Senior Environmental Health & Safety Specialist - EHS-General Safety & Fire Prevention

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and 3 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position. Must complete 24 or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and 5 years of related experience. One or more of the following licenses or certifications: 

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
• Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)

Job Summary: 

Provides professional knowledge and expertise in the operation and support of environmental, health, and safety programs in compliance with regulatory agencies, national guidelines, and institutional policies.

Job Duties:

This position is a senior level, professional position in the UTMB Health Life Safety and Environment of Care Compliance group.  As a senior level professional, this position is expected to lead and independently execute Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) projects and programs.  This position is responsible to ensure compliance with Life Safety code and Joint Commission standards, various fire systems are kept in a high state of reliability and that building environments are maintained in compliance.  Additionally, an advanced level of computer skillsets are needed to develop and deliver performance and compliance reports.  A working knowledge of various codes, the ability to make and effectively apply interpretations is required.  The Senior Safety Specialist will be supervised by an EHS Supervisor.

• Ensure UTMB campuses and clinics meet all environmental health and safety regulatory requirements as measured through audits and compliance inspections.
• Plans, develops, trains, and implements for diversified environmental health & safety programs.
• Provides customer service and consultation on Life Safety compliance.
• Supports and directly participates in committee activities.
• Responsible for knowledge of applicable environmental, health, and safety rules and regulations on a local, state, and federal level.
• Facilitates team development and team dynamics including empowerment.
• Assists with regulatory inspections.
• Provides input on facility operations, construction and renovation projects, and will directly interact with contractors to influence outcomes based on technical expertise.
• Respond to hazardous materials releases and other emergent conditions within scope of training and experience.
• Participates in emergency on-call program.
• Supports and coaches integration of team process concepts.
• Achieves results with minimal to no coaching.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge in environmental health & safety regulations.
• Detailed experience with EHS site audits, inspections and routine surveys including the developing and drafting of audit documentation, tracking corrective actions, and monitoring results through completion of the audit activities.
• Demonstrated ability to train employees on the regulatory standards applicable to the facility.
• Ability to instruct employees on internal EHS policy and procedures.
• Delivers safety training that has been identified for new and existing employees.

Decision Making Responsibilities:

Responsible for closing or stopping any unsafe work conditions. Responsible for reporting and all compliance discrepancies to Program Director and/or EHS Supervisor. Responsible for directing daily work activities of junior staff to achieve departmental and programmatic goals.

Working Environment/ Equipment:

• Standard hospital, clinical, laboratory and/or office environments.
• Potential exposure to hazardous conditions and/or materials. May involve strenuous activity such as walking, lifting, and moving of materials. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection, chemical resistant clothing, etc.
• Standard office equipment and equipment used to ensure safe environmental levels.
• Ability to drive UTMB vehicles.

Salary Range:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Other  

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code. Eligible for unescorted access to category 1 and category 2 quantities of radioactive material based upon Trustworthiness and Reliability determination (25 TAC §289.252/10 CFR Part 37).