Kelly Kester
Downingtown,PA
Summary
Environmental Engineer with extensive knowledge of regulations and experience collaborating with diverse clients. Strong written and verbal communication skills foster effective teamwork and rapport. Highly organized and dedicated, capable of managing multiple assignments under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Health, Safety and Environmental Manager
Philips, Inc.
2022.03 - 2025.11
- Established robust safety culture across 10 offices, 2 distribution centers, and an assembly plant.
- Developed health and safety programs to enhance awareness among employees and contractors.
- Achieved zero on-site safety incidents by reducing occurrence from approximately 10 annually.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards effectively.
- Trained employees on environmental health and safety regulations to ensure compliance.
- Inspected work areas for adherence to safety standards and conducted audits for hazard identification.
- Collaborated with teams to strengthen organizational safety culture through ongoing initiatives.
- Managed incident reporting processes, investigations, and maintained accurate injury records.
Health, Safety and Environmental Manager
Graphic Packaging International
2021.06 - 2021.11
- Ensured compliance with food safety protocols and managed safety audits.
- Oversaw contractor management and employee engagement initiatives to foster a safety culture.
- Coordinated safety efforts during Hurricane Ida flooding, addressing four feet of water in the facility.
- Collaborated with restoration crews to maintain safety throughout cleanup and recovery operations.
- Managed PPE ordering, training, and distribution to uphold environmental health and safety standards.
- Inspected work areas for adherence to safety standards and managed incident reporting processes.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineer
IKO Industries
Wilmington, DE
2020.08 - 2021.03
- Executed comprehensive safety surveys across plant to enhance safety protocols.
- Developed and delivered training on COVID-19, STOP program, and risk assessments.
- Implemented pollution prevention strategies to reduce environmental impact.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Reviewed technical documentation to support health and safety initiatives effectively.
- Maintained employee safety during plant shutdown through strategic interventions.
Environmental and Occupational Safety Manager
ABM/Cushman& Wakefield (Vanguard Account)
Chesterbrook, PA
2018.05 - 2020.04
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs, including EHS and monthly classroom sessions.
- Conducted safety inspections and managed incident reporting to maintain compliance.
- Created, updated, and revised safety programs, enhancing operational safety standards.
- Cultivated a strong safety culture among technicians by addressing issues promptly.
- Delivered monthly training to approximately 150 employees across PA, NC, and AZ.
Environmental, Health, & Safety Specialist
Guilford Performance Textiles (Lear Inc.)
Pine Grove, PA
2017.11 - 2018.05
- Developed and managed safety audit procedures, job safety analyses, and corporate reporting.
- Conducted audits and surveys to assess safety measures across manufacturing plants.
- Trained nearly 300 employees on safety protocols and compliance standards.
- Ensured full compliance with regulatory standards for two facilities, including a fabric mill and dye house.
- Oversaw environmental compliance items, including air, stormwater, and wastewater permits.
- Managed ongoing remediation efforts to address environmental concerns effectively.
Environmental, Health, & Safety Specialist
Johns Manville
Hazle Township, PA
2011.01 - 2017.09
- Developed and managed proactive safety action plans, training programs, and job safety analyses.
- Drafted safety policies, procedures, and instructions to maintain team safety.
- Revitalized the plant safety committee through strategic leadership changes.
- Created an incident database and metrics to identify trends and reduce safety incidents.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory and internal standards for manufacturing and distribution.
- Monitored compliance with air permits, stormwater regulations, and emissions standards.
- Oversaw Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan implementation.
- Established an ISO 14001 environmental management system, achieving certification.
Staff Engineer
Quad 3 Group, Inc.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
2007.01 - 2010.01
- Conducted Phase I Investigations to evaluate environmental conditions.
- Executed Environmental Risk Assessments, PA Act 2 closures, and Remedial Design Reports.
- Prepared detailed environmental remediation reports, including health and safety plans and quarterly sampling summaries.
- Developed Remedial Action Work Plans and Contaminated Materials Work Plans for site-specific challenges.
- Created Spill Prevention Plans to reduce environmental hazards.
- Performed Civil Engineering calculations for Stormwater Management and Erosion Control.
- Drafted site layout designs to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Applied for PA Highway Occupancy Permits and assessed municipal ordinances for project alignment.
Environmental Analyst
BrightFields, Inc.
Wilmington, DE
2006.01 - 2007.01
- Performed environmental, health, and safety oversight for brownfields remediation projects.
- Conducted environmental field work, including soil, groundwater, and air sampling.
- Collaborated with contractors, property owners, and agencies to ensure worker safety.
- Prepared comprehensive environmental remediation reports detailing contamination assessments.
- Managed excavation and removal of contaminated soils and installation of utilities.
- Oversaw hazardous waste removal and underground storage tank removal processes.
- Executed environmental and geotechnical drilling operations for site evaluation.
- Developed environmental health and safety plans in compliance with regulations.
Staff Engineer
Stephens Environmental Consulting, Inc.
Newark, DE
2005.01 - 2006.01
- Executed Phase I investigations and reviewed environmental records to compile Site Assessment Reports.
- Conducted environmental fieldwork, including collection of soil and groundwater samples.
- Performed civil engineering calculations and drafting for stormwater management.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing erosion and sedimentation control measures.
Environmental Engineer
Hull & Associates, Inc.
Cleveland, OH
2002.01 - 2005.01
- Executed environmental, health, and safety oversight for construction projects.
- Conducted Phase I Investigations and reviewed environmental records to generate Site Assessment Reports.
- Performed fieldwork, including soil and groundwater sampling, air monitoring, and basic surveying.
- Developed comprehensive remediation reports, including health and safety plans and contaminant delineation summaries.
Environmental Engineer
Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Cleveland, OH
2000.01 - 2002.01
- Conducted comprehensive environmental investigations and fieldwork, including basic surveying techniques.
- Prepared detailed environmental reports, encompassing quarterly sampling and summary reports for contaminant delineation.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Environmental Engineering Major, Environmental Science Minor
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA1999-05
Skills
- Environmental engineering and regulatory compliance
- Incident management
- Employee engagement and teamwork
- Written and verbal communication
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Other Training Activities
- ISO 14001 training
- Engineer In Training (EIT) Certification
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour training and Site Supervisor training
- DOT HazMat Training, IATA and IMDG HazMat Training
- Method 9 Visible Emissions Training
- OSHA 511 - General Industry Standards Training
- American Society of Safety Professionals
Timeline
Health, Safety and Environmental Manager
Philips, Inc.
2022.03 - 2025.11
Health, Safety and Environmental Manager
Graphic Packaging International
2021.06 - 2021.11
Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineer
IKO Industries
2020.08 - 2021.03
Environmental and Occupational Safety Manager
ABM/Cushman& Wakefield (Vanguard Account)
2018.05 - 2020.04
Environmental, Health, & Safety Specialist
Guilford Performance Textiles (Lear Inc.)
2017.11 - 2018.05
Environmental, Health, & Safety Specialist
Johns Manville
2011.01 - 2017.09
Staff Engineer
Quad 3 Group, Inc.
2007.01 - 2010.01
Environmental Analyst
BrightFields, Inc.
2006.01 - 2007.01
Staff Engineer
Stephens Environmental Consulting, Inc.
2005.01 - 2006.01
Environmental Engineer
Hull & Associates, Inc.
2002.01 - 2005.01
Environmental Engineer
Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
2000.01 - 2002.01
Bachelor of Science Degree - Environmental Engineering Major, Environmental Science Minor
Wilkes University