Occupational Safety/Environmental Health Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Occupational Safety/Environmental Health
Job Title:
Occupational Safety/Environmental Health (OSEH) Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers occupational and environmental health and safety programs to protect the University community and comply with governmental regulations/standards and University policies. Functions may include planning, developing, implementing, overseeing, evaluating, maintaining, and promoting occupational and environmental health and safety programs.
Job Title Definition:
The OSEH Specialist develops, implements, and oversees programs to protect the University community and to ensure the University’s compliance with regulations; develops, conducts, and maintains federal- and state-mandated training programs; provides guidance and recommendations to faculty and staff in area of expertise; investigates a variety of programs for compliance and/or in response to reports of non- compliance or concerns; develops and maintains records for regulatory compliance; responds to requests for service to determine if unsafe conditions or work practices are present and reports findings to appropriate individuals for correction; responds to emergencies to determine scope of incident, proper response procedures, and reports to appropriate agencies if needed; reviews new regulations to determine impact on University; initiates new or updates existing procedures to meet new regulations; performs waste pick-up, transportation, and storage activities to ensure regulatory compliance; serves on University, professional, and/or governmental technical advisory groups. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required.

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0201 G Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform day-to-day activities of one or more occupational safety/environmental health programs (OSHA compliance, training programs, safety orientations, inspections, occupational health surveillances, workers compensation)
  • Collect, handle, and transport chemical and infectious waste material, including the preparation of such material for shipment to disposal location
  • Present training and/or information programs to faculty, staff, or students
  • Conduct inspections and evaluate programs, policies, and/or practices to ensure compliance
  • Evaluate compliance with state and federal regulations, University policies, and best practices within unit
  • Provide basic advice to faculty, staff and students regarding safety policies, programs, and regulatory compliance
  • Resolve routine issues and employee concerns

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0202 H Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in an Occupational Safety, Environmental Health or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Completion of DOT/ IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping training may be required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Develop, present, and/or facilitate a variety of training programs for faculty, staff, and students
  • Conduct inquiries and investigations, complete analyses, provide recommendations, and develop and present responses, including written reports, on issues within specialized area
  • Coordinate the day-to-day oversight of one or more occupational safety/environmental health programs or activities (OSHA compliance, training programs, safety orientations, inspections, occupational health surveillances, workers compensation)
  • Resolve non-routine issues and employee concerns (e.g., odor complaints, spills, emergency response)
  • Provide advice to employees regarding policies, programs and regulatory compliance
  • Represent the unit on committees and task forces as assigned
  • Research and gather background information; prepare reports, analyses, and make recommendations on safety, environmental and health issues
  • Partner with senior staff to provide consulting, training, and organizational development services to develop workforce competence and capabilities

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0203 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

3+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Provide expertise in the design and implementation of department programs
  • Coordinate safety, environmental and health programs/activities for the organizational unit (OSHA compliance, training programs, safety orientations, inspections, occupational health surveillances, workers compensation) as assigned
  • Provide advice and guidance on all phases of safety, environmental and health issues including policies, laws, regulations, and programs
  • Identify resources and develop opportunities for employees to expand required safety, environmental and health program knowledge and skills
  • Coordinate the day-to-day oversight of one or more safety, environmental and health programs/activities for the organizational unit (OSHA compliance, training programs, safety orientations, inspections, occupational health surveillances, workers compensation) as assigned
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of safety, environmental and health policies, programs, or process changes that may have an impact on the organizational unit
  • Prepare proposals in support of programs, strategies or procedures within the organizational unit
  • Facilitate and/or present a variety of safety, environmental and health training programs for employees within the organizational unit
  • May perform additional work activities as outlined in previous level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0204 K Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Asbestos Building Inspector/ Management Planner license may be required; Lead-Based Paint Inspector license may be required; Certified Hazardous Materials Program Manager (CHMM) accreditation may be required; Certified Safety Professional (CSP) accreditation may be required; Certified Industrial Hygienist accreditation may be required; Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required; Incinerator Operator certification may be required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Provide advice and consultation to supervisors, department heads, and managers regarding safety, environmental and health policies, procedures, and practices
  • Facilitate and influence changes in safety, environmental and health norms, values, and culture of the organizational unit
  • Prepare proposals in support of safety, environmental and health programs, strategies, and procedures with University-wide impact
  • Provide supervision to professional and support staff within the organizational unit
  • Evaluate performance of assigned employees and make recommendations for professional development opportunities as requested
  • Ensure professional development activities of organizational unit employees are aligned with organizational unit mission and goals
  • Provide leadership in the development and achievement of organizational unit objectives
  • Provide recommendations and support in the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of organizational unit operations
  • Exercise authority for organizational unit policy and procedures and operational decisions
  • Develop, present, and/or facilitate a variety of training programs for employees within the organizational unit
  • Act as a liaison with other units, divisions, and organizations
  • Assist with establishing and managing program budgets
  • May perform additional work activities as outlined in previous level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0205 L Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

7+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Certified Hazardous Materials Program Manager (CHMM) accreditation may be required; Certified Safety Professional (CSP) accreditation may be required; Certified Industrial Hygienist accreditation may be required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Coordinate, plan, and implement the delivery of safety, environmental and health services for the organizational unit
  • Partner with management to identify and assess the causes of employee safety, environmental and health issues as well as making recommendations to reduce or eliminate those causes
  • Advise supervisors, managers, and department heads on complex safety, environmental and health issues
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of safety, environmental and health policies, programs, or process changes that impact the organizational unit and/or the University
  • Make recommendations for budget management and strategic planning initiatives for the unit
  • Provide proactive analyses of complex data in support of strategic programs and recommendations
  • Provide support in the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of organizational unit operations
  • Provide initiative and leadership in the development and achievement of organizational unit objectives
  • Provide supervision and mentoring to assigned employees
  • Evaluate performance of assigned employees and make recommendations for professional development opportunities
  • Represent the organizational unit or University with local, state, national, or international organizations, committees and task forces
  • Develop and maintain positive liaison relationships with other units, divisions, and organizations
  • May perform additional work activities as outlined in previous level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.