Summary

Under general supervision, performs facility inspections for compliance with university policies, procedures, state and federal regulations and standards to ensure the environmental health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Provides guidance and consultation to clients and lower level environmental health and safety technicians regarding hazardous materials, contamination, fire safety inspections, and other related activities. 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. Advises 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).
2. 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.
3. Develops and maintains detailed manual and/or automated records including locations and inspections of potentially hazardous areas such as laboratories, laser locations, compressed gas storage and usage, special chemical usage, and related information.
4. Develops and submits recommendations to senior personnel, both internal and external to the unit, to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal safety/environmental regulations.
5. Independently responds as required to emergency situations involving hazardous materials, fire/smoke incidents, other accidents, as pertains to fire and/or safety; determines cause, prepares comprehensive reports of findings and submits recommendations.
6. Participates in accident and near-accident investigations to maintain an environment that supports the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
7. Utilizes a variety of monitoring, sampling, and analytical equipment and instruments to gather and enter data records.
8. In a specified field of expertise, conducts a variety of environmental health and safety training programs such as chemical hazard communication, defensive driving, fire protection, and respiratory protection; participates in the development of training programs.
9. Evaluates, collects, prepares, and inventories hazardous chemicals for transport and disposal.
10. Tests, maintains, and repairs monitoring sampling and analytical equipment and instruments related to safety programs.
11. Monitors and records functionality and location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, automatic fire suppression systems, special ventilation systems, and other fire safety-related items.
12. Provides leadership and direction to lower level environmental health and safety technicians.
13. Keeps abreast of changes in state, OSHA, NFPA, and other safety codes and regulations as applicable.
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 7 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

• Skill in performing safety inspections ensuring compliance with OSHA and NFPA safety standards.
• Knowledge of transport and disposal procedures for safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• 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 conducting accident investigations.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Skill in developing and conducting employee information/orientation sessions.
• Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Skill in developing safety procedures and protocols.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record work, safety and infection control standards.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency and hazard response procedures and protocols.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) conducting a variety of environmental health and/or safety training programs within an area of technical expertise; b) participation in the development of technical training programs; c) development and maintenance of automated/manual records and record systems; d) independent response to emergency/hazardous incidents and situations; e) evaluation of the appropriate transport and disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials; f) provision of operational guidance and leadership to lower level technical staff within the field.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this 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

• 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: 04/20/2020