People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Environmental, Health and Occupational Safety Specialist I

  • Title: Environmental, Health and Occupational Safety Specialist I
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, incumbent is responsible for coordinating 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 I positions participate in developing and implementing programs with a relatively narrow scope.  Level I positions will maintain existing programs and coordinate with management for submission of regulatory reports.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Identifies known and/or potential environmental, health and occupational safety (EHOS) issues. Develops and implements practices and programs in support of PCC, Oregon OSHA, Oregon DEQ and other applicable environmental, health and safety regulations.
  2. Provides technical assistance and consultation services on EHOS issues. Serves as a contact for employees as well as vendors on EHOS issues.
  3. Participates with developing programs and recommends solutions to a wide variety and range of EHOS issues to minimize and/or eliminate hazards. Implements and maintains EHOS programs as determined in conjunctions with EHOS, PCC departments, Public Safety, Risk Services and/or Facilities Management Services (FMS).
  4. Works with management in maintaining the various management systems for safety data sheets; creates preventative and predictive schedules related to EHOS work activities and sets up routine preventative practices for program responsibilities.
  5. Participates with developing and maintaining training programs for staff and provides training, including, but not limited to, New Employee Safety Orientation, Material Handling Equipment, Confined Space, Lockout/Tagout, etc.
  6. Regularly introduces to department managers, EHOS best practice options and industry standards.
  7. Works in partnership with faculty, academic services, and support service departments, as needed, in addressing district wide safety and environmental issues.
  8. Works across the district with programs that have chemical laboratories, shops procedure programs and art studios involving chemical inventory management, storage and disposal needs.
  9. Establishes and maintains relationships with vendors that are qualified to respond to hazardous materials and/or waste removal and emergency spill response district wide.
  10. Serves as a liaison with Chemical Laboratory Technicians and Academic Chemical Hygiene program support positions.
  11. Facilitates and coordinates with outside service vendors to augment environmental and safety compliance activities.
  12. Trains and mentors staff and faculty in accordance with EPA, DEQ and OSHA rules and regulations.
  13. In collaboration with management, interprets law, policies and procedures to ensure PCC EHOS programs are in compliance with all applicable DEQ and OSHA regulations.
  14. Works together with Management in coordination and submitting all regulatory reporting requirements.
  15. Contributes to the development of program budget and monitors vendor performance against funding and expense requirements and allocations.
  16. Represents PCC EHOS at district meetings, FMS departmental meetings, campus/service safety committee meetings, science departments chemical hygiene committees and/or other assigned PCC meetings, as needed.  Serves as a liaison with applicable internal and external departments and entities regarding environmental and occupational health and safety matters.
  17. Develops, submits or responds to Service Request Work Orders into/from the Service Request Center (SRC) to address safety issues or items brought forward by Safety Committees.
  18. Coordinates with other EHOS team members, FMS staff and other departments on the engineering, design and construction of all built end natural projects (e.g. building projects, UST/ASTs management, etc.) to maintain regulatory compliance.
  19. In the event of unscheduled closures due to weather events and/or other circumstances, is considered “essential personnel” for reopening the college.
  20. 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.  Two years of relevant experience in environmental, health and occupational safety and/or risk management related work with one year experience in safety training and/or loss control (injury prevention).  Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license.  Must possess or obtain the following required certificates within nine months of employment: Forty-hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response Certification DEQ Hazardous waste training and DEQ UST Class A Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Safety and Environmental hazard identification methods
  • Computerized Chemical Management Systems (CCMS) for SDS (e.g. MSDS Online)
  • Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
  • DEQ Hazardous Waste Reduction Program Yearly Reporting
  • UST and AST compliance and Class C training
  • Toxic Use and Hazardous Waste Reduction Programs
  • 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
  • Public speaking and training to a diverse audience
  • Preparing reports
  • 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, PowerPoint
Ability to:
  • Practice strong time management
  • Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff
  • Communicate effectively and timely through oral and written media

Reviewed: 12/2018

  • Revised: 7/2017; 1/2015; 12/2013; 6/2020
  • Established: 10/2013