Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Evaluates and corrects chemical, biological and general safety hazards in laboratories, shops and support spaces. Audits facilities according to industrial hygiene, safety engineering, and environmental health principles and practices, as well as, government codes, regulations and other legal and consensus standard requirements. Assists with hazardous materials and waste identification and collection.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with major course work in public health, environmental health, related field or equivalency required, plus one year experience with the functions and operations of an environmental health and safety program. Supervisory experience and working knowledge of computer programs and applications; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required.

A current Driver’s License is required.

Incumbent must pass a medical examination and be cleared to wear negative and positive pressure respirators and personal protective equipment within three months of employment.

This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Develops and implements comprehensive health and safety services.
2. Inspects and audits laboratories and shops to review procedures, identify the need for risk assessment and provide counsel for regulatory compliance.
3. Investigates reported problems, complaints, incidents and injuries.
4. Serves as a Chemical Hygiene Officer for assigned areas to provide laboratory researchers up-to-date information and service in compliance with OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plan requirements.
5. Responds to and assists with mitigation of emergencies and spills involving hazardous materials.
6. Coordinates device and equipment testing for technicians.
7. Facilitates hazardous material clean-outs to ensure compliance and maintains appropriate and timely hazardous warning signs.
8. Designs and conducts training for orientation, hazardous materials, hazardous waste and environmental health and safety topics.
9. Provides consultation to individuals and departments on safety and health-related issues.
10. Prepares and analyzes quality assurance reports, maintains applicable databases and implements changes.

Problem Solving

This position is authorized to compare research and support activities, processes such as chemical emitting experiments (cement canoe construction process) and anticipated hazards to planned performance. Implements corrective actions for deviations, including reassigning staff to accomplish tasks and adjusting schedules. This position tracks costs associated with device and equipment testing. The incumbent communicates with department administrators regarding department budget requests.

The incumbent provides training and education that requires persuasive communication to encourage safe practices.

This position is required to understand and stay current with all health and safety related issues.

Comments

Incumbent may be required to work extended or irregular hours and be available for on call.

Incumbent must have the ability to lift 50 pounds.