Environmental Associate Jobs in Washington, VA (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of EHS Director, the EHS Associate Director will be responsible for leading a team of environmental, health and safety professionals, providing technical and regulatory support and implementation of all necessary measures and initiatives required by federal, state and local regulations pertaining to environment and safety protection at the Elkton site.

The role partners with site leadership, manufacturing, laboratory, engineering, and facility support teams to embed strong safety and environmental management systems into daily operations, drive continuous improvement, and foster a culture of ownership and accountability.

• Lead site and local-area audits for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including OSHA, EPA, and related obligations.
• Translate corporate and divisional standards and guidance into site procedures to ensure consistent, compliant implementation.
• Drive continuous improvement and sustainable results across EHS projects, programs, assessments, and action plans.
• Track, trend, and report safety and environmental metrics, ensuring timely completion of required reports to site, divisional, corporate, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Coach operations leaders to enable them to successfully execute their safety and environmental responsibilities.
• Provide direction and leadership to direct reports; mentor EHS professionals to strengthen technical and leadership capabilities.
• Identify, attract, and develop talent to build a strong, high-performing Safety & Environment team.
• Partner with Elkton departments and contacts to integrate safety and environmental management systems into every phase of operations, using performance metrics to measure progress.
• Consult with and advise department personnel on projects, procedures, and long-range plans to ensure conformance with safety and environmental requirements.
• Develop productive working relationships with federal, state, and local authorities, technical and industrial groups, consultants, and other external stakeholders to stay current on regulatory requirements and interpretations.
• Coordinate and guide the efforts of safety and environmental professionals to ensure awareness and timely action on government relations matters related to safety and environmental protection.
• Prepare, coordinate, and present environmental, safety, industrial hygiene, process safety, emergency response, and security training as needed.
• Maintain liaison with outside organizations, peer companies, and agencies to support compliance and communication in emergency response, mutual aid, regulatory affairs, professional societies, and industrial groups.
• Partner with engineering and project teams to evaluate EHS requirements for new projects, processes, installations, and changes to existing operations.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Physical Science, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree is desirable.

• Minimum 5+ years in environmental protection and/or safety experience.
• Evidence of leadership, effective communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong technical and regulatory knowledge of environmental and safety.
• Experience managing people, projects, and/or teams.
• Demonstrated performance in a highly regulated industry with strict standards adherence and compliance initiatives.
• Ability to coach, influence, and build capability in others.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across functions and with external stakeholders.

• Ability to attract talent and build a strong team.
• Proven experience leading a site program in Manufacturing, Research, Tech Ops, Quality, or EHS.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
• Relevant professional certification such as CSP, PE, CIH, or CHMM preferred.

Budget Management, Budget Management, Change Management, Chemical Management, Decision Making, Driving Continuous Improvement, EHS Compliance, EHS Program Management, Emergency Response, Environmental Audits, Environmental Health And Safety, Environmental Protection, Environmental Regulatory Compliance, Environmental Risk Assessments, Fast-Paced Environments, Government Relations, Incident Investigations, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health, Physical Sciences, Process Safety Management, Project Management, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory Requirements {+ 2 more}

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): No

Job Posting End Date: 08/4/2026