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Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Position Number:    08P232

Department:      Environmental Health and Safety

Full-time/Part-time Status:   100% FTE

Salary Minimum:     $40,884/yr

Pay Grade:   S04

Submit:  Letter of interest and resume

Apply to:   Joseph Whitlock, Assistant Director, Environmental Health and Safety , Wright State University, 129 Allyn Hall, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton OH 45435

Closing Date:  May 9, 2008 for first consideration-open until filled.

Position Summary:  To serve as the university's Chemical Hygiene Officer and ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies and local/state/federal regulations, including, but not limited to, the Public Employee's Risk Reduction Program (PERRP), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Bureau of Workers Compensation as related to the University's overall laboratory safety program, safe hazardous material use and HAZCOM program, departmental HAZWOPER program, and various personal protection equipment programs.

Education and Experience:   BS in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or other related field and a minimum of two years experience in an occupational/ environmental safety and health program or an associates degree in a related field and at least five years of applicable experience. Individuals with suitable experience and documented progress towards a degree may be considered. The individual must possess writing, analytical and clerical skills in technical areas. Demonstrated skills in communications and interpersonal relations. Able to work independently, interpret data, perform mathematical computations (including algebra), and follow directions and policies. A working knowledge of computers including database and spreadsheet programs required. As a condition of hire, must qualify medically to wear negative-pressure respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).  Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license. The incumbent must successfully complete the Defensive Driving Course provided by the university within 6 months of hire.

Preferred: Previous experience in developing, implementing, or directing compliance programs in laboratory safety and hazardous materials response desired, but not mandatory. Residency near WSU will allow for a more rapid response for those emergency response activities that occur after hours. Formal courses in industrial hygiene and safety desired, but not mandatory. Board certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene or safety by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene or the Board of Certified Safety Professionals or have met the requirements to sit for either examination. National Registry of of Certified Chemists (NRCC) Chemical Hygiene Officer certification or equivalent is also highly preferred.

Working Conditions: Individual will be working outdoors, in labs and research areas, in an office setting, or combination thereof. Individual must be highly service oriented, organized, and capable of working in a service environment handling multiple assignments. Individual will be working with biological, zoonotic, chemical, and physical (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation) agents in the course of daily duties and during emergency response. Will be required to wear air-purifying respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as well as other personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety goggles, steel toed shoes, and gloves. The incumbent will periodically be on-call and respond to situations at the university when requested to do so by the director, his/her designee, WSU Police, Fairborn Fire Department or other administrative officials. This position requires occasional physical labor; including kneeling, crouching, and climbing stairs. This includes, but not necessarily limited to, lifting of containers up to 65 pounds in weight, maneuvering 55 gallon drums and boxes of various waste materials weighing up to several hundred pounds by the use of both manual and mechanical equipment. The incumbent will also perform physical tasks in the clean-up and decontamination of hazardous materials and other tasks as they arise. Individual will be required to complete a WSU Medical Questionnaire and be enrolled in the WSU Occupational Health Program. Individual must be capable of driving a vehicle, or university owned vehicles, while performing EHS duties. Individual must have the ability to climb ladders and enter confined spaces where required.

Position Description:  

Laboratory Safety:
a. Serve as the university Chemical Hygiene Officer fulfilling those duties as outlined in OSHA's Chemical Laboratory Standard.
b. Conduct environmental health and safety assessments and formal audits of campus academic and research laboratories including laboratories located at campus satellite facilities.
c. Perform annual, or more frequently when needed, fume hood and related ventilation monitoring/testing.
d. Direct laboratory safety initiatives through safety committees, administrative academic and research offices, and other methods as assigned.

Develop, maintain, and implement written university policies and procedures in compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and local, state and federal regulations. The focus of these policies and procedures will consist of lab safety, safe use of hazardous material, hazardous materials spill response, and personal protection equipment. Develop, provide, and document EHS related training to university faculty, staff, and students to provide efficient and compliant programs.

Develop, implement, and maintain a university wide chemical inventory including labs, Physical Plant, and other support service areas in support of OSHA and Homeland Security initiatives.

Hazardous Material Spill Response:
a. Develop, implement, and maintain a departmental HAZWOPER program in compliance with applicable OSHA HAZWOPER regulations.
b. Develop, implement, and maintain a written HAZWOPER Plan.
c. Develop, implement, and maintain a departmental HAZWOPER training that will maintain staff HAZWOPER training certification and be program specific to the types of incidents normally encountered by EHS.
d. Develop, implement, and maintain an inventory of departmental response equipment and maintain equipment calibration and readiness.
e. Collaborate with local entities to ensure effective relationships (i.e., local fire department, EMT, police, and regional HAZMAT team, etc…).

Research, monitor, benchmark, and evaluate current trends (both regulatory and best management practices) and provide technical advice to WSU personnel such as instructors, Principal Investigators, support personnel, and EHS personnel.  Provide service in hazardous material release investigation, cleanup, and remediation as well as emergency situations as requested by WSU Police or other responding entity including, but not limited to, response to hazardous material releases or suspected releases and odors and, as needed, serve as the incident commander for those releases managed solely by EHS or otherwise assist in the cleanup activities from hazardous material releases.  Maintain certification in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Attend seminar(s) and/or training necessary to maintain relevant certification in hazardous materials management and/or occupational safety and health. Attend professional meetings and maintain contact with other professionals at university and colleges and professional organizations.  Support other departmental programs as assigned.