UTHealth Houston is looking for a Safety Specialist who will work with our Chemical Safety Program. You will provide technical assistance in the establishment and enforcement of policies and regulations related to the control of environmental and/or occupational hazards. The employee will inspect the university facilities and monitor established policies and procedures for the safe use and control of hazardous materials and/or occupational hazards. This position reports to the Chemical Safety Program Manager and supports the clinical and research use of chemical agents in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines. One of the main functions will be to perform periodic safety audits specific to chemical use and to assess compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines around chemical agents.

This is a full-time role that will be eligible for all UTHealth benefits, including low-cost healthcare options and an outstanding retirement package administered by the State of Texas. The employee will report to the Texas Medical Center during normal business hours on weekdays.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Ensures the use of hazardous substances in research and clinical settings, through licensure, registration, and compliance with accepted standards of safety. Provides a program for monitoring the chemical, biological, and radiation exposure levels of personnel.
2. Audits clinics and laboratories for compliance with regulations and guidelines. Monitors the use of various equipment used in labs and clinics.
3. Performs periodic surveys and conducts investigations where hazardous materials are used or stored to determine unsafe and unhealthy environmental conditions.
4. Identifies potential problems and prepares reports on condition and action taken.
5. Maintains appropriate records on hazards and personnel exposure occurrences.
6. Conducts evaluations and periodic tests of equipment for potentially hazardous conditions. Assists in developing and implementing remedial measures to control the condition.
7. Assists management and/or committees in the development of policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for employees, students and community.
8. Advises faculty, staff, and students on the proper maintenance, precautions, and handling of chemical, radioactive, and other hazardous materials.
9. Observes work procedures of personnel to assure proper use of equipment and safe working conditions.
10. Participates in the establishment of training mechanisms to assist users in the proper application of safety regulations and procedures in working with hazardous agents.
11. Provides technical assistance in all activities involving hazardous materials, and assists in the training of faculty, staff, and students on safety procedures.
12. Attends conferences, meetings, and workshops to keep abreast of new safety techniques and changes in codes, regulations and technology.
13. This job classification is designated as "essential" at the UT Health Science Center at Houston. In case of an emergency, "essential" positions are those required to sustain clinical services and/or are responsible for the protection of university assets. Personnel in designated "essential" positions are expected to report to their designated work site during their appointed work schedules, even when the institution has been officially declared to be on "restricted access" or "closed" due to adverse conditions.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Preferred certification depending on the work assignments: Board Certification as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in basic or applied science or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

One (1) year experience in environmental protection, biological safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, chemistry, health and/or occupational safety. May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.