Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy. Vast is looking for an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, reporting to the Environmental Health & Safety Manager, and serves as the primary on-site resource for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) operations at the Mojave Test Site. This role is "boots on the ground," actively collaborating with Test Site leadership, engineering teams, and remote EHS team members to implement safety programs, maintain compliance, and support personnel safety. The technician plays a critical role in daily site operations, ensuring that EHS standards are upheld across all activities, including hazardous operations, facility maintenance, and environmental compliance. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave location. Responsibilities: • EHS Operations & Compliance: • Collaborate with team members to implement site-specific safety programs (Heat Illness Prevention, Confined Space Entry, Overhead Crane safety, Powered Industrial Trucks, Job Hazard Assessments). • Actively represent the EHS Department and collaborate with all company departments in the implementation and upkeep of EHS standards and policies. • Oversee compliance with regulatory mandates from CAL OSHA, RCRA, EPA, SCAQMD, DOT, DTSC, and CUPA. • Maintain consistent communication with Operations and Facilities Teams about site projects that may impact EHS related planning and permits. • Communication & Coordination: Coordinate drills (Emergency Evacuation, Fire, Snake Bite, High Winds) and communicate hazardous operations status with the Mojave Air and Space Port (MASP). • Inspections and Audits: • Conduct various inspections (e.g., portable fire extinguishers, eye wash/shower stations, emergency lighting/exits, fall protection equipment, lifting straps/slings) and work area audits ensuring review and communication of corrective/preventative actions with area owners. • Waste & Materials Management: • Manage tasks related to the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste under RCRA LQG regulations. • Manage Large Quantity Generator hazardous waste storage areas, including weekly inspections, proper storage, labeling, drum log, and housekeeping. • Maintain necessary record keeping, including Uniform Hazardous & NON Hazardous Waste Manifests, Bill of Ladings, and hazardous waste profiles. • Segregate and loose pack expired materials based on hazardous characteristics and types of waste. • Order and maintain adequate spill supplies (pads, drums, secondary containment) and safety supplies (PPE, Fall Protection, LOTO, monitoring/testing equipment). • Incident Management & Investigation: Gather real-time data on site hazards and safety metrics. Perform systematic follow-ups on corrective actions. Translate on-site observations into actionable insights for the remote EHS team. • EHS Program Development and Technical Support: • Lead the completion of drafting and posting of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, updating equipment inventory. • Support in review and approval of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) as assigned, ensuring compliance and best practices. • Conduct and/or coordinate specialized employee EH&S training programs (e.g., Crane and Hoist, LOTO, Confined Space Entry). Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma. • 3–5 years of experience overseeing EHS program aspects in an industrial or hazardous environment. • Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding start-up atmosphere. • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces. • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted. • Ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions (8° F to 120° F, high winds, etc.). Preferred Skills & Experience: • Proven background in understanding, implementing, and formulating health and safety plans and policies. • Hands-on involvement with emergency response teams in incidents involving hazardous and non-hazardous material releases into the air, soil, and water. • Expertise in RCRA, DOT 49 CFR, and HAZWOPER regulations. • Experience in overseeing Hazardous Waste storage and satellite accumulation areas. • Experience in the Aerospace industry is preferred. • Comfortable stopping work or elevating concerns to individuals, teams, &/or supervisors • Proficiency in Google Workspace and MS Office Suite/Windows operating systems and applications. • Comfortable working within a construction or industrial setting, including a fast-paced and demanding start-up atmosphere. Additional Requirements: • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones. • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted. • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators (tight or loose fitting), safety toe shoes, hearing pr