Environmental Safety Specialist I

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

6d • 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 at UT Austin’s main campus and satellite locations through inspections, monitoring, sampling, training, waste handling, reporting, and incident response. The position is based in Austin, Texas, and the current schedule requires working on campus four days per week, with flexible work arrangements. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., within a 40-hour work week. The position is expected to continue, and the earliest start date is immediate.

The work may involve varied outdoor and industrial conditions, including extreme temperatures, chemical fumes, biohazards, chemicals, electrical and mechanical hazards, confined spaces, elevated work, and noise or dust. Duties may require personal protective equipment, use of a respirator, driving University vehicles, and participation in an on-call program if qualified. The position may require extended shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a specified or related field and have experience with environmental sampling, permitting, and/or compliance. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. The position is non-exempt from FLSA. Salary starts at $50,000, depending on qualifications.

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 competence in accuracy and attention to detail, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem solving, and service excellence.
• Basic understanding of critical thinking and decision making.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical and working-condition demands, including possible lifting up to 50 pounds and use of personal protective equipment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.

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 attendance at Hazardous Materials training.
• Training to become a Department of Transportation certified shipper for Hazardous Materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections, monitoring, training, and testing of sites to ensure compliance with university environmental permits and programs, including storm water, wastewater, SPCC, and PSTs/USTs.
• Attend seminars and workshops to develop and maintain knowledge of environmental programs.
• Conduct and present environmental training for university employees and students.
• Pick up, package, transport, segregate, and process chemical and biological waste at UT Austin campuses and satellite locations; schedule or coordinate pickup times and locations with customers.
• Collect storm water and wastewater samples as required, including samples related to discharge requests to storm and sanitary sewers.
• Test, inspect, and calibrate equipment as needed; review analytical results and perform quality control.
• Assist with reports required by permits and as directed by senior staff.
• Maintain program compliance reporting systems, identify and develop corrective actions, and provide appropriate training for deficient areas.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with stakeholders across the main campus and satellite locations to maintain compliance; document corrective actions as needed.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures and other written guidelines.
• Respond to environmental complaints and problems, including hazardous and non-hazardous spills, odors, and contamination; analyze incident causes and impacts on the environment, personnel, and facility safety, and report findings to management.
• Schedule and monitor services for pretreatment devices and disposal of non-hazardous waste streams, including grease, grit, mud, and oil-water separator units.
• Ensure waste profiles are current and inspect pretreatment units as needed.
• Drive University vehicles and maintain an acceptable driver rating.
• Participate in the on-call program if able to meet qualifications.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level