EHS Specialist

Overview

Job Summary: Supports one or more of the following areas: radiation safety, general safety, chemical safety, hazardous materials/waste, industrial hygiene, fire safety, or environmental affairs. Under general direction, conduct and monitor the inspections of Medical Center property for safety, chemical, radiation and environmental hazards as they relate to local, state, and federal codes and standards, including but not limited to Fire Prevention, OSHA, DENR, DHSR, DHHS, USNRC, EPA, FDA, CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), and TJC standards. Investigates and answers complaints of hazardous conditions, develops course of action for correction of hazards, issues appropriate work orders and documentation to have hazards corrected, and follows up on items until corrected. Maintains documentation on the hazards and follow-up reports along with inspection data. Receives, collects and segregates waste per regulations and department protocols. Provides technical assistance on matters related to safety, chemical, radiation and environmental issues for various operations and processes in healthcare, research and academic environments. Conducts audits, trend analysis and site inspections of operations that affect facility design, faculty, staff, visitor and patient safety. 

Education / Experience: Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field or equivalent experience. Three (3) years of experience in radiation and/or hazardous waste management or environmental management, or equivalent education and experience. Advanced Training in Hazardous Material Spill Response required, 40 hr EPA HAZWOPER certification preferred 

Reports To: EH&S Director

Licensure, Certification and / or Registration: Certified Hazardous Material Manager preferred. Other environmental, radiation, fire, safety, health or industrial hygiene credential or training certifications (i.e., Associate Safety Professional or Occupational Safety and Health Technologist) will be considered. 

Essential Functions: 

1. Adheres to the general organizational hospital 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. 
2. Inspections and Sampling: Assists in periodic inspections of facilities for compliance with biosafety, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, laboratory, radiation, 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. Performs inspections of the storm water sites per the NC Storm Best Management Practices. Coordinates annual groundwater testing. Compiles information for limited site assessments (LSAs) as needed. Assists with the radiation dosimetry programs. 
3. Hazardous Waste: Collects chemical, biological or radioactive waste from laboratories and other medical center operations for all of the Medical Center (WFBMC) 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. 
4. Transport and Disposal: Assists in evaluating, collecting, preparing, and inventorying hazardous chemicals and/or radioactive materials 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. 
5. Laboratories: Works with the Principal Investigator and laboratory 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.
6. 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. 
7. Reports: Independently completes required reports for external agencies. Maintains supporting documents for assigned committee, biennial report, Tier II and Medical Center Contingency Plan. Maintains contingency plans received from local companies. Assists with the Environmental Management System (EMS) and the electronic chemical inventory system. 
8. Response: Responds (24/7) in support of disaster or emergency situations occurring on Medical Center property, such as: chemical spills/leaks; fire; bomb threats; Code Triage; WMD/NBC incidents and/or other threats to the institution. Keeps abreast of changes in state, OSHA, NFPA, and other safety codes and regulations as applicable. 

Skills and Qualifications: Training in chemistry and regulations related to safe handling of chemical agents, radioactive materials, hazardous materials response, OSHA General Industry Standards or hazardous waste management. Broad knowledge and understanding of safety, health and environmental regulatory standards. Expertise in word processing, use of spreadsheet software and development of presentations Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and written communication skills. Experience using monitoring equipment as it relates to spill response. Ability to work with others in a team oriented environment across multiple departments. 

Special Characteristics: Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations. Ability to multitask and set priorities appropriate for the department?s mission. Physical Requirements: Amount of time spent performing the following activities: 

Work Environment: Works with materials which are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxic agents, and radioactive materials Must be able to wear a variety of personal protective equipment in a variety of environmental conditions May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens Works in precarious or high locations periodically Moderate to high noise environment Work climate varies from clean and well lit to wet, dark, and constricting spaces Subject to many interruptions and crowded conditions Exposed to unpleasant conditions such as accidents, injuries, illness, and anatomical research