Careers

Description:

Reporting to Research & Development (R&D) EHS management, the EHS Staff Specialist plays a key role in fostering a safe and compliant environment at AbbVie’s Irvine, CA campus. This position provides expert guidance on EHS matters and delivers impactful training to employees and contractors. You will support a positive safety culture by practicing open, authentic, and courageous communication, leading transformative EHS initiatives, and upholding AbbVie’s Ways We Work.

Responsibilities

• Develop, Communicate, and Implement EHS programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all local regulations and AbbVie standards, supporting company accountability.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and EHS colleagues to design and deliver training on topics such as hazard communication, contractor safety, and emergency response, encouraging shared ownership and empowerment.
• Lead EHS initiatives, including hazard risk assessments, control of high-hazard activities (lockout/tagout, confined space, working at heights), and industrial hygiene studies, with a focus on agile implementation and continuous improvement.
• Conduct root cause analyses of injuries and illnesses, transparently report safety performance indicators, and implement corrective and preventive actions to promote psychological safety and trust.
• Contribute actively to the development and execution of strategic EHS programs, plans, and policies that safeguard people, facilities, and the environment, sharing ideas through honest and open dialogue with stakeholders.

Skills/Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in an EHS-related field (industrial hygiene, biology, chemistry, engineering) with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience, or associate degree plus a recognized EHS certification (e.g., CIH, CSP, CHMM) and at least 8 years’ relevant experience. Professional certification is desirable.
• Proven experience implementing EHS regulations, conducting incident investigations, collaborating with regulatory agencies, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop practical standards and policies aligned with business objectives, with strong technical writing and business communication skills.
• Effective active listening and relationship-building skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts and facilitate collaboration.
• Ability to communicate safety initiatives and requirements clearly, effectively, and courageously to employees of all backgrounds and responsibility levels.
• Strong project and program management abilities, including planning, organizing, delegating, and follow-through to achieve team and company goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with a high degree of diligence and thoroughness.
• Servant leadership mentality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database applications.