Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Environmental, Health and Occupational Safety Specialist II

• Title: Environmental, Health and Occupational Safety Specialist II
• Class: Academic Professional
• Exempt Status: Exempt
• Level: 4

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

Level II positions develop and implement programs with moderate scope to include ongoing continuous improvement of its compliance programs and training methods.  Level II positions will research and interpret the law, policies and procedures and apply it to projects and programs.  This level will also investigate, explore and develop problem solving applications.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops and implements EHOS programs and coordinates and/or facilitates training on environmental, health and safety compliance programs.
2. Develops and implements standard work practices to support sustainable EHOS department work processes.
3. Partners with Portland Community College (PCC) Project Managers in safety discussions with on-site contractors and/or tenants. Provides technical expertise in safety emergencies and conducts all necessary follow-up actions required to meet program goals and regulatory requirements
4. Attends contractor project meetings, district project meetings or other assigned PCC meetings,
5. Provides EHOS consultation services to internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to addressing multi-site employer safety matters, requests for proposals (RFP), design standards to address and implement prevention principles.
6. Serves as subject matter expert on regulatory requirements and standards, including but not limited to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) and including specialized subject areas of construction, public health, chemical hygiene, radiation, laser and/or food safety.
7. Maintains and facilitates Stormwater Management Plan and DEQ permitting compliance activities.
8. Provides technical assistance and consultation services on EHOS issues. Serves as point of contact for employees as well as contract vendors on EHOS issues.
9. Regularly introduces to department managers EHOS best practice options and industry standards.
10. Develops and maintains training programs for staff, and provides training, such as new employee safety orientation; utilizes learning management system for developing/implementing on-line training opportunities.
11. Leads and supports the development and implementation of a Prevention-thru-Design construction safety program
12. Works with Academic Service and Faculty, Risk Management, Public Safety, Transportation and Parking, Human Resources, Information Technology, Auxiliary Services and other departments, as needed, in addressing district wide safety and environmental issues.
13. Conducts regular job site and work area inspections for environmental, health and safety issues.
14. Establishes and maintains relationships with vendors, contractor representatives, industry peers and regulatory agency representatives.
15. Interprets laws, policies, and procedures to ensure PCC EHOS programs are in compliance with all applicable DEQ and OSHA regulations.
16. 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.
17. Works with management in developing and maintaining the data for the various licensed management software systems used.
18. Contributes to the development of program budget and monitors vendor performance against funding and expense requirements.
19. Represents PCC EHOS and serves as a liaison with applicable internal and external departments and entities regarding environmental and occupational health and safety matters.
20. In the event of unscheduled closures due to weather events and/or other circumstances, is considered “essential personnel” for reopening the college.
21. Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

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, Business Administration, Science or an Engineering related field.  Experience performing the duties of the position may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.  Three years of relevant experience in construction environmental, health and occupational safety and/or risk management related work with experience in safety training and/or loss control (injury prevention).  Two years of lead and/or project management experience.   Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations, including Oregon OSHA Division 2
• Safety and Environmental hazard identification methods
• NIOSH Prevention thru Design Standards
• Project Management
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
• DEQ Stormwater Management and Permitting
• UST and AST compliance and Class C training
• Testing, calibration and certification of instruments and fume hoods
• 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;
• Developing strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Public speaking and training to a diverse audience;
• Preparing reports
• Identifying and resolving problems
• 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
• Coordinate multiple projects concurrently and work with minimum guidance and direction
• Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and third party contractors
• Communicate effectively and timely through oral and written media
• Establish cooperative working relationship and promote teamwork among colleagues

New: 07/2020