Environmental Health and Safety Specialist II

Job Summary

This is an Environmental Health Specialist position with the Wisconsin Lead‑Safe Homes Program (LSHP), housed within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and performing duties under the general supervision of the Grants Manager. The Department of Population Health Sciences at UW‑Madison’s School of Medicine partners with Wisconsin DHS on this hire. The role provides on‑site lead safety and health expertise and conducts environmental lead investigations for families throughout Wisconsin. Frequent statewide travel, including occasional overnight stays, is expected. Certification and/or experience as a Lead Risk Assessor is preferred. The position is remote, performed at an off‑site, non‑campus location, and candidates must reside in Wisconsin. It is a terminal (fixed‑term) 24‑month appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion based on need and funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct lead risk assessments, develop/review lead‑abatement scopes of work, evaluate abatement project costs, and perform clearance investigations for DPH‑enrolled LSHP and CLPPP priority properties.
• Identify operational and safety issues and develop improvement plans and standard operating procedures.
• Review industry updates and assist in creating safety communication materials based on changes.
• Communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Secure resources and schedule logistics for the safety program.
• Provide knowledge and guidance to internal and external stakeholders—including leadership—in specialized safety areas such as biosafety, chemicals, hazardous materials, agriculture, lake, radiation, and OSHA compliance.
• Direct logistical activities, allocate resources, and investigate components of specific health and safety cases.

Required Qualifications

• Willingness to travel statewide within Wisconsin frequently, with occasional overnight stays; training may require up to one week of out‑of‑state travel.
• Minimum of 1 year relevant experience in construction, housing programs, health‑department work, inspection, or investigation.
• Physical ability to lift at least 25 lb, climb steps and ladders unassisted, navigate construction/abatement sites, and work on knees when collecting environmental samples.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a pre‑hire Driver Authorization Check.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with diverse audiences (local health staff, property owners, housing inspectors, contractors, and the public).
• Ability to become certified as a lead risk assessor.
• Knowledge or experience in construction, building trades, or housing inspection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current certification as a lead risk assessor.
• Proficiency in lead‑hazard investigation, remediation techniques, data utilization, and report writing.
• Strong outreach and consultation skills; ability to work with a variety of professional groups and individuals.
• No DHS enforcements related to lead or risk assessments in the DHS Lead and Asbestos state compliance database.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, construction, or a related field (preferred).

Compensation

Starting salary is $56,000 annually, negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Competitive insurance options and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.

Contact Information

Brittany Brown
Email: brittany.brown@wisc.edu
Phone: 608‑265‑2978

Diversity Statement

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—students, faculty, and staff who serve Wisconsin and the world.