What Does an EHS Manager Do?

Environmental health and safety (EHS) managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of their company’s environmental, health, and safety policies. They commonly work with a team of professionals to ensure that these policies are implemented correctly and consistently across the organization.

EHS managers may also be tasked with developing new policies or procedures related to EHS issues. This might include anything from creating plans for handling spills or other emergencies to designing programs to reduce workplace hazards or increase employee safety.

EHS Manager Job Duties

An EHS manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, including identifying risks and providing training to employees on how to handle hazardous materials or situations
• Ensuring that all safety equipment is in good working condition and available for use by all employees
• Conducting inspections to identify potential hazards and create plans to eliminate them
• Developing emergency response plans for natural disasters, fire hazards, chemical spills, etc.
• Maintaining records of accidents and injuries to track trends and improve safety measures
• Creating and enforcing occupational health and safety standards in accordance with federal, state, and international regulations
• Monitoring the work environment to ensure that it is safe for employees to work in
• Conducting accident investigations when accidents occur to determine their causes
• Establishing emergency preparedness plans to ensure that the company can continue operations in the event of an emergency

EHS Manager Salary & Outlook

Environmental health manager salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $95,000 ($45.67/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $132,000 ($63.46/hour)

The employment of environmental health and safety managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need to ensure that workers are safe and do not pose a risk to the environment. In addition, environmental concerns, such as climate change and water pollution, may lead to new regulations and policies designed to protect the environment.

Related: EHS Manager Interview Questions and Answers

EHS Manager Job Requirements

The qualifications necessary to become an EHS manager vary depending on the position, but may include:

Education: Employers typically require EHS managers to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, environmental science, biology, chemistry or a related field. Some of the coursework these programs offer includes environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental toxicology, environmental biology and environmental law.

Some employers prefer to hire EHS managers who have a master’s degree in environmental health or environmental science.

Training & Experience: Many EHS managers receive on-the-job training in their current position. This training may include shadowing the current EHS manager or working with a senior-level employee. The training may last for a few months to a year.

Certifications & Licenses: While not always required, certifications can provide proof of an individual’s abilities and help them advance their career. EHS managers can earn certifications to gain more theoretical knowledge of their responsibilities, test their professional skills and further advance their career.

EHS Manager Skills

EHS managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. EHS managers must be able to communicate effectively with employees, clients and other stakeholders. This includes the ability to speak, write and listen. Effective communication can help you to convey important information, answer questions and resolve issues.

Leadership: Leadership skills can help EHS managers motivate their teams and encourage them to work together to achieve organizational goals. Effective leaders can also inspire their teams to develop their skills and take on new challenges. EHS managers with strong leadership skills can also help their organizations develop and implement effective safety procedures.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills allow you to identify issues, develop solutions and implement those solutions. As an EHS manager, you may be responsible for overseeing the safety of a company’s employees and facilities. This role often requires you to identify potential hazards and develop solutions to prevent them. You may also be responsible for identifying and resolving workplace accidents.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a decision based on the information you have. EHS managers often use critical thinking skills to make decisions about workplace safety, environmental regulations and employee training. They also use critical thinking to evaluate the success of their decisions and make changes when necessary.

Project management: Project management is the ability to oversee and direct a project from start to finish. EHS managers often use project management skills to ensure their team meets regulatory compliance deadlines, completes inspections and conducts safety training. Effective project management can also help an EHS manager delegate tasks and track employee progress.

EHS Manager Work Environment

The work environment for an EHS manager is usually in an office setting, although some travel may be required to visit different work sites. EHS managers typically work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be required to work overtime during emergencies or to meet deadlines. The job can be stressful at times, as EHS managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are following safety regulations and that the workplace is free of hazards.

EHS Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how EHS managers work. EHS managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Skills

The need for more technical skills is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of modern businesses. As businesses become more complex, they require EHS managers who are able to understand and manage the latest technologies.

This trend means that EHS managers will need to be well-versed in the latest technologies in order to keep their companies safe and compliant with regulations. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team, such as engineers and product managers.

More Focus on Preventative Measures

As businesses become more aware of the costs associated with accidents and injuries, they are beginning to focus more on preventative measures. This is leading to an increased demand for EHS managers who can help create and implement safety programs that reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

EHS managers who are able to develop effective safety programs will be in high demand, as businesses look for ways to reduce their risks without sacrificing productivity. In order to be successful, EHS managers will need to be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions that meet the needs of both the business and its employees.

Greater Emphasis on Employee Engagement

Employee engagement has become a major focus for many businesses in recent years. This is because employers have realized that having engaged employees leads to greater productivity and lower turnover rates.

As a result, EHS managers are now tasked with creating a workplace environment that promotes employee engagement. This includes things like providing opportunities for growth and development, offering rewards for good performance, and fostering a positive work culture.

How to Become an EHS Manager

EHS managers are responsible for ensuring that their company complies with all environmental, health, and safety regulations. This can be a challenging but rewarding career path, as EHS managers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their employees and the community at large.

To become an EHS manager, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of environmental, health, and safety regulations. You should also have experience managing people and projects. Additionally, it’s important to have a good working knowledge of risk management and compliance techniques.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance your career as an EHS manager. One way is to get additional education, such as a master’s degree in environmental health or safety. This will give you the knowledge and credentials you need to apply for higher-level positions. Another way to advance is to gain experience in a variety of EHS-related areas. This will make you more valuable to employers and give you a better chance of being promoted. Finally, networking is important in this field. Get to know other EHS professionals, both in your company and in other organizations. This will give you a better understanding of the industry and help you find job opportunities that are a good fit for your skills and experience.

EHS Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are committed to the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate. We are looking for an experienced EHS Manager to lead our efforts in developing, implementing, and maintaining our environmental, health, and safety programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental, health, and safety management, as well as experience developing and leading teams. They will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with regulatory agencies. Additionally, they will be responsible for developing and leading training programs for employees on topics such as safety procedures, emergency response, and environmental awareness.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety laws, regulations, and standards
• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental, health, and safety programs, policies, and procedures
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans
• Train employees on environmental, health, and safety topics
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near-misses, and take corrective and preventative action as necessary
• Monitor environmental, health, and safety metrics and KPIs
• Prepare and submit environmental reports
• Perform audits of facilities, equipment, and processes
• Coordinate with external agencies, such as OSHA, EPA, and local authorities
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental, health, and safety trends
• Keep abreast of changes in relevant laws and regulations
• Manage the EHS budget

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, or related field
• 5+ years experience in environmental, health, and safety management
• Working knowledge of federal and state EHS regulations
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement EHS programs
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, or related field
• Professional certification, such as CSP, CIH, or CHMM
• 10+ years experience in environmental, health, and safety management
• Experience developing and conducting training programs
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards