Environmental Health & Safety Specialist (EHS) - Life Safety and Environment of Care Compliance

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and 1 year of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.

Must have a valid Texas driver's license and able to operate a UTMB vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and 3 years of related experience. One or more of the following licenses or certifications:

·        Certified Safety Professional (CSP)  

·        Certified industrial Hygienist (CIH)

·        Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM)

·        Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)  

·        Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)

·        Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP)

Job Description:

The EHS Specialist, located within the UTMB Health Life Safety and Environment of Care Compliance group, is responsible for leading and independently executing comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety programs, with a primary focus on fire protection. The role ensures ongoing compliance with NFPA codes and applicable statutes by applying code knowledge to evaluate and verify that new construction projects and existing facility conditions satisfy Life Safety Code requirements. The specialist will proactively observe facilities for potential fire safety concerns, appropriately report findings, and utilize strong analytical and lateral thinking to interpret and apply NFPA codes to resolve issues.

This position also works to ensure all fire protection systems remain highly reliable and code compliant, including reviewing and approving proposed modifications to systems, and maintaining documentation of all required testing. Additionally, this position develops and presents safety training programs, participates in fire drills, and produces compliance and performance reports for Environment of Care reporting. The specialist will work cooperatively with other EHS work groups to ensure the overall safety of all UTMB facilities. Preferred skills include the ability to read and interpret construction drawings (blueprints, specifications), knowledge of Bluebeam Revu software, and a desire for continuous learning and professional development in NFPA codes and their practical application within our facilities.

Job Duties:

·        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 provide 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 of environmental health & safety regulations.

·        Ability to evaluate observed conditions and provide recommendations.

·        Ability to deliver safety training that has been identified for new and existing employees.

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 achieve or maintain 24- or 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations certification according to 29 CFR 1910 requirements within first 6 months of hire.

·        Ability to drive UTMB vehicles.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Salary Range:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Other:

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code. Eligible for unescorted access to category 1 and category 2 quantities of radioactive material based upon Trustworthiness and Reliability determination (25 TAC §289.252/10 CFR Part 37).

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 Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.