Workplace Safety Officer (Safety Officer 1)

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will work in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with duties that encompass all missions of OHSU but will function both remotely and on-site as needed wherever OHSU operates. This position is differentiated from others in Workplace Safety by the level of independence, the amount of direct interaction with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the technical guidance provided to the Safety Specialists, and the breadth of responsibilities across OHSU. EHS oversees/manages programs and policies aimed at minimizing risks to the safety, health and regulatory compliance of OHSU and the environment. The EHS program encompasses chemical, biosafety, fire/life safety, radiation safety, as well as general safety oversight across the university. Projects and/or responsibilities in other program areas may also be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or experience in lieu of education).
5 years of related experience.
Working knowledge of requirements related to safety.
Ability to understand biological, chemical and scientific terminology, and to accurately identify drugs, devices, procedures, etc. in order to provide thorough and accurate review and guidance.
Ability to use and maintain industrial hygiene monitoring instrumentation and supplies.
Ability to read and comprehend complex scientific procedures in order to provide thorough and accurate assessments.
Ability to effectively work both independently and in a team environment.
Effective organizational abilities, oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to operate and communicate effectively while meeting multiple deadlines and completing projects simultaneously.
Ability to interact in a positive, productive manner with research faculty and staff, leadership, and other staff (demonstrating sensitivity, tact, and professionalism).
Have or be eligible to obtain applicable or related certification, such as CSP, ASP, CIH, CHMM.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or additional emphasis/training/education in safety or a related scientific discipline (e.g. bachelor’s degree in a related field such as occupational safety, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) strongly preferred.
10 years of related experience and EHS-specific experience at an academic medical center.
Functional knowledge of current safety requirements.
Demonstrated leadership and formal/informal influence skills.
Advanced knowledge in federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance relating to safety and related areas.
Applicable or related certification, such as CSP, ASP preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform independent, accurate and timely management of audits, inspections, projects, issue resolution, and inquiries.
Provide advanced professional environmental health and safety technical consultation and analysis and serve as resource to the OHSU community.
Independently and accurately review, analyze, and provide final assessment/resolution on audits, inspections, projects, issues, and inquiries in accordance with all applicable requirements and processes.
Serve as an advanced regulatory resource for safety and other oversight committees, and, as assigned, serve as a standing member on the official roster (as registered with the federal government) of the pertinent oversight committees.
Identify, evaluate, and assess program-specific changes as they are communicated from regulatory and professional organizations.
Work and consult with leadership to identify, develop, implement and manage continuous training and communication to the OHSU community to consistently improve safety, integrity, and related areas at OHSU.
Plan and conduct training programs for OHSU employees.
Serve as a subject matter expert/consultant to all areas and all levels of the OHSU community.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures with leadership input.
Identify deficiencies and advise on how to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements in an efficient manner.
Plan, lead, and coordinate training on new and revised policy and procedural changes.
Implement new policies and procedural changes to affected individuals (faculty, staff, volunteers, etc.).
Develop and participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives in partnership with leadership.
Work with leadership, advisory councils, the OHSU community, and other appropriate OHSU units in development and enhancement of safety and integrity at OHSU.
Identify weaknesses and deficiencies, and assist leadership in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives to enhance the quality and efficiency of the work performed.
Lead process improvement initiatives as related to identified opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.