What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health Specialist - EHS-Hazardous Waste Management position at UTMB Health Careers?
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and one year of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and three years of related experience. Experience in hazardous waste management programs, including laboratory-related waste handling operations or hazardous materials response. One or more of the following licenses or certifications:
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Registered Environmental Manager (REM)
Job Description:
Provides professional knowledge and expertise in the operation and support of environmental, health, and safety programs in compliance with regulatory agencies, national guidelines, and institutional policies.
Department Overview:
The Environmental Health and Safety’s (EHS) Environmental Protection Management team provides the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) campuses and clinical facilities with hazardous materials disposal and environmental-related services.
The EHS team of safety, health, and environmental professionals work to protect the health & safety of faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors at UTMB as well as ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Our mission is to work with our customers to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards in support of the UTMB mission to improve health for the people of Texas and around the world.
Job Duties:
- Collection, segregation, and overall management of hazardous wastes (Chemical, Radiological, Regulated Medical).
- Creating and maintaining records and documentation related to hazardous wastes.
- Lead and participate in the management of hazardous waste storage facilities, reports related to hazardous waste to maintain regulatory compliance to include inspections, audits, self-assessments, and risk analyses.
- Respond to hazardous materials emergencies and serve as essential person during weather events.
- Provides support for work process leader and team.
- Provides customer service interactions for execution of programmatic deliverables.
- Produces required reports to leadership and assigned committees.
- Performs audits and inspections and provides recommendations to help reduce institutional risks.
- Reviews and monitors safety process.
- Develops and teaches environmental, health, and safety training courses.
- Assists with regulatory inspections.
- Performs customer consultations to identify and address environmental, health, and safety needs.
- Establishes appropriate work procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and UTMB policies.
- Respond to hazardous materials releases and other emergent conditions within scope of training and experience.
- Maintains consistent quality of institutional safety procedures.
- Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
- Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:
- Intermediate knowledge in environmental health & safety regulations.
- Ability to inspect, test, monitor, or measure safe environmental levels.
- Ability to evaluate observed conditions and provide recommendations.
- Demonstrated use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
Working Environment:
- Standard hospital, clinical, laboratory and/or office environments.
- Potential exposure to hazardous conditions and/or materials. May involve strenuous activity such as walking, lifting, and moving of material. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection, chemical resistant clothing, etc.
- Standard office equipment and equipment used to ensure safe environmental levels.
- May be required to pass the "Basic Radiation Safety in the Laboratory" course within the first 6 months of employment.
- May be required to achieve or maintain Hazardous Waste Operations certification according to 40 CFR 1910 requirements within first 6 months of hire.
- Ability to drive UTMB vehicles.
Work Schedule:
Salary Range:
Equal Employment Opportunity
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
