Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (0097690)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Auxiliary Services and Facilities Officer and the general oversight of the Auxiliary Services and Facilities Manager, the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist is responsible for assisting in directing, planning, and coordinating all environmental and occupational health and safety programs for the campus. This role requires technical expertise to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to those from DOH (Department of Health), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and HIOSH (Hawaii Office of Occupational Safety and Health). Under the supervision of the Auxiliary Services and Facilities Officer, the EHS Specialist serves as the primary on-site expert and liaison for all safety-related matters, working to identify, evaluate, and control hazards and risks.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, or related field and no (0) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for Environmental Health and Safety; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of Environmental Health and Safety demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with Environmental Health and Safety.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of Environmental Health and Safety.
Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated ability to establish and effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and Microsoft Office programs.
Certification or ability to obtain certification within 60 days of employment in the following: OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-Hour Certification, First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification.
Functional knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and standards related to environmental health and safety, including those from OSHA, HIOSH, and the Hawaii Department of Health.
Demonstrated ability to assist in the management a comprehensive EHS program, including developing policies, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to assist with training personnel, preparing reports, and communicating with campus leadership and regulatory agencies.
Ability to resolve complex problems and make sound decisions under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a Master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, or related field.
Demonstrated experience working in an educational institution or research-heavy environment.
Demonstrated experience with laboratory safety, biohazardous materials management, and chemical hygiene planning.
Demonstrated experience with fire and life safety codes and inspections.
Demonstrated experience working with vocational programs that involve trades, such as welding, automotive, or construction.
Relevant health and safety professional certifications, including but not limited to: Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist.
Knowledge of the University of Hawaii System, Community College System, and Honolulu Community College policies and procedures related to facilities management and risk assessment.
Familiarity with the unique environmental and administrative challenges of working in a distributed community college system in Hawaii.

Responsibilities

Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive campus-specific EHS programs, including but not limited to a Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazardous Materials Management Program, and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.
Conducts and documents regular inspections of all campus facilities, including laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and grounds, to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Follows up to ensure all discrepancies are rectified.
Assists in establishing and maintaining a system for the tracking and managing of hazardous materials, including proper storage, use, and disposal of chemicals and other regulated substances.
Assists in developing and updating emergency response plans for various scenarios, such as chemical spills, fires, and natural disasters.
Assists in the creation and delivery of mandatory EHS training programs for faculty, staff, and students, with a focus on areas such as lab safety, hazardous waste handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and fire extinguisher use.
Provides specialized training for high-risk programs, such as welding, automotive repair, and nursing, ensuring students and instructors are proficient in program-specific safety protocols.
Maintains accurate records of all training sessions and participant certifications.
Serves as the campus first responder for on-campus environmental and safety emergencies.
Investigates all accidents, injuries, and near-misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Prepares and submits all required incident reports to the appropriate campus leadership and regulatory agencies.
Ensures the campus is in continuous compliance with all relevant regulations from federal and state agencies, including OSHA, HIOSH, and the Hawaii Department of Health.
Acts as the primary point of contact and liaison for regulatory inspections and audits.
Maintains a current knowledge of evolving laws, regulations, and best practices in environmental health and safety.
Assists in providing expert advice and consultation to facilities management, campus administration, department heads, and faculty on EHS matters, including facility design for new construction or renovations.
Works collaboratively with the central UH System EHS office and other community college EHS specialists to share information and resources.
Promotes a strong culture of safety awareness and personal responsibility across the campus community.
Other related duties as assigned.