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SUMMARY

The Occupational Safety Specialist I – Emergency Response provides 24/7 emergency response capabilities (fire, rescue, hazmat, and medical) for our chemical manufacturing facility. This role combines hands‑on emergency operations with training, inspections, and coaching to support a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

Emergency Response

• Responds as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to:

  • Fire suppression and fire prevention activities

  • Hazardous materials/chemical spill response

  • Technical rescue operations (e.g., high angle and confined space rescue)

  • Medical emergencies in accordance with EMT/Paramedic scope of practice and applicable protocols

• Performs all response activities in accordance with NFPA, Federal, State and local standards, and site procedures.

• May participate in the Incident Command Center (ICC), may serve as On-Scene Incident Commander (OSIC) for a facility or unit

• Operates and maintains emergency response vehicles and associated equipment in a ready state

Safety & Compliance

• Conducts regular inspections of plant areas, equipment, and systems to detect potential fire, life safety, and general safety hazards; communicates findings and follows up to ensure corrective actions are implemented.

• Assists with investigations of alarms, fires, hazardous releases, and other emergency incidents, including root cause analysis and development of corrective and preventive actions.

• Assists in evaluating and reviewing confined space entry and hot work permits and participates in field inspections to verify compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements at hazardous work sites.

• Follows and supports standard practices, procedures, and policies as part of the Fire and Emergency Response Services and Occupational Safety teams.

Training & Coaching

• Leads monthly ERT training for assigned shift, including fire, rescue, hazmat, and medical topics, to maintain team readiness and competency.

• Attends and leads annual training, which may be offsite, including specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and fire training.

• Performs administrative duties related to training, including tracking completion records, scheduling classes and instructors, coordinating facilities/resources, and preparing statistical summaries.

• Provides coaching and reinforcement of safety policies and procedures in cooperation with the Safety department and operating departments.

• Conducts safety observations and provides visible, consistent safety presence throughout the facility to help verify training effectiveness and promote safe behaviors.

Administration & Department Support

• Assumes duties of other Safety Specialist/Department team members as needed during absences (vacation, illness, training, etc.).

• Assists in compiling, verifying, and correlating data related to emergency response, drills, and safety performance metrics.

• Performs other related duties and special assignments as directed by supervision.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in a directly related technical field and 3–5 years of progressive experience in emergency response, industrial safety, or related field; OR High school diploma/GED and 5–7 years of progressive experience in emergency response, industrial safety, or related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of industrial experience working in a chemical plant, refinery, or similar high‑hazard atmosphere.

• Experience in On-Scene Incident Command of fire, rescue, medical, and hazmat emergencies.

• At minimum, current National Registry and Louisiana EMT certification (or ability to obtain Louisiana reciprocity within a defined timeframe after hire).

• Must have or be able to obtain within 12 months of hire, required certifications in: Firefighting (industrial or equivalent), Technical Rescue Services (e.g., confined space and high‑angle rescue), Hazardous Materials Technician level, Other specialized training as designated by the facility.

• Demonstrated ability to educate and train employees in general health and safety principles and techniques.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• NR-EMT Paramedic certification.

• Prior experience on an industrial ERT within a chemical/refinery or other high‑hazard process facility.

• Experience leading emergency response drills and training programs.

• Working knowledge of NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and relevant Federal/State safety and environmental requirements.

• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis tools.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position may be assigned either to a regular shift position or to a shift‑relief assignment.

• When assigned to a shift position, the employee will typically work a rotating 12‑hour schedule providing 24/7 coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• When assigned to a shift‑relief role, the employee will provide coverage for vacancies on the shift schedule and, when not covering vacancies, will normally work a standard 40‑hour workweek (day schedule).

• The position requires flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, and unscheduled coverage when necessary to avoid open emergency response positions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.