Hazardous Materials Specialist

Yale University•New Haven, CT

67d•$92,000 - $146,750•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Environmental Affairs Manager, this position has overall responsibility for developing and implementing programs that ensure hazardous materials associated with renovations or routine maintenance activities are properly identified prior to the work, are handled in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, and are removed, handled or controlled in the most cost-effective manner.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge in EHS science and state and federal EHS regulations, standards, and guidance; 24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification (required after hire).
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to be an effective trainer and public speaker, and to maintain collaborative relationships with coworkers, students, faculty, staff, and external entities.
Demonstrated technical EHS skills, including monitoring and sampling methodology, and the ability to perform technical calculations and hazard evaluations.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple programs, projects, and tasks across multiple university locations.
Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, including reporting survey findings and maintaining required regulatory records.
Connecticut State Asbestos Inspector and Project Designed license.
24-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification (required after hire)
Pass required physical examination.
Ability to stand, walk, lift, push, pull, twist, and negotiate awkward paths of travel.
Ability to periodically perform short duration physical exertions, including light-medium weightlifting, pushing, pulling, stair or ladder climbing, etc., in support of a safety investigation, area or operations survey, or emergency response.
Ability to wear and use personal protective equipment for hazardous materials handling and spill clean-up including respirators, safety shoes, goggles, gloves, and fully encapsulating protective suit, up to and including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Ability to work in a variety of physical environments including weather extremes, potential confined spaces, elevated locations, etc.
In support of emergency response work or assisting other EHS units, ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and move up to 500 lbs. of waste or other material using rolling carts or drum carts.
Ability to carry cell phone at all reasonable times after-hours and the designated EHS after-hours emergency response cell phone as scheduled.
Bachelor's degree specific to the area of expertise, or related field, such as environmental science, industrial hygiene, radiation safety/health physicist, biology, physics, chemistry, or engineering.
Six years of work experience in a safety-related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Self-starter with well-developed analytical, training, and counseling skills.
Ability to interpret regulatory impact or safety impact in new setting.
Ability to process complicated situations and respond immediately. Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
Well-developed leadership skills.
Well-developed coping skills.
Advanced degree in industrial hygiene, safety discipline or biological science such as toxicology or physiology.
Experience as a lead/asbestos consultant is highly desired.
Experience with soil remediation is highly desired.
Experience with PCB remediation is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement and manage programs and procedures to identify and control access to hazardous materials that may be encountered during renovations or routine maintenance operations.
Implement and manage an asbestos and lead operation and maintenance program that meets the requirements of OSHA's lead and asbestos construction standards as well as all other local, state, and federal regulations.
Review renovation plans to identify potential sources of hazardous material inspections of areas that will be renovated or in which routine maintenance activities will be conducted that could encounter hazardous materials.
Act as the asbestos and lead inspector and/or project designer for small to medium-sized projects.
Review all asbestos and lead inspection reports and project designs prepared by consultants for completeness and cost effectiveness of abatement approach.
Submit alternative work procedures to the State Department of Public Health when appropriate to control costs associated with asbestos abatement projects.
Conduct audits/inspections of maintenance operations and renovations to ensure applicable hazardous material regulations and established procedures are being followed.
Respond to and investigate exposure incidents involving asbestos and lead.
Provide technical guidance on all aspects of asbestos and lead management to Project Managers, Physical Plant Managers, and University administrators.
Prepare and publish asbestos and lead safety training and informational materials and provide training to University personnel on these issues.
Set criteria that asbestos abatement firms must meet and identify consultants to whom project managers can enter into contracts.
Track asbestos and lead regulations on the federal, state, and local level, summarizing new regulations and implementing new programs as necessary.
Supervise other personnel as directed.
Assist in other OEHS activities as directed by the Section Manager.
Responsible for oversight of high-risk and significant EHS compliance programs that conform with applicable regulations, standards, and Yale policies. Manage daily operations of these programs, including development of written policies, procedures, and standards, as well as the creation of compliance reports to document completion of assigned tasks.
Understand policies and procedures. Assess risks. Utilize and implement appropriate safety procedures, personal protective equipment, and other safety controls.
Provide expert advice regarding the safe and compliant acquisition, use, management, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Serve as a subject matter expert to faculty oversight committees, planning and design groups.
Through measurement, critical evaluation, calculation, and modeling, use skill and expertise to apply regulatory standards or criteria to inform EHS decisions.
Assess the safety of work areas and activities for university personnel and outside contractors. Perform comprehensive safety audits. Report survey findings.
Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures. Maintain complete and accurate records to EHS standards, as required.
Be self-motivated. Present own ideas. Make job improvements. Understand other EHS work processes and their underlying basis.
Meet work plan goals and contribute to Section and overall EHS goals. Complete duties appropriately, accurately, and in a high quality and timely manner.
Be friendly and courteous with coworkers and customers. Forge new customer relationships and strengthen existing ones. Develop a deep understanding of customer needs. Refer customer to appropriate resources. Keep customers informed of progress and follow through thoroughly.
Work in harmony with others as a team member. Cooperate freely and demonstrate respect for others. Encourage the participation of other team members in projects. Address and resolve conflict in a timely and appropriate manner.
Communicate technical information effectively and appropriately to different audiences. Communicate with internal and external contacts to review safety issues, implement recommendations and corrective actions listen attentively to others. Provide appropriate and timely feedback. Be tactful and sensitive to others. Encourage others to express their ideas and opinions.
Provide specialty training for high risk or compliance-sensitive activities.
Ensure that EHS services provided are performed in a manner consistent with expectations, policies, and procedures. Be responsive and prompt.
Serves as a member of the 24/7/365 EHS emergency response team for hazardous materials incidents. Carry EHS provided cell phone at all reasonable times after-hours and, when scheduled, the EHS after-hours emergency response cell phone.
Immediately report to your supervisor: a) items of non-compliance or potential items of non-compliance; b) any spills, releases, accidents, injuries, emergencies, or other incidents; or c) any problems with facilities and equipment.
Support other EHS programs and perform other duties as assigned.