Job Description

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Director

Location: Greater Twin Cities Area (Onsite)

About the Role

Gardner Standard is seeking an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Director to lead EHS performance at one of our portfolio companies, Otter Lake Technologies, a high-volume metal casting operation in the Greater Twin Cities area.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for environmental compliance (with a strong emphasis on air permitting) and building a proactive, accountable safety culture across the facility. The role partners closely with operations to reduce risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive measurable performance

improvement.

What You’ll Be Responsible ForLeadership & Culture

• Lead and develop a team of EHS professionals across environmental compliance, safety, industrial hygiene, and training
• Drive a behavior-based safety culture across the facility
• Partner closely with Operations and Maintenance to embed EHS into day-to-day execution

Environmental Compliance (Air Permit Focus)

• Own and manage the facility’s air permit, including emissions tracking and compliance
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state-level environmental regulations
• Oversee environmental reporting (air emissions, Tier II, TRI, hazardous waste)
• Manage key programs including hazardous waste, stormwater, and wastewater

Health & Safety Programs

• Oversee core safety programs (LOTO, confined space, respiratory protection, machine guarding)
• Lead incident investigations using structured root cause methodologies
• Conduct risk assessments, JHAs, and industrial hygiene monitoring (silica, noise, heat, etc.)

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and track EHS KPIs and drive performance using data and root cause analysis
• Support or implement EHS management systems (ISO 14001 / 45001 or equivalent)
• Lead initiatives to reduce incidents, emissions, and environmental impact
• Manage third-party consultants, testing firms, and related budgets

What We’re Looking For

• 6–12+ years of EHS experience in manufacturing or heavy industry
• Direct experience managing air permits and environmental compliance programs
• Foundry, metal casting, or similar industrial experience strongly preferred
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence plant operations
• Strong analytical mindset with experience using data-driven problem solving

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field

Preferred

• Advanced degree (M.S.)
• Certifications such as CSP, CIH, CHMM, or PE

What Success Looks Like

• Strong compliance performance and audit readiness
• Reduction in incidents and improvement in safety metrics (TRIR, etc.)
• Effective ownership of air permit and environmental programs
• Increased engagement across the facility

Compensation

• $125,000 – $165,000 base salary + bonus
• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO)
• Support for continued development and certifications

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Work Location: In person

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