Occupational Safety Technician

UVA Health

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking applicants for the position of Occupational Safety Technician (OST). This position supports departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education, and support services across the UVA community. The OST role is well suited for individuals with laboratory experience and/or education in science or engineering who are interested in applying their background towards real-world safety challenges in a higher education environment. Working under the direction of the Assistant Director for Research Safety, the OST completes projects and tasks that support the University’s dynamic occupational safety and research safety programs. The OST works collaboratively with EHS occupational and research safety professionals to address both existing and emerging safety needs. This position offers hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to a broad range of safety practices, making it an excellent foundation for early-career professionals interested in environmental health and safety, occupational safety, and research compliance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of relevant experience.
A valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.
Strong knowledge of environmental health and safety practices, including applicable regulations such as Virginia Department of Occupational Safety and Health standards.
Safe use of equipment, hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment.
Excellent organizational skills for accurate program maintenance and recordkeeping.
Effective communicator with experience delivering training to diverse audiences.
Ability to analyze data to present clear, actionable insights to stakeholders.
Highly reliable and detail-oriented.
Manages multiple priorities.
Works both independently and collaboratively.
Committed to ongoing professional development.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in related field.
Relevant work experience in a laboratory, the health sciences, industry or other technical field.
Work experience at an institution of higher education.
Experience with the safe operation of heavy equipment.
Experience performing inspections, safety and physical hazard assessments.
Experience conducting accident/incident investigations.
Certification in CPR/First Aid or ability to obtain after hire.
Competent in Microsoft Office Suite applications, utilizing spreadsheets and databases for data tracking and analysis, and experience with online research for the identification of technical resources.

Responsibilities

Conduct evaluations and inspections to support safe work and learning environments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, University policy, fire code, and professional standards across diverse operations, including fall protection, electrical safety, shop equipment, and laboratory hazards.
Provide recommendations, written reports and follow-up to assess the implementation of corrective actions identified through inspections and evaluations.
Assist in conducting incident investigations and provide recommendations for improvement and implementation of measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Provide support for labs and makerspaces implementing, maintaining and updating chemical inventory in chemical inventory software.
Assist in development and delivery of occupational and research safety training.
Promptly respond to requests for technical consultation from the research and teaching community, academic units and the healthcare community.
Provide support for OST-related services and initiatives for University departments and committees.
Work collaboratively with a variety of University stakeholders to promote adherence to federal and state regulations, University policy and programs.
Liaise with Risk Management, Youth Protection, Facilities Management Division of Occupational Health & Safety, Safety and Security, Workers Compensation, Occupational Medicine and other University departments to promote a functionally efficient and cohesive safety and compliance support infrastructure.
Assist other EHS programs and University needs, as required (e.g., assisting with laser hazard analyses, noise monitoring, emergent response to air quality incidents, emergency support).