Safety & Health Specialist – Environmental Programs Division

Internal Number: 251103

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) provides the focus for the administration of all safety programs to Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke University Health System. OESO has the responsibility for developing institutional safety plans and policies; providing information and training to meet all regulatory requirements; providing technical consultation and guidance; conducting exposure and risk assessments; conducting safety audits; monitoring compliance with all safety policies; and investigating accidents, injuries, and reported unsafe conditions.

Specific to the Environmental Programs Division:
The Environmental Programs Division supports the University’s policy to minimize the environmental impact of its activities through the development, implementation, and tracking of a number of management programs and services. Services and programs include compliance assistance, training,    and hazardous chemical and radiological waste management.

Primary Purpose of Position:
This position has responsibility for managing the chemical and radiological waste programs, associated environmental compliance programs, and other assigned environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a number of tasks related to environmental management functions in the Waste Management Programs and Environmental Management Programs.  Duties include the on-site management of hazardous chemical, pharmaceutical, and radiological wastes, hazardous waste treatment or recycling, and managing environment compliance with those and associated programs.
• Serves as the chemical waste manager, Contingency Plan emergency coordinator, and provides technical support to the Main Campus as well as off-site facilities including research facilities, Duke University Marine Laboratory and other facilities, as needed.
• Serves as the technical expert on chemical waste management processes and provides support when needed in the collection, processing, packing and preparation of waste for transport.
• Manages the collection, accumulation, storage, shipment and recycling of Universal Wastes, including fluorescent lamps, batteries, computer CRTs and other substances deemed Universal Wastes by US EPA or other implementing agencies, generated across the campus, including the medical center and on-campus hospitals.
• Manages, to closure, a number of environmental compliance cases, as needed.
• Provides technical guidance and leadership to operating technicians to ensure that applicable standards, practices, and rules are being followed.
• Executes quality control procedures to improve processes and procedures.
• Keeps informed on all existing and proposed changes in EH&S regulations related to responsibilities.
• Leads or participates in program initiatives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost   management of waste collection, processing, treatment, shipment or disposal of wastes.
• Leads or participates in initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Chemical Waste data management system.
• Act as liaison with various officials internal and external to Duke.  Coordinate contract agreements with outside agencies.
• Serve as a member of the OESO spill response team, which may also include response on weekends and after regular business hours on a rotating schedule.

Other Position Characteristics:

• Accuracy Required in Work:  Failure to manage environmental programs properly as required by local, state, or federal regulations could result in significant monetary fines to the institution.
• Consequence of Error:  Same as 1 above.  Personal civil and criminal liability for gross errors is a possibility. Additionally, errors or oversights may present risk of injury and long-term health effects.
• Instructions Provided to Employees:  Provides consultative services to OESO division managers and directors and to off-site Health System organizations such as Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital, Duke Homecare & Hospice, and Duke Health Integrated Practice.
• Guides, Regulations, Policies and References used by Employee:  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (state and federal), Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State government regulations regarding the use of Radioactive Materials, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, The Joint Commission, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
• Supervision:   Provide leadership and direction to professional and technical staff and participate in the professional development of staff.
• Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts:  This position works directly with hospital, clinic, laboratory and shop personnel, and a variety of other Duke employees.
• Physical Effort:  In exercising these functions, the person must be able to lift 50 lbs., and manipulate 400 lb. drums, and be physically able to wear respiratory protection.
• Work Environment and Conditions:  Environments range from usual office conditions to environments where “immediately dangerous to life and health” (IDLH) atmospheres exist requiring the use of burdensome protective clothing and equipment.  Where not extremely hazardous, work may be uncomfortable or unpleasant (e.g., high heat).
• Machine, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and Materials Used:  Respirators and other protective clothing, forklifts, drum trucks, and spill control agents.
• Visual Attention, Mental Concentration and Manipulative Skills.  Must be able to perform duties without causing release of hazardous materials.
• Safety for Others:  Because of the hazards inherent in this work, all operations must follow written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Dynamics of Work:  The work of this position is highly diverse and dynamic. There may be interruptions of routine work with emergent issues such as environmental contingencies, visits by governmental regulators, and other unanticipated events. 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, pertaining to waste management, radiation safety and environmental compliance programs such as SPCC, USTs, CAA, TSCA, RCRA, CWA and other applicable environmental regulations or practices that impact the University and Health System.

• Competency in chemical, radiological science or environmental management.
• Ability to supervise technical subordinates. Good organizational and personnel management skills. 
• Ability to utilize computer technology to access data, maintain records, generate reports.
• Creative problem solving to recognize and analyze needs and propose solutions to effectively address them.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate multiple, diverse tasks simultaneously. 
• Possesses knowledge of standard theories, techniques, concepts, and practices that can be used to improve environmental regulatory compliance.  Applies the knowledge to moderately difficult work assignments.
• Provides solutions to a variety of problems where analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. 
• Follows established procedures.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Project management capabilities. Act as lead person or technical advisor on small to medium projects.
• Works with a variety of individuals at all levels.  Takes on multiple projects and performs multiple tasks simultaneously.  Works effectively with co-workers within a team setting.  Independently schedules appointments, presentations, in-services and other work-related commitments.
• High degree of accuracy required in identifying and providing appropriate solutions for environmental issues.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment.
• Physically able to serve on a HAZMAT spill response team, including ability to wear respiratory protection.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, biology, environmental management or equivalent. 

Experience:

• No experience for level 1; three years’ experience for level 2; five years’ experience for level 3.
• Preferred: Five years of experience in safety and hazardous waste management.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have completed or be able to complete: First Responder Operations Level HAZWOPER Training (29 CFR 1910. 120)
• Professional certification strongly preferred (CHMM, REM)

More Jobs from This Employer