Environmental Safety Specialist I

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

7d•$50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Safety Specialist I provides professional knowledge and expertise in operating and supporting environmental programs in compliance with regulatory agency guidelines and institutional policies. The role supports environmental compliance across the University of Texas at Austin campus and satellite locations through inspections, monitoring, training, testing, sampling, waste handling, reporting, and incident response. The position typically follows a 40-hour Monday–Friday schedule, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexible work arrangements; the current schedule requires working on campus four days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in science, natural science, engineering, environmental engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, occupational health and industrial hygiene, or a related field; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Experience with environmental sampling, permitting, and/or compliance.
Working competencies in accuracy and attention to detail, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem solving, and service excellence.
Basic understanding of critical thinking and decision making.
Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and environmental working conditions, which may include lifting up to 50 pounds, working in varied weather and temperatures, and using personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in environmental health and safety or a related field.
Two years of experience performing environmental sampling or storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) inspections.
Current Hazardous Waste Operator certification or prior hazardous materials training.
Training to become a Department of Transportation certified shipper for hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

Conduct inspections, monitoring, training, and testing at various sites to ensure compliance with university storm water, wastewater, SPCC, PST/UST, and other environmental program permit requirements.
Attend seminars and workshops to maintain knowledge of environmental programs, and deliver environmental training to employees and students.
Pick up, package, transport, segregate, and process chemical and biological waste at university campuses and satellite locations; coordinate pickup times and locations with customers.
Collect required storm water and wastewater samples, including samples associated with discharge requests to storm and sanitary sewers.
Test, inspect, and calibrate equipment as needed; review analytical results and perform quality control.
Assist with preparation of permit-required reports as directed by senior staff.
Maintain environmental program compliance reporting systems, identify and develop corrective actions and training for deficiencies, communicate with stakeholders, document corrective actions, and assist in developing standard operating procedures and written guidelines.
Respond to environmental complaints and incidents, including hazardous and non-hazardous spills, odors, and contamination; analyze causes and impacts to the environment, personnel, and facility safety, and report findings to management.
Schedule and monitor services for pretreatment devices and non-hazardous waste streams, including grease, grit, mud, and oil-water separator units; maintain current waste profiles and inspect pretreatment units as needed.
Drive university vehicles and maintain an acceptable driver rating.
Participate in the on-call program if qualified.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with employer matching funds.
Additional voluntary retirement programs, including 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
Free LinkedIn Learning training and professional conference opportunities.
Tuition assistance.
Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID.
Free rides on UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID.
Opportunities for continuing education and stipends for additional trade licenses.