EHS Specialist Jobs in Illinois
EHS Specialist jobs in Illinois are in consistent demand, with active hiring concentrated in manufacturing, chemical processing, construction, and logistics across a broad range from entry-level safety coordinators to senior EHS managers. Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford anchor the largest share of openings, supported by major employers like Caterpillar, Abbott, and Archer Daniels Midland, all of which maintain substantial Illinois operations requiring dedicated safety professionals. Process safety management, environmental compliance, and industrial hygiene are the most sought-after specialties in the state's heavy-industry and life-sciences corridors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find EHS Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ EHS Specialist jobs











Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.
Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Estimated annual base pay: $65,000(minimum) - $84,000(midpoint) - $104,000(maximum)
- All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
- 401(k) match (4.5%)
- Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
- Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
- 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
- Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
- Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Adoption Assistance
- Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
- Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
- Member referral bonus
- Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
- Voluntary benefits, including:
- Home / Auto Insurance discounts
- Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave
Are you ready to make your mark? If you’re an Environment, Health and Safety Specialist, we have an exciting opportunity for you. This position is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Environmental, Health and Safety Management System for a local plant site or regional geographical area. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state and local regulations and standards regarding safety, health and the environment. This position ensures adherence to the Woodward Global EHS strategies and supports risk reduction and operational productivity enhancement. In some locations, the primary focus for this position is on the areas of safety and health.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct Routine Inspections: Performs regular inspections of facilities and work areas to ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Maintain EHS Records: Accurately documents incidents, inspections, and corrective actions within the EHS management system.
- Support Training Programs: Assists in the development and delivery of EHS training materials and sessions for employees.
- Monitor Compliance: Tracks and reports on compliance with EHS standards and internal policies to ensure organizational adherence.
- Assist in Incident Investigations: Participates in the investigation of EHS incidents by gathering data and supporting root cause analysis.
Key Skills:
- Environmental Regulations Knowledge: Understands and apply relevant environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance within the organization.
- Safety Compliance: Ensures workplace safety standards are met by adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Risk Assessment: Identifies and evaluates potential hazards in the workplace to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures.
- Incident Reporting: Accurately documents and reports safety incidents and near misses following standardized procedures.
- Data Analysis: Analyzes safety and environmental data to identify trends and support decision-making processes.
- Communication Skills: Effectively communicates safety protocols and procedures to team members and stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains meticulous records and pays close attention to safety and environmental compliance details.
- Technical Documentation: Prepares and maintains technical documents related to environmental health and safety procedures.
- Time Management: Manages time efficiently to complete safety assessments and compliance tasks within set deadlines.
- Team Collaboration: Works collaboratively with team members to implement and maintain safety and environmental initiatives.
Successful candidates typically have:
- US – bachelor’s degree in occupational safety (BA/BS) preferred
- Experience in Occupational Safety and/or Environmental in a manufacturing environment or other relevant/applicable industry or agency.
- Related manufacturing and operations training
- Basic level of knowledge and experience with environmental, safety and health issues in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to assess and evaluate environmental, health and safety exposures and risks
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues who possess varying degrees of EHS subject matter knowledge
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).
Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.
See All 15 EHS Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find EHS Specialist JobsEHS Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
EHS Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Retail
- Chemicals & Materials
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in EHS specialist jobs across Illinois.
- CSP, ASP, or CIH certification strongly preferred by Illinois employers
- Bachelor's degree in occupational health, environmental science, or engineering required
- Minimum three to five years of EHS experience in manufacturing or industrial settings
- Working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926 standards and IEPA regulations
- Experience conducting incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans
- Proficiency with EHS management software and data tracking for regulatory reporting
EHS Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a ehs specialist in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued EHS license, so the path runs through education and professional certification. Most Illinois employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in occupational safety, environmental science, industrial hygiene, or a related engineering field. From there, candidates pursue credentials such as the Associate Safety Professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, then advance to the Certified Safety Professional designation. Illinois employers in manufacturing and chemical sectors weigh these credentials heavily in hiring decisions.
How much do EHS specialists make in Illinois?
EHS specialists in Illinois earn a median of about $98,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,160 for the lowest 10% to over $137,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire ehs specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring ehs specialists in Illinois right now include Amazon, Arcadis, and Jabil, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of chemical manufacturers, food processors, and large logistics operations in the Chicago metro and I-55 corridor means openings appear consistently across both Fortune 500 headquarters and regional industrial operators.
Which Illinois cities have the most ehs specialist jobs?
Chicago, DeKalb, and Waukegan post the highest volume of ehs specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs drive demand through corporate headquarters, dense manufacturing clusters, and major distribution infrastructure, while Joliet and Rockford reflect the state's strong industrial and fabrication base, where on-site safety professionals are a continuous operational requirement.
Are there remote ehs specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. EHS specialist work is fundamentally site-based, requiring physical inspections, hazard assessments, and regulatory walkthroughs that cannot be done remotely. About 67% of ehs specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically involve environmental compliance documentation, EHS management system administration, or multi-site program coordination rather than hands-on field safety duties.
How can I get hired as a ehs specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an EHS coordinator or safety technician role at a mid-size Illinois manufacturer or third-party logistics provider, where responsibilities are scoped to inspections and documentation rather than full program ownership. Candidates who complete OSHA 30-hour General Industry training and pursue the Associate Safety Professional credential stand out. Lateral moves from quality assurance, facilities maintenance, or environmental compliance technician roles are common entry points. Illinois community colleges and state university programs also offer certificates that Illinois industrial employers recognize for entry-level candidates.
Where can I find and apply to ehs specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to ehs specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 15 EHS Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find EHS Specialist Jobs