Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

About the role

Under general supervision of the Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities Use, daily checks and analyzes all environmental health & safety regulations, gather data, work with regulators, and prepare environmental plans and reports for submission to regulatory agencies. Educate employee population on Environmental Health and Safety requirements, such as for hazardous material usage, waste disposal and safety issues. Ensures that all district policies, plans, and protocol are up to date ensuring the sites are in compliance with Ed. Code, local, state and federal regulations. Supervise the implementation of the chemical hygiene plan District wide. Set priorities and review progress based on regulatory and internal policies requirements. Report to District's management team on risks, exposures, requirements, and program status; make recommendations for improvement consistent with business priorities. Verify the accuracy of staff's compliance activity. Recommend exposure control methods, such as process modifications, ventilation control, or personal protective equipment when necessary. Recognize the toxicological properties and potential effects of physical and chemical agents.

Essential Functions

• Appointed Chemical Hygiene Officer for the District
• Maintain District Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazardous Materials Business Plan, HAZCOM, arsenic program and IIPP and hazardous substances District policies
• Management systems approach to develop and implement programs which improve facility safety and maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements
• Assess risks to the district and communicate these issues to the management team
• Prioritize and evaluate potential hazards to minimize exposure to employees
• Assist regulators during inspections to the district
• Plans and delivers training programs for all employees on relevant accident prevention and compliance programs such as: Lockout/Tag-out, confined space entry, PPE, fire prevention and protection, chemical handling, hazard communication, arsenic control plan and chemical hygiene plan
• Audits all facilities to detect existing or potential accident, health hazards and management systems deficiencies
• Determines appropriate corrective or preventative measures where indicated and follows-up with reporting to Maintenance and Operations head department or principals to ensure measures have been implemented
• Purchase order creations and follow through for budget items related to environmental health & safety work
• Manage the industrial hygiene and safety training schedule and subject matter
• Oversees and handles the district AHERA report
• Oversees and implemented the district HMBP's for all district locations (hazardous material business plan)
• Monitor and oversee the district underground tanks and related systems to ensure that they are in compliance
• Other duties as connected to the EH&S field of work
• Maintain and hold any and all valid credentials to perform the required work for the district
• Perform other duties as needed or requested by management
• On call for 24/7 emergency response to district safety issues

Qualifications

Education/Training Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, industrial hygiene, Chemistry, or related field
• 3-5 years' experience in Environmental Health and Safety programs
• Strong analytical tools
• Broad knowledge of operating reporting requirements for OSHA, EPA, DOT, BAAQMD & Ed regulations (federal, state & locals)
• Knowledge of the Williams act for lead testing
• Arsenic and asbestos understanding and controls
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
• HAZWOPER certified
• DOT /HAZMAT certified
• Hazardous Waste Handler certified
• Knowledge and experience with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and its practical implementation in the creation in and requirements for labels and SDS's
• Basic First Aid, CPR, AED (Train the trainer)
• Ability to implement new programs and follow through
• Environmental auditor certification a plus
• Possession of a valid California Class A
• Obtain and hold any valid credentials or licenses that are required by law or code
• Attend required trainings and pass tests provided by the trainer to ensure knowledge retention

Required Abilities

• Recognize and implement corrective initiatives as needed and follow through with any appropriate action
• React with and exercise good judgment, flexibility, and sensitivity to changing situations and emergencies
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Maintain harmonious relations with school staff and maintenance and operations team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Observe health and safety regulations
• Meet schedules and time lines
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Maintain routine records related to work performed
• Meet District standard of professional attitude as outline in Board Policies 4119.21, 4219.21, & 4319.21, Professional Standards for Classified Employees
• Identify workplace hazards and/or unsafe conditions and take appropriate action to correct same
• Handle emergency situations properly; report and respond to supervisors and/or public safety authorities; adopt safe course of action

Working Conditions

Environment/Hazards:

• Indoor and outdoor environment
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors
• Emergency call out
• Hazardous chemicals
• Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber

The District provides OSHA regulated safety training as needed.

Physical Demands

• Noise level in working environment is moderate; higher depending on task
• Vision sufficient to read site drawings, tape measures, and other printed material
• Able to hear conversation and sounds from machines and equipment
• Speech sufficient to speak in an understandable voice
• Physical stamina sufficient to reach, bend, stoop, extend, climb ladders, and crawl in small places
• Strength sufficient to lift and carry objects and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., and move up to 100 lbs. using a dolly or hand truck

Pay

$72.83 - $88.53 Per Hour

Schedule

12 Month including 16 paid holidays; 37.5 Hours per week; 7.5 Hours per day

Benefits

Excellent fringe benefits with District-paid premiums which includes medical, dental, life, vision, and long term-disability, plus CALPERS retirement.