Senior Occupational Safety Specialist - Construction & Facilities Management

This position is under the direction of the Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and the Senior Occupational Safety Compliance Officer with an indirect line of responsibility to the Senior Vice President of Construction & Facilities Management. This position will primarily work in collaboration with various stakeholders as well as contractors to support safety and compliance as it pertains to LU requirements, regulatory compliance and best practices in regard to agencies and organizations such as OSHA, ANSI, NIOSH, ACGIH, NFPA, and EPA (this is not all inclusive). Additionally, incumbents will enjoy a varied work environment that will take them into the field to actively engage employees and be a resource for their support. This position will support the administrative processes associated with EHS safety programs. The incumbent will work in a highly collaborative environment and actively listen to determine how to support their team, contractors, and Construction and Facilities Management. This position assesses risks associated with work activities and helps with mitigation plans for those activities.

Areas of focus include but are not limited to Asbestos, Lead Based Paint, Silica, Hazard Communication, Chemical Inventory and SDS Management, Respiratory Protection, Confined Space Entry, Hearing Conservation, Fall Protection, Machine Guarding, Electrical Safety, Trenching & Excavations, and Mobile Elevated Work Platform Safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In this position the employee will be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays when needed.
• Reports to work at assigned times and performs any duties assigned by the EHS Director or Senior Occupational Safety Compliance Officer and supports requests by the SVP of Construction and Facilities Management.
• Supports elements of the LU EHS Program including but not limited to Hazardous Communication, Fall Protection, Electrical Safety, Lockout / Tag Out, Trenching & Excavation, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, Forklifts, Lab Safety, Bloodborne Pathogens, Confined Space Entry, and others to help promote safety and support regulatory compliance.
• Can read and understand blueprints.
• Has extensive experience and understanding of Asbestos Management and Support.
• Has extensive experience and understanding of Lead-Based Paint Management and Support.
• Continually assist with improving existing safety and health programs and training and their effective implementation.
• Monitor facilities and processes for compliance and interpret and implement applicable occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines as published by OSHA, ANSI, NIOSH, ACGIH, etc.
• Assist Construction and Facilities Management personnel with understanding Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and help them become proficient at completing thorough JHA's prior to beginning daily work processes / projects.
• Maintain current knowledge on existing and pending legislation related to safety policies and procedures and be informed on industry trends and innovations.
• Work collaboratively with Construction and Facilities Management personnel to come up with feasible mitigation strategies to control or eliminate safety hazards.
• Act as a resource during toolbox talks and during and after safety committee meetings.
• Attend and participate in health and safety training sessions and education opportunities as required by the EHS Director.
• Track and manage data.
• Partners with EHS Team members to develop and maintain engaging safety communications and trainings.
• May execute other duties in support of safety, health, and environmental programs.
• Required to handle high stress situations and follow instructions when responding to emergencies.
• Document safety assessments clearly and precisely.
• Respond to emergencies involving hazardous incidents (gas leaks, chemical spills, fire, etc.) to aid in remediation efforts on-site, as required.
• Support safety functions during evenings, weekends and holidays as required such as football games, commencement, convocation, concerts, etc. Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Lead and assist with incident investigations including root cause analysis and devise preventive measures.
• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Director of EHS, Senior Occupational Safety Compliance Officer, Assistant Vice President of Security & Public Safety and the Vice President of Security and Public Safety.
• OSHA authorized instructor for OSHA 10-hour and OSHA 30-hour for general industry. Authorized instructor for construction is preferred but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

This position requires an undergraduate degree in Environmental Health & Safety, or similar degree and at least 5 years of Environmental Health & Safety experience in construction and / or facilities management. Anyone with less experience will not be considered for this position. Must be certified as a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) or Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) or be able to obtain one of these certifications within 18 months of being hired.

Must have the ability to train and motivate others, have effective communications skills to interact and communicate with faculty, staff, students, and contractors. Must be detail oriented, having strong organization and planning skills. Must have diplomacy and confidence when dealing with adversity.

Must be proficient with use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook. Must have the ability to learn other software applications such as Adobe Pro, Bluebeam, Campus Optics, and any other software as required for the administration of the department. Must be proficient in utilizing iPads or have the ability to learn quickly as all safety assessments, equipment inspections and forms are done with the tablet in the fields. Ability to respond promptly in-person to all campus locations requiring environmental health & safety services. Ability to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary. Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of program.

Any Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University at the expense of the employer will be reimbursed back to the University upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring it. Position requires a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

Problem Solving

Physical and Sensory Abilities

WORKING CONDITION

Work Environment

The working environment varies depending on the need of the department and the university. There are times when work is performed within climate-controlled buildings / offices that are well lit and noise levels are moderate. Other times work is performed outside in all types of weather conditions and in all kinds of environments from flat to rocky and mountainous. The work environment also includes construction zones which can be loud and dusty as well as slippery and rough.

Driving Requirements

Use of LU vehicle such as a truck, van, transit, SUV, utility vehicle or golf cart is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license and an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Target Hire Date

2024-11-04

Time Type

Full time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.