This position will work in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with duties that encompass all missions of OHSU but will function both remotely and on-site as needed wherever OHSU operates. This position is differentiated from others in Workplace Safety by the level of independence, the amount of direct interaction with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the technical guidance provided to the Safety Specialists, and the breadth of responsibilities across OHSU.

 

EHS oversees/manages programs and policies aimed at minimizing risks to the safety, health and regulatory compliance of OHSU and the environment. The EHS program encompasses chemical, biosafety, fire/life safety, radiation safety, as well as general safety oversight across the university. Projects and/or responsibilities in other program areas may also be assigned.

 

The Industrial Hygiene Officer will provide EHS services under the direction of EHS leadership. This position works independently and acts as an advanced professional and technical resource in a specialized and detailed capacity, providing guidance, review, and final determination/resolution in assigned areas of responsibility to determine conformity with federal and state regulations and OHSU policies. With a focus on Occupational Health and Safety, emphasis will be placed on coordinating, evaluating and effectively managing traditional and foundational health and safety programs within this scope. This position will be focus on institutional-wide programs with additional duties that may focus on specific mission areas.

Independent assessment and analysis: Using sound judgment, as well as analytical, organizational, and time management skills, perform independent, accurate and timely management of audits, inspections, projects, issue resolution, and inquiries. Use of advanced knowledge of federal, state, local, and OHSU statutes, regulations, guidance, policies, procedures, and systems to:

• Provide advanced professional environmental health and safety technical consultation and analysis and serve as resource to the OHSU community.
• Independently and accurately review, analyze, and provide final assessment/resolution on audits, inspections, projects, issues, and inquiries in accordance with all applicable requirements and processes.
• Serve as an advanced regulatory resource for safety and other oversight committees, and, as assigned, serve as a standing member on the official roster (as registered with the federal government) of the pertinent oversight committees.
• Identify, evaluate, and assess program-specific changes as they are communicated from regulatory and professional organizations.

Training, communication, and advisory services:

• Work and consult with leadership to identify, develop, implement and manage continuous training and communication to the OHSU community to consistently improve safety, integrity, and related areas at OHSU.
• Plan and conduct training programs for OHSU employees.
• Serve as a subject matter expert/consultant to all areas and all levels of the OHSU community.

Policies and procedures:

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures with leadership input.
• Identify deficiencies and advise on how to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements in an efficient manner.
• Plan, lead, and coordinate training on new and revised policy and procedural changes.
• Implement new policies and procedural changes to affected individuals (faculty, staff, volunteers, etc.).

Continuous Quality Improvement:

• Develop and participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives in partnership with leadership.
• Work with leadership, advisory councils, the OHSU community, and other appropriate OHSU units in development and enhancement of safety and integrity at OHSU.
• Identify weaknesses and deficiencies, and assist leadership in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives to enhance the quality and efficiency of the work performed.
• Lead process improvement initiatives as related to identified opportunities.

Other duties as assigned: Other special projects, as determined by leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree (or experience in lieu of education)
• Have or be eligible to obtain applicable or related certification, such as CIH, CHMM, ASP, CSP
• 5 years of related experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Working knowledge of requirements related to safety
• Ability to understand biological, chemical and scientific terminology, and to accurately identify drugs, devices, procedures, etc. in order to provide thorough and accurate review and guidance; 
• Ability to use and maintain industrial hygiene monitoring instrumentation and supplies;
• Ability to read and comprehend complex scientific procedures in order to provide thorough and accurate assessments;
• Ability to effectively work both independently and in a team environment; effective organizational abilities, oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills;
• ability to operate and communicate effectively while meeting multiple deadlines and completing projects simultaneously;
• ability to interact in a positive, productive manner with research faculty and staff, leadership, and other staff (demonstrating sensitivity, tact, and professionalism);
• Advanced proficiency with electronic systems and software.

• Advanced degree or additional emphasis/training/education in safety or a related scientific discipline (e.g. bachelor’s degree in a related field such as occupational safety, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) strongly preferred.
• 10 years related experience and EHS-specific experience at an academic medical center.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Functional knowledge of current safety requirements
• Demonstrated leadership and formal/informal influence skills 
• Advanced knowledge in federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance relating to safety and related areas;

This position requires approximately 50% of work at a computer and 50% work in the field. Occasional travel is required to off-site OHSU locations. Chemical, physical and biological hazards may be encountered, and the employee must be able to evaluate the exposure potential to ensure health and safety. On-call coverage may be expected in emergency response and Incident Command System capacities.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.