EHS SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

About Kari-Out®

Kari-Out® supports food on the go with a diverse portfolio of products for the food service industry, including packaging, tableware, sauces, wipes, and ingredients. Since the 1970s, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices, serving both independent and national foodservice distributors.

Founded in 1964, Kari-Out is a family-owned company with extensive experience in food production and takeout packaging. Today, we employ hundreds of team members across multiple locations nationwide, operating over 1 million square feet of facility space.

As we continue to grow, we remain focused on innovation, product excellence, and strong partnerships. Our success is driven by our people and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

If you’re looking to join a collaborative environment that challenges the status quo and prioritizes customer success, we encourage you to apply.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a skilled Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist to join our team, supporting two of our New Jersey sites , with a primary office based in Totowa, New Jersey .

The EHS Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant workplace across our manufacturing and warehouse operations. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining programs and procedures to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, with a strong emphasis on OSHA reporting and workplace safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver initial and refresher safety training across both facilities, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hazard Communication, chemical safety, slip/trip/fall prevention, PPE usage, hearing conservation, emergency evacuation, and environmental compliance
• Lead incident investigations, including root cause analysis for accidents, injuries, and near misses
• Respond to EHS incidents and provide guidance on corrective actions and regulatory reporting
• Maintain and update EHS documentation, including OSHA logs, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and regulatory records
• Track and analyze EHS metrics, prepare reports, and recommend continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste in compliance with environmental regulations
• Maintain audit-ready conditions at all times
• Support and execute fire drills and emergency evacuations
• Coordinate and lead safety-related programs and trainings
• Provide hands-on training for machine-specific LOTO procedures
• Conduct new-hire safety orientations
• Serve as the primary authority for hot work permit issuance
• Partner with leadership and employees to foster a strong safety culture
• Manage site safety vendors (PPE, first aid, waste disposal, etc.)
• Support behavior-based safety initiatives
• Conduct routine inspections for hazards, PPE compliance, LOTO, machine guarding, and waste areas
• Perform regular safety audits of manufacturing and warehouse operations
• Liaise with regulatory agencies during inspections and audits
• Perform monthly fire extinguisher and crane/hoist inspections

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of EHS experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, including OSHA 300 logs and incident reporting
• Understanding of environmental regulations (EPA, RCRA) and hazardous material management
• Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Professional certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, CSP, CHMM) are a plus

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Wellness Program
• Voluntary benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off