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Environmental Health and Safety Technician

Basic Position Information

Job Code: 5195

Title: Environmental Health and Safety Technician

Department: Risk Management & Compliance

Essential Personnel: N

Job Family: Administrative Operations

Job Sub-Family: Administrative Operations

FLSA Classification: NE

Job Grade: 13

Grade Min: $47,731

Grade Mid: $57,277

UHD Succession Plan: N

Criticality of Position: N/A

Career Ladder: Pre-Defined

Campus Security Authority: Y

Screening Committee: N

Motor Vehicle Record Check: Y

Job Summary

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Technician provides support to the Office of EHS. The Technician responds and/or assists with incidents/injuries to track and investigate causes; The technician inspects and audits shops and labs; collects and sorts hazardous waste from user's locations; and coordinates professional services and contractors.

Duties

  • Inspects the campus for signs of non-compliance; this includes housekeeping, blockage of emergency exits, incorrect use of equipment or safety accessories, etc.
  • Maintains central hazardous waste storage area. Collects and sorts hazardous and non-hazardous waste from user's locations
  • Assists with regular observations of laboratory chemical fume hoods, bio-safety cabinets, and other hazardous equipment and ensure correct operation
  • Reports and places "Out of Service" placards until the repair is complete
  • Observes Contractors for non-compliance issues during construction, repairs, or renovations activities; including in-house staff
  • Assists with correcting all safety concerns prior to and during events and activities. This includes approval forms, food sanitation, and proper set-ups
  • Assists with investigating the cause of incidents/injuries/near misses, provides tracking, and provides corrective actions
  • Assists with updating the EHS website

Marginal Duties

  • Occasionally drives or operates University vehicles
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports:

  • None

Delegation of Work:

  • N/A

Supervision Given:

  • N/A

Qualifications

Required Education:

  • Minimum of some college or technical school

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of one (1) year of job-related experience

License/Certification:

  • Must maintain a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

  • OSHA 500
  • EHS Academy for Higher Education (UTHSC)
  • General science and laboratory courses
  • Experience in Higher Education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position: Environmental Health and Safety Management courses
  • Knowledge and experience with industrial hygiene monitoring equipment

Skills:

  • Must have skills relevant to the position

Abilities:

  • Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community

Work Location and Physical Demands

Primary Work Location:

  • Works primarily Inside - office, shops and laboratories; limited to no exposure to harsh conditions.

Physical Demands:

  • 70% walking, sitting, climbing, carrying, hearing and seeing;
  • 20% stooping, kneeling
  • May need to lift up to 60 pounds

Position Specific Competencies

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

  • Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
  • Continuously strives to improve work performance.
  • Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
  • Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

  • Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
  • Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
  • Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

  • Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
  • Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Dependability

  • Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
  • Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
  • Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
  • Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

  • Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
  • Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
  • Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
  • Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
  • Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Proficiency

  • Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
  • Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Focus on Customer Service

  • Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
  • Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
  • Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
  • If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
  • Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
  • Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Equipment Operation

  • Demonstrates the essential skills required to use equipment and tools needed to perform job duties and responsibilities.
  • Follows maintenance and operation procedures and safety rules to minimize equipment malfunctions and prevent personal injuries.

Problem Solving

  • Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
  • Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
  • Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Decision Making

  • Demonstrates the ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
  • Assimilates and/or secures relevant information to assess the risks and benefits of alternatives.
  • Considers impact of decision in the long and short term.

Writing Proficiency

  • Demonstrates the ability to express information clearly and concisely in writing.
  • Formulates and writes information to effectively communicate messages, ideas, and/or concepts for the intended recipient or audience.
  • Uses appropriate words and tone, and correct grammar.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

  • Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
  • Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Student Success Indirect Support

  • Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
  • Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
  • Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
  • Helps students build peer support networks.
  • Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
  • Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
  • Treats students with respect
  • Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.

This job description may not encompass all duties and responsibilities associated with the position.