Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety

Turn trash into opportunity — build a career that keeps communities running. Patriot Disposal / Apple Valley Waste is one of the fastest-growing waste and recycling companies in the Mid-Atlantic. As we continue to expand, we’re building a high-performing team to support our growth across residential, commercial, and roll-off services.

We’re looking for a Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) who is a strategic leader, passionate about safety, and committed to building a culture where environmental compliance, employee well-being, and operational excellence are top priorities. This individual will lead our EHS strategy, drive accountability across all levels of the organization, and develop programs that protect our people, strengthen our operations, and support our continued growth.

If you’re a forward-thinking leader who takes ownership, influences change, and knows how to build a strong safety culture while supporting a rapidly growing organization, this is your opportunity to make an impact and grow with us.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of EH&S supports multiple operating divisions within a designated region, driving the development, implementation, and oversight of loss prevention initiatives, regulatory compliance, and a culture of safety. This role focuses on training, coaching, and supporting the District General Managers and their front-line leaders to ensure a proactive, consistent, and effective safety environment.

This position does not have a fixed office location and requires extensive travel across the company’s footprint PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as a safety subject matter expert and provide consultation to divisional leadership on safety programs, procedures, and compliance. Design, deliver, and reinforce training programs that promote a proactive and sustainable safety culture.

Monitor and support the implementation of safety initiatives including Smith Systems, Lytx and 3 rd Eye identifying gaps and driving corrective action as needed. Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations (OSHA, FMCSA, DOT, etc.) across all divisions to include both collections and post collections operations.

Maintain oversight of documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with regulatory requirements. Participate in and/or lead investigations of serious injuries, incidents, and near-misses, monitor and coach local supervisors on the quality of investigations for less severe incidents. Lead emergency preparedness planning and response protocols, serving as an incident command resource during major events.

Partner with HR , operations and maintenance to manage return-to-duty, modified duty, and injury recovery programs. Conduct regular division-level safety audits, facility walkthroughs, and ride-a-longs. Ensure consistent messaging of safety values through supporting of safety meetings, engagement programs, and performance accountability.

Provide or coordinate training materials, toolbox talks, and safety communications across divisions. Assist in preparation for and response to OSHA or DOT inspections and corporate audits. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage effectively with employees at all organizational levels. Demonstrated ability to write reports, correspondence, and develop training materials with minimal supervision. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong organizational and time management skills; able to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Deep understanding of FMCSA and DOT regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, vehicle inspection requirements, and driver qualification and file management. Experience facilitating return-to-work programs and managing injury reporting processes. The ability to lead and influence change without direct authority.

Safety credentials preferred: Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Other professional certification from a nationally recognized organization (e.g., NSC, BCSP), or bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, or a related field may be substituted for experience.

Completion of OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 5 years of experience as a safety professional in transportation, construction, manufacturing, or related industry. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record. Ability and willingness to travel frequently (75%+ Daily/weekly). Must become Smith Systems Certified within 6 months of being in this role if not already certified.