Environmental Health and Safety Specialist - Minneapolis, United States - University of Minnesota

Description

About the Job

Description of Position
The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist manages hazardous waste activities and serves as a technical resource to help resolve hazardous waste compliance issues. The position requires in-depth technical knowledge and experience with managing hazardous wastes and other regulated wastes. The position solves complex problems and takes new perspectives using existing solutions while working independently with little to no guidance. The position acts as a resource for other junior level Regulated Waste team members for hazardous waste and hazardous materials transportation related matters.

Job Duties

35% Manage Incoming Hazardous Waste Activities:
* Manage the work of UHS technicians when processing hazardous waste. Ensure waste is processed in a safe, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient manner. Ensure UHS staff are wearing proper PPE and following protocols for processing waste. Supervise the work of student technicians.
* Responsible for the application of EPA waste codes and internal processing codes for all incoming waste containers ensuring the compliant management of hazardous waste.
* Manage the external sales programs (CSDP, Fairview, and UMP) and hazardous waste shipments from all 51 non-TC Campus locations. Ensure that services are provided in a safe, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient manner by following applicable regulations and internal guidelines. Manage and supervise the work of UHS technicians during pickups. Work with site contacts to ensure waste is being stored in compliance with all applicable regulations. Prepare invoice statements for external clients. Actively seek out new clients to grow the external sales program and negotiate pricing when appropriate. Prepare and manage service level agreements with new and existing external clients, including the Minnesota State Colleges and University system. Maintain external rates and ensure that program budget goals are met.
* Prepare manifests, land disposal restrictions, and other regulatory documentation for all waste being shipped to Thompson Center. Manage the work of other UHS staff assisting with the preparation of regulatory documentation; act as a technical resource for UHS staff on hazardous waste and hazardous materials shipping matters.
* Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations by managing the packaging, manifesting, shipping, and storage of hazardous waste.
* Conduct hazardous waste pick-ups, lab pack, and process waste as necessary.

35% Manage Outgoing Hazardous Waste Activities:
* Manage hazardous waste drum inventory in a safe, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient manner. Review drum contents and associated EPA waste codes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Manage all hazardous waste profiles, negotiate pricing and disposal options with waste vendors.
* Prepare manifests, land disposal restrictions, and other regulatory documentation for all waste being shipped offsite for final disposal. Manage the work of other UHS staff assisting with the preparation of regulatory documentation; act as a technical resource for UHS staff on hazardous waste and hazardous materials shipping matters.
* Manage the loading of hazardous waste containers onto waste vendor trucks to ensure all DOT requirements are met.
* Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations by managing the packaging, manifesting, shipping, and storage of hazardous waste.

25% Compliance Assurance Activities:
* Manage the hazardous waste data program: ensure regulatory compliance with annual relicensing requirements is met, ensure that program goals are met, and present data to stakeholders on a routine basis.
* Manage the Thompson Center regulatory inspection program. Both lead and assign inspection duties, when appropriate. Work with the Operations Supervisor to ensure that all compliance issues are corrected in a timely manner. Routinely report inspection findings to Regulated Waste team; identify and communicate trends and corrective actions as necessary.
* Manage the inspection of waste collection areas for compliance. Ensure Regulated Waste staff conduct inspections as required and that appropriate corrective actions are taken. Write reports and make recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations is met.
* Provide regulatory training to the University community on the safe and compliant management of hazardous waste. Work with clients to solve unique and complex hazardous waste storage and disposal problems.
* Identify hazards, interpret standards, rules, and regulations pertaining to hazardous waste.
* Develop and implement standard operating procedures for the safe and compliant management of hazardous waste.
* Coordinate and participate in regulatory inspections or other actions taken by government agencies.
* Participate as a subject matter expert on the Minnesota State Hazardous Waste contract team.

5% Chemical Incident and Spill Response Management:
* Coordinate and manage spill response in accordance with training and standard operating procedures.
* Serve as a Thompson Center Emergency Coordinator.
* Participate in the UHS after-hours response program.
* Execute specified role in the Emergency Operations Plan.
* Complete reports such as those related to hazardous waste, chemical spills, and emergency management.

Working Conditions
Primary job sites are the office, waste storage facilities, and laboratories. The latter two involve chemical and some radioactive material storage and handling. These areas are generally engineered to control the hazards but might require the use of personal protective equipment. This position will be part of a rotating, on-call, emergency response program that may be activated during regular hours or during after hours, weekends, or holidays. There may be routine travel involved with this position.

Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Experience with environmental health and safety programs and providing hazardous waste management training.
* Demonstrated ability to facilitate solutions to complex environmental health and safety problems by using teamwork, persuasion, experience and knowledge.
* Independent ability to prioritize tasks and use analytical skills to write reports and programs.
* Completion of OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training program.
* Completion of DOT general awareness and function-specific certification.
* Professionally represent DEHS while performing site visits and investigations.
* Communicate clearly in writing and verbally about environmental health and safety issues.
* Comfortably work with diverse population of people who perform any of the tasks that are done at the University.
* Interpersonal skill and openness to mutual problem solving with supervisors and subordinates is essential.

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working in a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility
* Experience working in an academic (or similar) environment handling research chemicals

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call UOHR

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019,