractor/Construction Safety
• Serve as backup Chemical Hygiene, Biological Safety Officer, and as an alternate Radiation Safety Officer
• Conduct IH surveys to identify processes that pose a risk to the health and safety of employees and make recommendations for improvement
• Perform risk/exposure assessments pertaining to laboratory/chemical/biological safety, conduct lab audits, recommend and follow up on corrective actions
• Respond to emergencies and spills
• Conduct safety training and incident investigations
• Help implement and maintain chemical inventory, SDS library, Learning Management System, regulatory reporting requirements (CERS, biennial report, etc.) and ensuring chemical and biohazard materials are properly stored
• Work as a team member in implementing other environmental health and safety programs as needed
• Assist with the Calico Safety Committee and follow up with action items
• Assist with IACUC protocols and tasks associated with Vivarium
• Help manage Learning Management System to maintain overall compliance

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in scientific or safety related field with 5-8+ years' experience working in an EH&S department, preferably in the life science industry; 2-5+ years' experience with a Masters/PhD
• Certification (ASP/CSP/CIH) preferred
• Ability to keep accurate records, be highly organized, prioritize time and adjust goals quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to solve problems, find novel solutions and build programs from the ground up in a startup environment
• Experience with Hazardous Waste Program Management and other Environmental Programs
• Knowledge and experience with EHS Systems and programs (e.g., Biosafety, Respiratory Protection, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, LOTO, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and interact with a large group of people with diverse needs and goals while also meeting the overall goals and objectives of the company
• Ability to adapt style and use persuasion in delivering messages that relate to the wider firm business
• Must be willing to work onsite 5 days a week

Pay and benefits

The estimated base salary range for this role is $145,000 - $180,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.