EHS Specialist

Primary Purpose Assists with Environmental Health & Safety programs across Atrium Health facilities; serves as technical resource compliance. Under general direction, conducts and monitors inspections for safety, chemical, radiation and environmental hazards in accordance with local, state, and federal codes and standards. Adheres to organizational compliance; improves safety and operational programs and teamwork within the organization.

Major Responsibilities

• Adheres to the general organizational standards to promote a cooperative work environment by utilizing communication skills, interpersonal relationships and team building. Follows organization and departmental policies and procedures. Contributes to the overall quality of service. Assumes responsibility for keeping informed about changes in policies and procedures.
• Inspections and Sampling: Assists in periodic inspections of facilities for compliance with radiation, biosafety, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, laboratory, and general safety standards. Reports non-compliance or hazardous conditions found to principal investigators and managers. Assists in the collection of environmental and industrial hygiene samples by utilizing a variety of monitoring, sampling, and analytical equipment and instruments to gather data. Assists with the radiation dosimetry programs.
• Hazardous Waste: Collects radioactive, chemical, and/or biological waste from laboratories and other medical center operations and its ancillary facilities. Maintains hazardous waste accumulation areas in accordance with RCRA and manages hazardous waste material tracking database system. Assists with the coordination of the radioactive materials waste management program.
• Transport and Disposal: Assists in evaluating, collecting, preparing, and inventorying radioactive materials and/or hazardous chemicals for transport and disposal. Segregates, repackages, documents and transports hazardous/radioactive waste/materials from the various campus locations as allowed. Performs reviews of all EPA and DOT classifications prior to picking up waste materials to ensure classifications were completed in an accurate manner and schedules all waste pickups. Assists in the preparation of reports on findings and recommendations.
• Laboratories: Works with the Principal Investigator and Staff to set up, maintain, move, or close a lab. This includes the introduction, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Posts and explains applicable regulations pertaining to radiation protection practices.
• Equipment: Assists in performing tests, repairs, maintenance, and monthly calibrations of environmental, radiation and industrial hygiene detection and monitoring equipment. Assists with monitoring and recording functionality and location of emergency showers, emergency eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, hydrants, fire suppression systems, special ventilation systems, ventilation hoods, flammable cabinets, radiation dosimetry, and other safety equipment as required.
• Reports: Independently completes required reports for external agencies. Maintains supporting documents for assigned committee, reporting and Contingency Planning. Assists with the Environmental Management System (EMS) and the electronic chemical inventory system.
• Response: Responds (24/7) in support of disaster or emergency situations occurring for Academic and Research Safety. Assists with analysis and determines proper procedures for mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery in emergency disaster situations and assists facilities in developing and implementing necessary procedures.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Safety Management, Safety Engineering, Occupational Safety & Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Management, Risk Management, or related discipline

Work Experience

Five years’ experience in safety and/or facilities management that includes experience in emergency management, environmental safety, and life safety

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with others in a collaborative environment across multiple departments.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Ability to multitask and set priorities
• Must possess a sense of urgency and make sound decisions.
• Must be solution oriented.
• Computer skills with demonstration of skill and competence in use of Microsoft Office applications required.
• Responsible for setting a strong example of safety by working safely and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately

Preferred Job Requirements

Certification / License

Professional certification or training certifications related to healthcare, laboratory safety, environmental, radiation, safety, health, or industrial hygiene such as Certified Hazardous Material Manager and 40 hr. EPA HAZWOPER, Associate Safety Professional, Occupational Safety, and Health Technologist

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• This position requires travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Subject to many interruptions and crowed conditions.
• Must be able to carry up to 25 pounds of material and various types of equipment.
• Subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.
• May be subject to hazards (e.g., chemicals, mechanical conditions, bloodborne pathogens, etc.) and atmospheric conditions (e.g., dust, fumes, etc.)
• Must be able to wear a variety of personal protective equipment in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Exposed to unpleasant conditions such as accidents, injuries, illness, and anatomical research
• Moderate noise levels.
• Must be able to carry up to 25 pounds of material and various types of equipment.

DISCLAIMER

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.