Env Health & Safety Specialist

Classification:  Campus Operations Professional 1—Environmental Health and Safety, 8421HS, represented by Civil Servce.

Description of Position

This position provides the University of Minnesota, Morris campus with Environmental Health and Safety services.  The position provides knowledge and resources and connects University Health and Safety with partners.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

50% General Safety

• Apply established safety and health program templates and procedures to campus operations which include:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Written safety and health policies and procedures for units/departments
• Customize developed modules and deliver safety program training for education for supervisors, staff, faculty and students based on:
  • Hazard recognition and exposure prevention
  • Compliance with applicable standards, rules and regulations
• Customize safety orientation material to be used by supervisors for training new employees
• Evaluate, review and recommend safe work methods and practices based on guidance from supervisor
• Facilitate the assessment of exposure hazards such as dust, chemicals, radiation, confined spaces, ergonomics and other physical hazards
• Conduct safety audits of department work areas, construction sites, laboratories and facilities based on potential risks, accident experience, compliance history, or as requested.  Work with supervisor to report and make recommendations for corrective actions to be taken on safety and health audit findings.
• Apply knowledge of federal, state, and local standards, rules and regulations concerning health and safety issues when customizing safety program templates or making safety & health recommendations
• As the Environmental Health and Safety employee, serve and support committees as assigned
• Advise senior leaders about environmental health and safety issues affecting the campus.

15% Laboratory Safety

• Arrange annual fume hood certifications
• Conduct lab safety inspections
• Support the lab coordinators role in lab safety assurance

10% Hazardous and other Regulated Waste Management

• Coordinate the regulated waste program on the Morris campus
• Advise hazardous waste generators on the Morris campus and West Central Research and Outreach Center on hazardous waste shipments
• Respond to hazardous waste disposal requests
• Collect and process special waste and hazardous waste
• Maintain inventory of supplies and distribute to consumers
• Maintain waste storage facility

10% Emergency Management

• Provide professional support in the development and maintenance of the UMM Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
  • Participate in exercises of the EOP
  • Execute specified role in the EOP
  • Complete building emergency plans
• Advise University staff, students, and visitors about appropriate emergency procedures
• Participate in inspections or other actions taken by local emergency response agencies.
• Maintain a working relationship with emergency management agencies
  • Monitor or assist with emergency responses
  • Coordinate chemical spill response with the Morris Fire Department and the contracted Hazardous Materials Response Team
• Work with the DEM to coordinate campus emergency management and maintain contacts and working relationships with local city and county emergency management departments

5% Environmental Compliance

• Complete reports such as those related to air emissions, hazardous waste, chemical spills, and emergency management as directed
• Work with service providers to provide technical support related to compliance in the areas of storm water, wastewater, groundwater, air quality, storage tanks, feedlots and spill prevention control and countermeasures as needed
• Provide support to DEHS management to facilitate planning and development of “best practice” environmental programs and solutions.
• Monitor work sites for stormwater, erosion and sediment control as directed

5% Fire and Life Safety Compliance

• Make sure that Community Advisers are trained and quarterly housing unit evacuation drills are conducted
• Participate in capital development projects
• Represent DEHS on campus construction and renovation support committees as directed
• Review construction meeting minutes and attend meetings when DEHS input is required

5% Building Code Compliance

• Work under direction of the University Building Official
  • Conduct assigned inspections and surveys
  • Review work requiring a building permit as directed
• Report violations of building and fire code to the University Building Official