Environmental Health Specialist 2 - EHS (Coral Gables campus)

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The EHS Specialist assists in maintaining organizational compliance with all applicable standards and guidelines set for by environmental and health safety (EHS) regulations. The EHS Specialist provides expert technical consultation and is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, and maintaining a comprehensive safety program for all units of the University of Miami to ensure compliance with appropriate regulatory requirements for healthcare, research and teaching laboratories (University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System).

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                          

• Responsible for, under limited supervision, the applicable EHS program(s), i.e., Laser Safety, Biological Safety, Haz Mat etc.

• Oversees procedures to safeguard employees and surrounding communities and to ensure that all facilities are in compliance with regulations.

• Conducts comprehensive EHS evaluations and ensures appropriate control measures are in place as well as approving alternate controls. Identifies potential safety and health hazards and reports to supervisor.  Works with team to develop and implement solutions to address hazards.

• Proactively ensures the minimization of risk related to non-compliance with regulations and policies governing the conduct of the applicable EHS program(s).

• Coordinates, conducts, and/or the delivery of EHS education and training to any and all University of Miami faculty, staff, and students who work with or have potential for exposure to harmful agents.

• Performs EHS audits, inspections, and identifies recalls for compliance with regulations and guidelines on scheduled intervals or more frequent as deemed necessary.

• Reviews and investigates accidents occurring on University campuses, and develops corrective action plans.

• Communicates with federal, state, and local safety, health, and environmental agencies as a department representative concerning inspections, compliance issues and emerging standards.

• Reviews, approves, and ensures contracted service companies, research grants, proposals or similar meet or provide evidence of documentation of appropriate training and recommends modifications to safe practices.

• Provides technical guidance to faculty and staff in the development of EHS plans; advises facilities and pertinent staff regarding technical and programmatic issues involving design and maintenance.

• Develops, updates and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving hazardous agents and materials, and responds to incidents as appropriate.

• Participates in and provides assistance to various internal committees and task forces, when appropriate.

• Maintains continuing EHS education and communicates with other institutions and safety professionals in order to stay abreast of developments in the applicable environmental health and safety program.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                         

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:

Not Applicable

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Knowledge of business and management principles
• Proficiency in computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

• Conducts reviews of biological research proposals for safety.

• Participates in reviewing research protocols for the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC), the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

• Prepares written risk assessment reports for hazardous materials used in biological or animal research protocols, considering the toxicological concerns and risks to research stakeholders.

• Reviews and revamps existing biological and lab safety resources.

• Reviews and writes standard operating procedures for work involving pathogens and/or animals in varied research procedures.

• Assesses safety and regulatory compliance for microbiological and animal research facilities.

• Helps establish oversight programs, guidance, and training for faculty, students, staff, and other research stakeholders.

• Conducts investigations for incidents involving exposures to biological materials.

• Oversees shared biosafety-related email boxes and provides guided responses as needed.

Department Specific Qualifications                                                                                     

Education:

Preference for candidates with educational background in biological sciences

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff