Job Details

This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.

JOB SUMMARY: The MEHS role is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees, contractors, and visitors, and plays a vital role in fostering a strong culture of safety across the organization. This role also oversees critical safety functions such as training, auditing, system verification, and continuous improvement to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Actively lead the development and implementation of foundational safety systems, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Machine Guarding, Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS), Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT), fall protection, and other critical safety systems needed including training, audit and verification of systems, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement and maintain strategies, plans and procedures to protect employees, property and facilities from workplace health and safety hazards.
• Assess workplace hazards and risks and recommend appropriate measures to mitigate them.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses, determine root causes and prepare reports with recommendations for corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential safety issues and ensure compliance with established safety protocols.
• Implement CAPEX plan for Safety Improvement in collaboration with engineering and operations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for safety inspections, incidents and training.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safety strategies, plans and procedures, and adjust as needed.
• Collaborate with management to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Stay updated about emerging safety trends, regulations and best practices to ensure continuous improvement.
• Exemplify Company values -Sustainability, Integrity, Quality Respect, and Forward-Thinking.

Training, Development, & Safety

• Provide regular safety training sessions and organize impactful safety campaigns to promote awareness.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations, including food safety standards.
• Consistently work in a safe manner and comply with all health, safety, and security requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and any/all established processes.
• Work with management and P&C training team to help identify staffing and training needs.

General

• Comply with all Company policies communicated through your Team Member Handbook, training, notice boards or other postings, or by a member of management.
• Participate in team meetings and other Company meetings, as required, or requested.
• Support companywide sustainability goals by managing resources.
• Maintain excellent attendance.
• Other duties or projects, as requested.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in safety, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a safety-related role in food manufacturing; dairy industry experience strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) certification or Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and current on OSHA required classes for safety leaders. Member of local chapter American Society of Safety Professional (ASSP), preferred.
• Proficiency in safety auditing, inspection and identifying hazards.
• Well-versed in creating emergency response plans tailored to various scenarios.
• Proficient understanding of compliance with OSHA standards and other relevant safety regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, standards and best practices.
• Expertise in using and maintaining safety equipment like fire extinguishers and hazardous material protection.
• Proficient knowledge Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Teams, required.
• Bilingual - English/Spanish.
• Valid driving license, reliable transportation, and insurance coverage required for travel between locations.

Preferred skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge of food safety and GMP regulations; HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification or similar food safety certification strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with RedZone operational efficiency platform, ERP (Business Central), and HRIS systems, required.
• Knowledge of emergency response and crisis management.
• Experience in managing safety in diverse work environments.

COMPETENCIES

• Risk Assessment: Ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential hazards in dairy processing operations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations, particularly those related to food safety and organic production.
• Training and Development: Skilled in designing and delivering effective health and safety training programs.
• Incident Investigation: Proficiency in investigating accidents and incidents, determining root causes, and recommending corrective actions.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey safety information and collaborate with team members at all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex situations, develop practical solutions to safety challenges, and mitigate potential risks.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Leadership: Capable of promoting a culture of safety and influencing others to prioritize health and safety in their daily activities.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily based in a manufacturing facility with routine time spent on the production floor.
• Sound judgment to make timely and informed decisions regarding health and safety matters.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as emergency responses and accident investigations, calmly and effectively.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret business documents.
• Ability to communicate via speech, writing and hearing with employees, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Ability to work on a computer and look at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Extended periods of standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending and flexing the arms, legs, wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to withstand noise produced by machinery, up to 90 decibels.
• The ability to climb and balance is essential.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -20° to 100° Fahrenheit.
• Working in cold, wet, humid environments and in high allergen environments is essential.

WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA.
• Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday but may vary dependent on business need.
• Flexibility is required to be on call after hours and to work weekends and holidays.
• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Work schedule

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• On call

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Profit sharing