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 regarding hazardous materials, 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. Maintains detailed records including locations and inspections of potentially hazardous areas such as laboratories, laser locations, chemical fume hoods, compressed gas storage and usage, special chemical usage, and/or 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. Maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems; participates in professional development activities as appropriate.
6. Develops and conducts a variety of environmental health and safety training programs such as chemical hazard communication, lockout/tagout, fire protection, and/or respiratory protection.
7. Assists in evaluating, collecting, preparing, and inventorying hazardous chemicals for transport and disposal.
8. 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.
9. Assists with testing, repair, and maintenance of a variety of safety equipment including monitoring, sampling, and analytical equipment and instruments.
10. 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.
11. Keeps abreast of changes in state, OSHA, NFPA, and other safety codes and regulations as applicable.
12. May provide input to the development of a variety of safety training curriculum as required.
13. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; 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

• 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.
• Skill in conducting accident investigations.
• 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 the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Accurate recordkeeping skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Skill in developing safety procedures and protocols.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to operate, test and/or repair monitoring, sampling and/or analytical equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of emergency and hazard response procedures and protocols.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) direct communication with university employees on compliance with various federal, state, and local safety/environmental regulations; b) maintenance of comprehensive computerized and/or manual records; c) appropriate and effective response to a wide range of emergencies and hazardous situations; d) participation in specialized training programs; e) preparation of routine to intermediately complex reports and documents, and preparation of remedial recommendations.

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.
• 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: 04/13/2020