Environmental Compliance Specialist

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization

• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

Educates team members as required for their specific roles and hazards which they are exposed to or are responsible for mitigation of, based off EPA, State of Iowa DNR, and Ajinomoto Environmental Programs.  Confirmation of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to Environmental Health and Safety.  Partner with, and advise Management, Supervisors, Employees, Safety and Environmental Management Representative to ensure compliance with all regulations.  Special focus on awareness education as well as annual requirements will be tasked under this role. 

Education, Experience and Certifications:

•5+ years of experience administering environmental compliance programs in an industrial manufacturing environment, including chemical, mechanical, and automated processes, environmental permitting, and projects involving construction, facility modifications, stormwater management, land disturbance, or other activities with potential environmental impacts.
•Bachelor of Science preferred in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Occupational and Environmental Health, or a closely related scientific or technical field.
•Working knowledge of EPA, Iowa DNR, Title V, NPDES, SPCC, RCRA, SWPPP, SPCC, TRI TIER II, PSM/RPM, NFPA regulatory programs and ISO 14001/EMS programs.
•Experience conducting environmental inspections, compliance audits, permit management, and regulatory reporting.
•Environmental compliance training, certifications, or continuing education applicable to the position preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to develop training materials, presentations, and compliance documentation.
•Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively deliver environmental training to employees, contractors, and visitors in both classroom and field settings.
•Ability to communicate environmental requirements and expectations clearly and professionally with all levels of the organization, contractors, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
•Excellent verbal, written, and active listening skills.
•Ability to build credibility, influence behaviors, and effectively address resistance while maintaining professional working relationships.
•Ability to provide field-based coaching, guidance, and compliance oversight to maintenance personnel, contractors, and operations teams.
•Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and respond effectively during environmental incidents or emergency situations.
•Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working both in office & plant settings. This position may perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. This position may perform activities in an environment containing possible electrical hazards and requires knowledge of electrical safety practices and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All Environmental procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

Physical Requirements:

•Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4+ hours a day.
•Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling.
•Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
•May be required to drive a car or truck on occasion.
•Ability to wear respirators according to respiratory protection program.
•Ability to perform outdoor environmental compliance activities, including annual stormwater sampling and inspections during rain events and varying weather conditions.
•Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, navigate industrial and outdoor environments, and access sampling locations throughout the facility while collecting environmental samples.

•Safety, Environmental, and Quality Compliance

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, permits, and company policies.
• Stay current on environmental regulations, industry best practices, and emerging compliance requirements.
• Support and promote environmental stewardship initiatives throughout the facility.
• Utilize safe work practices and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Make sound decisions without compromising environmental compliance, employee safety, product quality, or operational integrity.
• Identify, document, and communicate environmental concerns or potential compliance risks and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Attend required training to maintain compliance knowledge and professional competency.

•Environmental Program Administration

• Coordinate and maintain environmental compliance programs, permits, inspections, and associated documentation
• Assist with management and maintenance of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Monitor compliance requirements associated with air permits, water permits, hazardous waste regulations, stormwater management, and spill prevention programs.
• Prepare and maintain environmental reports required by regulatory agencies and corporate compliance programs.
• File reports as required by Compliance programs and corporate elements of reporting Ajinomoto Sustainability and A-SIS reporting
• Support environmental reporting systems, databases, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Monitor environmental objectives, targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and compliance trends.
• Support compliance activities associated with NPDES permits, water usage reporting, permitted well operations, and wastewater management programs.
• Assist with environmental monitoring activities required by permits and regulatory programs.
• Conduct environmental inspections, audits, assessments, and compliance reviews as scheduled.
• Assist during regulatory inspections and maintain positive working relationships with regulatory agencies and external stakeholders.
• Reviewing SDS for proper hazards assessment

•Environmental Training and Field Support

• Develop and deliver environmental compliance training programs for employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Create training materials, presentations, and communication tools to support environmental awareness and regulatory compliance initiatives.

•Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and other departments to achieve environmental compliance objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and environmental performance enhancement.
• Assist in implementation of sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready work environment consistent with GMP and company expectations.

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.