We are looking for a Safety Specialist who will work with our Environmental Protection Program. In general terms, this specialist provides technical assistance in establishing and enforcing policies and regulations to control environmental hazards.

This position reports to the Environmental Protection Program Manager and assists with the safe management of hazardous waste generated on our campus, in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines. Routinely collects and processes chemical, biological, and radiological hazardous wastes generated on campus. Performs period safety audits of hazardous waste collection and storage areas, autoclaves, and other waste processing areas.

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 personnel's chemical, biological, and radiation exposure levels.
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 conditions and actions 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 the 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 UTHealth Science Center at Houston. In an emergency, "essential" positions are those required to sustain clinical services and/or protect university assets. Personnel in designated "essential" positions are expected to report to their assigned work sites during their scheduled shifts, 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 Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

For this specific role, certification in Hazardous Materials is preferred.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Basic or Applied Science or a related field preferred. May substitute required education with equivalent years of experience beyond the minimum experience requirement.

Minimum Experience:

At least one (1) year of experience in environmental protection, biological safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, chemistry, health, and/or occupational safety required. 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.