Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Environmental Health & Occupational Safety Specialist, Senior

• Title: Environmental Health & Occupational Safety Specialist, Senior
• Class: Academic Professional
• Level: 5
• FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, incumbent is responsible for developing, coordinating, training and providing professional consultation and technical expertise associated with environmental, health and occupational safety (EHOS) matters.  The incumbent works with internal and external stakeholders to provide a safe environment and to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The senior level classification develops and implements programs with broad scope to include ongoing continuous improvement of its compliance programs and training methods.  This level will assist department management with identifying trends and recommend options to reduce frequency and severity of issues related to EHOS.  Incumbents will lead the development and maintenance of programs and work with department managers on developing and improving EHOS programs.  The senior level classification may act as a lead to other staff members.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identifies training needs/deficiencies, identifying priorities for training of departments and programs. Designs and delivers the appropriate programs through in-person and/or on-line training systems to educate and train managers, faculty and employees in occupational safety and health as well as environmental programs.  Maintains training records, as needed.
2. Contributes to the ongoing continuous improvement of EHOS written compliance programs and training delivery methods.
3. Leads the development and maintenance of all EHOS training program systems for staff and provides training to new employees in order to on-board new employees in PCC safety culture and safety management systems. Meets with department managers, as needed, to augment and support their efforts in moving to a best practice organization in terms of safety and environmental compliance.
4. Reviews and analyzes injury frequency records, past compliance activities, compliance history, codes and standards as well as technical literature to determine optimal training frequency and delivery methods.
5. Conducts occupational health consultations and analysis of PCC workplaces to provide assistance in the identification, control and elimination of occupation safety and health hazards.
6. Provides consultative assistance to PCC employees for compliance with state and federal occupational health and safety standards and rules.
7. In coordination with management designs systems to recognize and eliminate occupational safety and health hazards, including hazards which are recognized as risks to employees, but may not directly be covered by OSHA or DEQ regulations.
8. Reviews the department’s safety and health management program for adequacy, compliance and effectiveness. Assists the department manager in developing and/or improving EHOS programs.
9. Develops, submits or responds to Service Request Orders into/from the Service Request Center (SRC) to address safety issues or items brought forward by management.
10. Represents PCC EHOS and serves as a liaison with applicable internal and external departments and entities regarding environmental and occupational health and safety matters.
11. Contributes to the development of program budget and monitors vendor performance against funding and expense requirements.
12. Establishes and maintains relationships with vendors that are qualified to assist with Industrial Hygiene and Hazardous Building Materials matters.
13. Conducts health surveys utilizing appropriate sampling strategies, analyzes data and provides follow up reports for stakeholders.
14. Maintains CMMS information system of hazardous building material sampling reports and abatement activities.
15. Works with management in developing and maintaining the data for the various licensed management software systems used.
16. Calibrates and maintains industrial hygiene equipment, as needed.
17. Assists department management in identifying employee injury causation trends, and mitigation options for reducing injury frequency and severity.
18. Applies and interprets occupational health rules and consensus standards (i.e. ANSI) to enhance understanding of compliance with appropriate standards and controls.
19. Prepares and delivers recommendations to department managers, safety committee representatives, departments, managers and employees.
20. Performs administrative duties associated with the specific duties of the position.
21. Remains current on new technology, methodology and equipment.
22. In the event of unscheduled closures due to weather events and/or other circumstances, is considered “essential personnel” for reopening the college.
23. Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned. May also perform job tasks of other EHOS Specialists as needed.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule.  Regular travel between all PCC locations using a personal vehicle and/or a college vehicle is required.  Position involves occasional bending, standing, kneeling, climbing ladders, reaching below and above shoulders, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds while performing job duties.  Walking, climbing ladders, entering cramped and difficult locations and dusty/dirty environments, may be part of routine activities depending on work locations.  Working hours may vary and occasional evening and/or weekend work is required.  Occasional lifting, guiding and/or carry of materials may be required.  May be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, noise and temperature extremes.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Science, chemistry, physical or biological, or an Engineering related field.  Experience performing the duties of the position may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis. Five years of relevant professional experience in the field of Industrial Hygiene are also required, of which two years should be in academia EHOS experience in a lead or project management role.  Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations, with specific knowledge on IH standards and Oregon OSHA Division 2, Subdivision Z codes
• AIHA industry best practices
• Safety and Environmental hazard identification methods.
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
• Learning Management Systems (LMS – Cornerstone)
• Testing, calibration and certification of instruments
• Asbestos, lead and mold abatement and remediation
• Radiation Safety
• Laser Safety
• Public Administration and contracting principles
• Financial control practices and procedures

Skills in:

• Developing, implementing and training stakeholders on environmental, health and occupational safety compliance programs.
• Preparing and maintaining records and electronic files
• Public speaking and training to a diverse audience
• Preparing reports
• Communicating and analyzing complex and detailed reports and information
• Handling multiple priorities simultaneously
• Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools: Excel, WORD and PowerPoint

Ability to:

• Practice strong time management
• Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff (DEI principles)
• Build relationships on campus and district wide
• Communicate effectively and timely through oral and written media
• Analyze and resolve problems with minimal supervision
• Be collaborative and an active listener
• Work with multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers
• Exercise considerable judgment and initiative
• Handle sensitive matters and situations
• Remain calm under high pressure/difficult situations
• Strong organizational skills

Revised: 11/2020

• Reviewed: 12/2018, 6/2020
• New: 02/2015