Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Director
Gardner Standard LLC, White Bear Lake, MN, United States
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
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