Senior Director, Environmental Health & Safety

SENIOR DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of environmental health and safety programs across all US locations. This role ensures the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, while promoting a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and risk management. The Director will work closely with various departments to foster an environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees and minimizes environmental impact.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and implement EHS policies: Create, update, and enforce environmental, health, and safety policies in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure the company is compliant with all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and local laws), including managing permits, safety logs, reports, inspection records, audits, and corrective actions. Manage all environmental policies and procedures, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, air permitting, pollution and spill prevention and response, storm and wastewater management, etc.
• Environmental management: Oversee environmental compliance programs, including hazardous waste management, air and water quality standards, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
• Risk assessment and mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and safety inspections across all facilities to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement corrective measures to reduce risks and prevent incidents.
• Emergency preparedness: Develop and manage emergency response plans for workplace accidents, chemical spills, fire safety, and natural disasters.
• Incident investigation: Lead investigations of accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Employee training and development: Design and deliver safety training programs to educate employees on safe work practices, environmental protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Safety culture promotion: Foster a company-wide safety culture by encouraging open communication on safety issues, recognizing safe behaviors, and engaging employees at all levels in safety initiatives. Establish and execute continual improvement initiatives.
• Reporting and documentation: Prepare reports on EHS performance metrics, incidents, and compliance for senior management and regulatory bodies. Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Budget management: Develop and manage the EHS budget, ensuring cost-effective management of programs and initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work with operations, Legal, People & Culture, engineering, and other departments to integrate EHS strategies into business processes and projects.
• Talent Management: Oversee EHS workforce plan; hire, develop, train and mentor all levels of EHS employees and support staff.
• Consultants and Contractors: Oversee the management of consultants, as needed, including soliciting proposals, reviewing bids, contract negotiations, overseeing work assignments, reviewing deliverables, and billing.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in health & safety, Environmental Technology, or similar field
• Certified Health & Safety Professional
• 15+ years’ experience in occupational health and safety in manufacturing, aerospace environment, or construction environment
• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene
• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 
• Ability to remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE 
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted