Summary

Under direct supervision, participates with senior environmental health and safety technicians in monitoring and controlling safety, health and environmental standards in accordance with state and federal codes and regulations. Performs facility inspections for compliance with university policies, procedures, regulations, and standards to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Reports non-compliance or hazardous conditions found. May specialize in one or more of the following areas: occupational safety, chemical safety, hazardous materials/waste, industrial hygiene, fire safety, or environmental affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conducts periodic routine inspections of university facilities, including branch campus and other of-campus facilities, for compliance with chemical, environmental, and occupational safety standards; reports non-compliance or hazardous conditions found.
2. Develops and submits recommendations to senior level personnel within the unit to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
3. Utilizes a variety of monitoring, sampling, and analytical equipment and instruments to gather and enter data records.
4. Assists with testing, repair, and maintenance of a variety of safety equipment including monitoring, sampling, and analytical equipment and instruments.
5. Assists in evaluating, collecting, preparing, and inventorying hazardous chemicals for transport and disposal.
6. Assists with monitoring and recording functionality and location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, special ventilation systems, and/or other safety-related items.
7. Under direction, participates in responding to emergency situations involving hazardous materials, fire and smoke incidents, or unknown hazards; prepares or assists in the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.
8. Keeps abreast of changes in state, OSHA, NFPA, and other safety codes and regulations as applicable.
9. May, under direction, advise or assist in advising members of the university community regarding safety, health, and/or environmental regulations.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of transport and disposal procedures for safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of current developments/trends in area of expertise.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Skill in performing safety inspections and ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards.
• Knowledge of chemical, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene, and/or environmental health standards.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record work, safety and infection control standards.
• Ability to operate, test and/or repair monitoring, sampling and/or analytical equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of emergency and hazard response procedures and protocols.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) performing standard environmental data collection and analyses using specialized equipment and instruments; b) testing and evaluation of environmental/safety systems, procedures, and equipment for compliance with federal and state safety/environmental codes and regulations; c) appropriate and effective response to emergencies and/or hazardous materials, conditions, and situations; d) preparation of standard reports and documents, and preparation of remedial recommendations.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes and chemical vapors, biohazards, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 12/05/2023