Manager of Safety

Overview

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio.  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.

Essential Job Summary:

The Safety Manager is responsible for implementing and overseeing all health and safety programs at the company’s material recycling facilities throughout the region.  This role ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA and local environmental and safety regulations while fostering a culture of safety among all employees.  The Safety Manager works closely with operations and maintenance teams to minimize risk and promote a safe working environment in a high-volume, industrial recycling setting.

Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned. 

Safety Program Management

• Develop and maintain site-specific safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert across MRFs on safety regulations, company policies and best practices
• Conduct regular observations and inspections to ensure that all safety practices, programs, record keeping, and other related activities are being followed and performed to company, customer, and regulatory standards.

Training, Compliance & Emergency Preparedness

• Deliver safety training for new hires and ongoing refresher courses for all staff.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of training, incidents, inspections, and regulatory reports.
• Assist Corporate Safety Training Manager with development and revisions to training materials and manuals as applicable to MRFs.
• Develop and lead emergency response plans and drills (fire, chemical spill, evacuation).
• Coordinate with local emergency services as needed.

Operational Safety Oversight

• Monitor facility operations to identify potential hazards in sorting, baling, and equipment use.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe operation of heavy machinery (e.g., conveyors, forklifts, balers).
• Collaborate with maintenance to ensure lockout/tagout (LOTO) and confined space procedures are followed.

Incident Management

• Investigate accidents, near-misses, and safety violations.
• Prepare detailed reports, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate and lead Incident Review Team meetings as needed.
• Assist in managed care of injuries.

Leadership & Culture

• Demonstrates a commitment to communicating, improving, and adhering to safety policies in all work environment areas.
• Promote a culture of safety through positive reinforcement, coaching and leading by example.
• Provide coaching and support to supervisors and frontline employees.
• Participate in safety committees and cross-functional teams.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Candidates should possess 3-5 years of experience, preferably in sanitation/ solid waste, transportation, or industrial operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and federal/state/ local Health & Safety and Transportation compliance regulations.
• Good analytical and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent ability to communicate, collaborate, and partner with Operations to ensure safe operations across our sites.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between sites within the market. Frequent travel to field operations and transfer stations
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary Range Minimum

Salary Range Maximum