Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

The University of New Haven, founded in 1920, is a private university whose mission is to prepare students to excel and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for academic excellence, nationally and internationally. In addition to its main campus in West Haven, the university has a campus in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at newhaven.edu.

The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist assists the Public Safety and Administrative Services Department in maintaining a safe and healthy work and learning environment across all University campuses. This position helps design, develop, implement, and oversee programs that ensure regulatory compliance and promote policies and procedures that improve campus environmental health and occupational safety.

In addition, the position assists with the development, planning, and execution of environmental health and safety training for faculty, staff, students, visitors, vendors, and construction workers when applicable. The position also investigates accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring on university properties, identifies root causes, and recommends corrective actions.

• Oversee and administers the day-to-day operations of the Environmental Health and Safety program, ensuring compliance with University, State, and Federal policies and regulations.
• Serve as a liaison with university lab managers and as a resource for staff and other groups to identify, develop, and assist with implementing specific EHS programs, processes, and practices.
• Assist with conducting hazard assessments to prevent or reduce incidents related to environmental health and safety.
• Assist in accident, incident and near miss investigations and prepare reports outlining investigation results and corrective recommendations to the safety committee.
• Oversee Velocity Online chemical inventory/SDS database.
• Ensure proper storage, shipment, and management of hazardous, universal, and biological waste.
• Conduct and coordinate training to comply with university policy and regulatory requirements.
• Provide input in the design of laboratory systems and safety standards.
• Develop, revise, and publish University environmental health and safety policies.
• Assist Facilities with conducting inspections, testing, follow-up inspections, and reporting for Environmental Health and Safety systems to ensure compliance.
• Maintain documentation for all related environmental health and safety matters.

• Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health & Safety, chemistry, biology, chemical engineering or related sciences
• RCRA, DOT, OSHA 40-hour training certifications required. CHMM certification preferred
• Current HAZWOPPER certification preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience in academic or research laboratory environment.
• Experience working with a university-based population preferred
• Must have valid driver’s license and any pass pre-employment checks required by Human Resources
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office application suite and applicable applications
• Strong data management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a diverse campus population
• Public speaking and group presentation experience desired
• Experience working and applying principles and accepted practices of laboratory safety at a university or similar setting
• Knowledge of chemical, biological and radiological handling, storage and safety procedures
• Experience with the selection and use of industrial hygiene, chemical and radiation monitoring equipment for the effective evaluation of associated laboratory hazards
• Familiarity with the selection and appropriate use of personal protective equipment for managing personal safety
• Ability to interpret, implement and comply with federal, state and local regulations and interact with agencies
• Skilled in developing clear and concise technical reports and training materials
• Excellent written, verbal and analytical skills and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work collaboratively in support of all areas of the Public Safety Department
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Must be medically fit and able to wear respiratory protection

• Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.

• Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program

• Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities

• Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities

• Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable

*The University of New Haven is not a qualifying E-Verify employer and its use of E-Verify is limited to specific government projects. For that reason, candidates with STEP OPT authorization cannot be considered for employment.

Note: The minimum salary for this position is $63,000