Environmental Health & Chemical Specialist

Pay Grade: 30E

Context Of The Job

The Environmental Health & Chemical Specialist (EHCS) provides oversight and support for programs under the purview of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with primary duties associated with but not limited to the chemical waste and lab safety programs. In addition to the Qualifications and Special Requirements listed below, the EHCS will be required to meet program specific qualifications and certifications.

Under general direction, the EHCS plans, arranges own tasks, and applies standard policy or procedure to routine problems or duties without benefit of specific guidelines. The EHCS assists with the development and implementation of new procedures for resolving non-routine matters that are highly visible. University policy, government regulations, institutional precedents, professional standards and accepted best practices govern independent action. The EHCS routinely interacts with students and staff and functions as an internal consultant in safety and health matters relating to occupational and/or environmental issues. The EHCS shares supervision of non-exempt staff. Failure to perform tasks satisfactorily can result in liability, property damage, injury, regulatory noncompliance, and fine, imprisonment or both.

This position is designated Essential Personnel for specific University operations.

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinate a comprehensive program for the disposal of hazardous chemical waste materials and other environmental safety activities. Conduct inspections of laboratories and facilities to ensure compliance with waste regulations and procedures. Provide training concerning hazardous waste.
• Perform all aspects of the chemical waste disposal program, including waste pick-ups, bulking chemicals and lab packing chemicals. Design and develop database management programs to increase regulatory compliance and efficiency of the chemical waste management program.
• Perform waste minimization activities to reduce volume and disposal costs. Develop innovative techniques to safely manage and dispose of unknown/reactive chemicals.
• Maintain upkeep and operation of Materials Management Facilities and waste management vehicles.
• Review and manage invoices for all services completed on campus.
• Manage yearly and Biannual regulatory waste reports.
• Conduct lab inspections with timely issuance of reports and follow-up to verify deficiencies are corrected.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and emergency situations.
• Conduct required EHS trainings including, but not limited to, general lab safety, chemical safety, proper chemical waste disposal, etc.
• Perform safety reviews and industrial hygiene sampling for exposure to hazardous materials.
• May perform duties associated with the infectious waste management program. Investigate mismanagement of waste, recommend corrective practices, and coordinate the ultimate disposal of waste with an outside contractor.
• Represent the Department and University at professional meetings and conferences. Make recommendations that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state, and local safety and health regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures as well as maintain budgetary constraints.
• Assist with the implementation of techniques to respond to and investigate safety incidents. Identify hazards and deficiencies of prescribed codes and standards; provide interim control measures to allow continued occupancy and operations; pursue permanent abatement of hazards and deficiencies.
• Interact with staff and students providing outreach and training; document outreach on a variety of industrial hygiene and lab safety related subjects, primarily focused on OSHA, EPA, DNREC, NFPA, IBC and IFC requirements.
• Represent the Department and University at plan review/design meetings as well as professional functions. Make recommendations that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state, and local safety/ health/fire safety regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures as well as maintain budgetary constraints.
• Maintain, review, evaluate, update, and recommend environmental and occupational safety and health related programs, manuals, guidelines, and associated web pages. Assist with the development and implementation of these programs.
• Attend safety committee meetings as EHS representative. Document and coordinate action items including but not limited to injury reporting, facility inspection deficiencies, training, and fire drills.
• Assist with University IATA and DOT shipments.
• Supervise non-exempt employees with respect to environmental and waste management activities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/ chemical engineering, or occupational safety discipline preferred.
• Experience in lab pack services, segregating and classifying hazardous and non-hazardous materials per EPA guidelines and State requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards such as OSHA, EPA, NFPA, IBC, IFC, BOCA, and DNREC is preferred.
• Ability to develop, implement and enforce safety programs and protocols. Knowledge of federal, state, and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Possess or can attain certification as a Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification and DOT Certification.
• Must have or be able to obtain IATA Dangerous Goods certification.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Skill in performing various environmental related tests.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Intermediate computing skills and experience with database and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Excellent customer service skill set.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Must be able to pass hazmat physical examination to qualify the individual for emergency response involving all levels of respiratory protection.
• Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. With or without assistance, requires the ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; without assistance must be able to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 55-gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, walk, and stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, be able to work above and below ground level, work in cramped or confined spaces and work outside in various environmental conditions which include but are not limited to cold temperatures, hot temperatures, windy conditions, and inclement weather.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to maneuver throughout Newark and Wilmington campuses and other UD locations when operationally necessary.
• Must have access to reliable private means of transportation and preferably live within 30-minute travel time to the University for emergency response purposes.
• Must be able to safely handle chemical containers of varying sizes and shapes without endangering themselves or those working in the vicinity.
• Must be able to work with and handle shock and friction sensitive, air and water reactive, and explosive compounds and containers.