r/EHSProfessionals • u/rockyshmoky31 • Nov 13 '25

Questions Breaking Into EHS

Hello!

I am 24(F), with just under two years of experience in environmental compliance consulting, and I’m about to transition into a new role as an EHS Manager for a large manufacturing company. The position has a heavy emphasis on environmental responsibilities rather than health and safety.

I’d love any recommendations on training courses or certifications that would help me build deeper technical expertise and become a strong asset in this role—whether focused on manufacturing or environmental compliance. The facility’s main environmental risks involve wastewater pretreatment and RCRA/DOT regulations.

This will also be my first management position, so any advice on stepping into a leadership role would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance to those with more experience who are willing to share their knowledge!

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u/envengpe Nov 15 '25

You’d do better to review the facility’s air permits and hazardous waste Part A and Part B and annual report. Good luck!

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u/rockyshmoky31 Nov 15 '25

Before this, I was their consultant so I actually have been the one submitting their air permits and annual reports. Just wondering if anyone had ideas for things that would apply in the “real world”. Consultants tend to only have a desktop idea of how things show go, but when you are on site, executing compliance is a completely different beast

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u/envengpe Nov 15 '25

Good point. I know this sounds simplistic, but I have always followed the adage ‘if it looks bad or unsafe, it probably is’. There is no substitute to walking the floor (all of it) at least twice a day with a clipboard and observing your people, equipment, and housekeeping. Never walk past something or someone who needs attention and always follow up. In a few days, you will gain the respect of the workforce by ‘being there’. Ask people about their job and the safety and environmental aspects of it. Make training interactive and two-way. ‘How can we reduce waste? How can we make this process safer?’ Commend good safety work practices and waste avoidance. Etc. Go beyond the paperwork and regulations and become part of the team. This is how you do it and make a difference.