Senior EHS Programs Specialist

Clearwater Paper is a leading manufacturer in the paperboard industry, operating one of its largest facilities in Augusta, Georgia. The Augusta mill serves as the hub for producing high-quality paperboard used extensively in various consumer products such as food packaging, plates, and cups across the United States. With a rich history spanning nearly 65 years, this expansive mill covers 3,000 acres and operates two high-capacity paper machines that collectively produce up to 1,940 tons of paperboard daily. Clearwater Paper has earned a reputation for manufacturing excellence, innovation, and commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Augusta itself is a vibrant city located on the Savannah River on Georgia's eastern border, well known globally for hosting The Masters golf tournament. Beyond this iconic event, Augusta offers a compelling blend of outdoor recreational activities and a lively arts and cultural scene, including river walks, hiking trails in nearby wetlands, and numerous museums and restaurants downtown. Educational opportunities are strong in Augusta, with quality public schools and access to prominent institutions such as Augusta University, home to Georgia’s only dental school and a nationally recognized medical college, alongside several technical colleges providing career-focused education programs.

The Safety Specialist role at Clearwater Paper's Augusta facility is a critical position responsible for supporting both daily and long-term safety and health activities across all mill operations, aligning with corporate safety initiatives and priorities. This full-time role emphasizes partnership with department leaders and hourly safety coordinators to foster continuous improvement and positive cultural change in mill safety practices. The specialist ensures strict compliance with company and regulatory safety policies and actively champions safety excellence by challenging existing practices and driving enhancements.

Key responsibilities include managing comprehensive EHS compliance processes, overseeing hazard identification and remediation efforts, and supervising the fire inspection program. The role requires consistent engagement on the manufacturing floor, providing coaching, recognition, and ensuring adherence to safe work practices. The Safety Specialist participates in policy development, revision, and implementation to maintain robust health and safety standards.

In addition, the specialist leads several critical programs such as managing the worker’s compensation process, contractor safety protocols, and developing effective safety training materials. The position supports incident investigations and safety inspections conducted by regulatory agencies like OSHA, DOT, and the Fire Marshal, ensuring the mill remains compliant and proactive in safety management. The role demands collaborative teamwork with leadership levels across the facility and open communication with hourly employees to address safety concerns and implement effective solutions.

Candidates for this role should possess a strong understanding of EHS compliance metrics and be adept at using data to identify safety opportunities and deliver actionable improvements. The role requires strategic thinking balanced with tactical execution, excellent communication and leadership skills, and the ability to influence others within a matrixed organizational setting. An interest in the pulp and paper industry and commitment to innovation in safety processes is essential. Demonstrated experience in facilitating organizational change, motivating teams, and customer-service mindset toward safety needs is highly valued.

Clearwater Paper offers an exceptional total rewards package for this role, including medical, dental, vision benefits, and paid time off such as vacation, personal days, and company holidays. The position is eligible for an incentive plan, with compensation reflective of market rates adjusted for candidate qualifications and geographic considerations. Clearwater Paper supports professional growth in a supportive union environment and requires candidates to be self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to safety regulations in a fast-paced manufacturing context. Work conditions include exposure to high-frequency noise, temperature variations, and chemicals typical of an industrial mill environment.