EHS Specialist

At Austin Wood Recycling, it is our mission to pursue quality and sustainability every day, create vital space—safely and effectively; and return an organic, 100% recycled product to the earth with purpose.

Austin Wood Recycling (AWR) has rooted itself in service since 1987, cultivating a family-owned atmosphere in the pursuit of responsible stewardship of the land. Our goal is to give back to nature by recycling the collected materials from suburban and urban improvement projects using sustainable, environmentally friendly land-clearing practices.  We strive to respect our natural resources by recycling all organic material; thereby reducing environmental strain and preventing landfill waste.

By creating our line of premium Texas Native® landscape products from recycled organic materials, we’re proud to manufacture goods from a byproduct of development. And as the nation’s largest contract grinding company, the AWR family is committed to continued growth with Texas and our customers across the United States, using safe, environmentally sound construction and manufacturing methods; exceeding customer expectations by delivering on time, with friendliness and dependability.

The EHS Specialist supports the execution and continuous improvement of the company’s Environmental, Health, Safety, and Fleet Safety programs through field-based implementation, training, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, and leadership to promote safe, compliant, and consistent work practices across assigned locations.

The EHS Specialist operates within EHS systems and standards established at the enterprise level and under the direction of the EHS Specialist. This position is highly field-oriented and requires regular presence at yard locations and job sites throughout their assigned area.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: EHS Supervisor
Works Closely With: Operations, Maintenance, Yard Supervisors, Drivers, and Field Leadership

• EHS Program Execution & Continuous Improvement
  • Support the development, implementation, and execution of environmental, health, safety, and fleet safety programs
  • Participate in and support continuous improvement initiatives related to EHS and fleet safety performance
  • Assist with the rollout of new EHS tools, processes, and program updates across assigned locations
• Safety Culture & Incident Management
  • Lead or support accident and incident investigations related to EHS and fleet safety, including root cause analysis and corrective action tracking
  • Support incident response activities, including coordination with operations and medical providers as required
  • Accompany team members to medical appointments for work-related injuries or illnesses when necessary
  • Promote safety culture initiatives, including hazard reporting, near-miss reporting, and safe work practices
• Training & Workforce Engagement
  • Develop and deliver EHS and fleet safety training for employees and supervisors
  • Conduct management and employee training related to EHS programs, fleet safety, and regulatory requirements
  • Support onboarding and recurring training efforts and maintain accurate training records
• Environmental, Fleet & Regulatory Compliance
  • Support and oversee compliance activities related to FMCSA and applicable environmental regulations (including TCEQ) within the assigned area
  • Conduct field inspections, audits, and observations to verify compliance with regulatory and company requirements
  • Assist with documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping to support audits and inspections
• Field Presence & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Maintain regular presence at yard locations and job sites to observe operations and support frontline teams
  • Establish and maintain professional working relationships with suppliers, customers, contractors, and local authorities as needed
  • Collaborate across departments and management levels to resolve safety and compliance issues
• Other Duties
  • Perform other EHS-related duties as assigned to support operational and compliance objectives

The right individual will be self-motivated, a strong collaborator/communicator, able to think creatively and to work with others to find solutions, drive continuous improvement, and produce quality results.

Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Acts as the Subject Matter Expert in areas regarding environmental, health, safety, fleet safety, and FMCSA compliance.

Qualifications & Physical Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a safety-related discipline preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• EHS-related professional certification preferred (e.g., ASP, CHST, OHST, or other BCSP credential)
• Prior experience in an industrial, construction, transportation, recycling, or similar operational environment
• Strong technical and written communication skills, including proficiency with standard business software (e.g., Word, Excel)
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel locally; company vehicle provided
• Must be able to travel regularly and independently throughout the assigned region to support yard locations and job sites

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to perform essential job functions in office and field environments, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments that may include noise, dust, weather exposure, and moving equipment
• Ability to frequently climb on and off vehicles, equipment, and operational areas
• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate uneven terrain for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to approximately 50 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, operational environment and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings and occasional weekends, as business needs require
• Regular presence at yard locations and job sites, often beginning around 6:00 a.m.

We offer highly competitive salaries and premium benefits as we continue to strive to create a rewarding work environment. Salary considerations are based on qualification and experience.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• 401K fully vested at year-one – max company match of 4% for team member deferrals of 5% or greater
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Bereavement Leave
• Educational Assistance for Industry-related Certifications.

EEO Statement

Austin Wood Recycling is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pre-employment drug screens and background checks apply. Austin Wood Recycling participates in E-Verify.