Summary

Performs as a lead for in monitoring and coordinating campus environmental health and safety programs, including safety inspections, accident investigations, and safety training.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leads the development and implementation of university-wide safety programs such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fire protection, and other OSHA safety compliance programs.
2. Leads communication efforts and participates in advising the university community regarding safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff as well as regulatory compliance as mandated by local, state, and federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED).
3. Performs and provides training on hazard analyses and creates recommendations, and reviews recommendations from lower level staff related to mitigation procedures to the campus community; provides leadership on implementation of changes.
4. Leads the development and implementation of department safety work order tracking and reporting.
5. Conducts routine and follow-up environmental health, safety and hazard inspections of university facilities.
6. Responds to escalated emergency situations involving hazardous materials, fire and smoke incidents, or unknown hazards; prepares reports of findings and submits recommendations; provides direction to lower level staff.
7. Analyzes accident and incident reports for trends; creates action plans and implements recommendations for correcting unsafe conditions and actions.
8. Leads and/or guides the work of lower level safety specialist, technicians and/or student employees.
9. Acts as a regulatory officer or program administrator such as the Respiratory Protection Program Administrator, Chemical Hygiene Officer or others.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 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

• Advanced knowledge in performing safety inspections ensuring compliance with OSHA and NFPA safety standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Advanced knowledge in developing, implementing, and enforcing safety programs and protocols.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Ability to provide leadership and react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Advanced knowledge in developing safety procedures and protocols.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of safety management systems.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Independently administering complex regulatory programs; b) Creating inspection checklists, regimes, schedules and standards; c) Independent development of full training programs and job training requirements in area of expertise; d) Mastery level of knowledge in area of specialization; e) Occasional direct communication with University Leadership and regulators; f) Departmental leadership in emergent situations where departmental leadership is not readily available.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Specific personnel training is required for employees working with hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
• 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

• 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 some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

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

Revised Date: 02/11/2025