Environmental Health Safety Specialist (Grand Rapids)

Join a Mission That Matters — Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a butter manufacturer — we’re a purpose-driven organization committed to making a meaningful impact. For over 60 years, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading food brands to craft innovative, value-added butter products that bring quality and flavor to millions of tables. Yet what truly sets us apart isn’t just what we make — it’s why we make it. Our mission is simple and powerful: to Enrich Lives, inside and outside our walls.

Recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For , Butterball Farms is where talent is developed, ideas are championed, and collaboration fuels results. We foster an environment where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and lead — because when our team members thrive, our business does too.

We operate as one team, united by shared values and a commitment to continuous improvement. We celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and consistently raise the bar as we evolve and scale. Every new voice strengthens our foundation and helps us build what’s next.

Our dedication to enriching lives extends beyond our products and into the communities we serve. We actively create opportunities for individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, offering meaningful work and a pathway toward a new future. We believe in second chances, investing in potential, and opening doors that build stronger individuals, stronger families, and stronger communities.

At Butterball® Farms, purpose and performance go hand in hand — and the work we do together truly makes a difference.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe our team members are our greatest investment — that’s why we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support your growth and well-being, both at work and beyond.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement
• Build your career in an environment that encourages development, accountability, and internal promotion.
• High-Performance Culture
• Join a workplace where we challenge each other to grow, think differently, and deliver our best — every shift, every day.
• Inclusive & Supportive Environment
• We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Every voice matters.
• Competitive Pay & Shift Premiums
• Additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift roles.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Because rest and balance make us stronger.
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Invest in your future while you help us build ours.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Continuous Learning
• Grow your career with educational support.
• Community Connection
• Access The Source for resources, financial counseling, and family services — supporting the whole you.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related matters.

What to Expect in Our Hiring Process

We believe every application represents a person—not just a resume. Our process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and fair at every stage.

• Application Review Our team carefully reviews each application to identify alignment with the role and our organizational needs.
• Virtual or Phone Interview If there’s a potential fit, you may be invited to complete a brief virtual interview or connect directly with our team to discuss your experience, goals, and interests.
• On-Site Interview & Facility Tour Selected candidates will be invited to meet the team in person and experience our environment firsthand.
• Pre-Employment Screening As part of our standard hiring process, all candidates will be required to complete a drug screening and background check.
• Background Check Review Process As a second-chance employer, a prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We are committed to fair evaluations that are specific to the individual. Background checks are reviewed in context—including factors such as time passed, relevance to the role, and demonstrated growth.
• Offer & Onboarding If there’s a strong mutual fit, we’ll guide you through the offer process and provide a supportive onboarding experience designed to set you up for success from day one.

Key Responsibilities

(For a full list of responsibilities please check the job description on our website.)

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations (EPA, EGLE, local) and manage wastewater, air emissions, GHG tracking, and environmental reporting. Maintain audit-ready documentation and support sustainability initiatives, including leading the sustainability team.
• Develop and oversee OSHA-compliant safety programs, including inspections, audits, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective actions. Track key safety metrics (TRIR, near misses) and lead ergonomics, PPE, machine guarding, and LOTO compliance.
• Establish and maintain EHS SOPs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, document control standards, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality and Operations to support food safety compliance (GMPs, HACCP, FDA/FSMA) and lead audit readiness for third-party standards such as BRC and SQF.
• Deliver EHS training and drive a proactive safety culture through leadership partnership, accountability, and effective use of technology.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response planning, including drills, incident reporting, and coordination with external agencies.
• Oversee contractor safety programs and ensure adherence to all facility safety, PPE, and GMP requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement through EHS data analysis, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance.

Education/ Certificates/ Licenses/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, or related field required
• 2–5 years of EHS experience in a manufacturing environment (food industry preferred)
• Experience with wastewater systems and/or air permitting preferred
• Familiarity with ISO 14001:2015 standards preferred
• Experience managing OSHA 300 logs and 300A summaries
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency preferred, including experience with applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with RedZone production management software preferred, including the ability to utilize its tools for real-time communication, productivity tracking, and operational improvement. (preferred)
• Lead cross-functional teams
• Experience creating clear, engaging, and professional presentations to effectively communicate information and support training or business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, (MI)OSHA standards, and food safety requirements
• Analytical thinking with strong problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of the organization

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

(This role requires the following physical activities)

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Standing
• Walking
• Reaching
• Grasping
• Talking
• Hearing
• Seeing (equipment, production areas, sanitation standards, documentation)
• Fine motor coordination (handling tools, sanitation equipment, documentation)
• Repetitive hand motions (cleaning, scrubbing, equipment handling)
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body

Occasional (1–66% of the time):

• Lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Carrying (equipment, chemicals, tools)
• Pushing (sanitation equipment, carts)
• Pulling (hoses, equipment)
• Stooping
• Crouching
• Kneeling
• Climbing (ladders or platforms, as applicable)

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment , which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitation agents, with responsibility for handling, use, and storage in strict accordance with established safety guidelines and protocols
• On-site, in-office role to support collaboration and leadership presence

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