Environmental Health & Safety Specialist - Building Services Department

The Environmental Health & Safety Specialist is responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of policies, plans and goals related to environmental compliance, environmental health, building safety and sustainability across the district. Provides technical expertise, strategic leadership and guidance for the environment and sustainability team, performing difficult professional and analytical work involving the implementation of the environmental and safety programs for Albemarle County Public Schools. Supports the strategic plan and initiatives through the research, implementation, management and continuous improvement of the environmental and safety programs.

• Conducts energy and water audits at schools to improve efficiency and develops conservation projects;
• Researches and analyzes abnormalities in energy and water usage data;
• Coordinates with the Fire Marshal’s office to conduct inspections at all schools and ensures that all fire code violations are promptly resolved;
• Conducts benchmarking and analysis of energy and water usage data, identifying abnormalities and preparing reports;
• Serves as an advisor to the Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES);
• Performs inspections of environmental risks, including USTs, ASTs and Oil/Water Separators and coordinates necessary maintenance;
• Coordinates Backflow Protection Testing, recordkeeping and correspondence;
• Performs water monitoring and testing required by the Virginia Department of Health at five waterworks locations;
• Ensures storm water facility maintenance compliance, manages projects and performs training as required by the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit;
• Represents ACPS at Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership (RSEP) meetings;
• Conducts indoor air quality investigations, analyzing and interpreting carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, VOC and particulate data as part of indoor air quality investigations and recommending corrective measures;
• Manages hazardous materials waste and recycling (materials to include; electronic waste, ballasts, mercury containing bulbs, batteries, waste oil and waste paint);
• Manages commercial composting and recycling initiatives and annual reporting;
• Implements procedures and projects for LEED for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance;
• Implements and develops the Environmental Management System and related Standard Operating Procedures;
• Develops Safety Manuals and conducts training for Building Services to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Spaces, Hazard Communication, Fall Protection and Crane Safety;
• Manages material safety data sheets for Division using MSDS Online software to ensure compliance with 29 CFR 1910.1200;
• Analyzes worker’s compensation data and develops targets and timely communications including safety newsletters and toolbox talks;
• Conducts safety inspections of buildings ensuring compliance with local and federal safety standards and regulations;
• Gathers data from workers’ compensation and student incident reports, performs audits and follow ups and hosts monthly safety meetings;
• Participates in CPTED evaluations of school buildings;
• Develops environmental and safety webpage and external communications including social media;
• Performs other duties as required.

Strong verbal and written skills; Strong computer skills, including fluency with Microsoft Office products. Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks; Knowledge of the sustainable built environment, green building practices; Ability to develop, implement and maintain data management systems; Ability to develop and deliver complex reports; Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to devise detailed procedures and methodology; Understanding of state and federal environmental regulations; Understanding of OSHA regulations; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college with major work in environmental sciences or similar programs. Prior experience in environmental and/or safety programs preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Ability to obtain Virginia Class VI Waterworks License Class A/B UST Operator’s License within 6 months of employment. Drug screening and tuberculin test required. Possession of valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Performance of more strenuous physical tasks, such as: walking over rough or uneven surface; bending or stooping; working in confined spaces; lifting or carrying items weighing 20-50 pounds; working in inclement weather and conditions. Regular contacts made with individuals from other internal organization units, outside organizations and the general public for purposes of exchanging factual information which requires some judgement of interpretation in order to be responsive to questions or applicable to a specific situation. Frequent telephone and occasional contact with Principals, internal and external organization at County and State levels, employees and the general public is required.

PG14 2024