This position will work in the Environmental Health & Safety Department (EHS) with duties that encompass all missions of OHSU. EHS oversees/manages programs and policies aimed at minimizing safety, health, environmental, and regulatory risks to the OHSU community. 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. This role has a specific focus on Hazardous Waste Management and reports to the Environmental Protection Manager.

 

The Hazardous Waste Specialist/Safety Specialist 1 will provide EHS services under the direction of EHS leadership. With a focus on Hazardous Waste, emphasis will be placed on hazardous waste collection, customer service and safe disposal practices. Additional work may be assigned as time and department needs allow. This position will be significantly embedded across all mission areas, though duties will likely focus primarily on healthcare specific waste streams. Responsibilities are generally task-oriented, though there may be additional assignments focused on program development and process and quality improvement. 

• Independent assessment and analysis.
  • Using sound judgment, 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:
  • Collect, categorize, separate, store, and appropriately dispose of hazardous and universal waste.
  • Research issues and advise labs/clinics/facilities on appropriate practices in managing various types of chemical waste.
• Training, communication, and advisory services.
  
  • Work with leadership to identify, develop, and implement continuous training and communication to the OHSU community to improve safety, integrity, and related areas at OHSU.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert/consultant to all areas and all levels of the OHSU community.
• Policies and procedures.
  
  • Provide technical and subject matter input on the development of policies and SOPs to EHS leadership.
  • Identify deficiencies, collaborate on corrective action plans, and advise on how to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements in an efficient manner.
  • Implement new policies and procedural changes to affected OHSU members.
• Continuous Quality Improvement.
  
  • Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives in partnership with EHS leadership.
  • Work with EHS 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 provide input to EHS leadership on how to enhance the quality and efficiency of the work performed.
• Other duties as assigned.
  • Other special projects, as determined by EHS leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 3 years of related experience.
• Working knowledge of requirements related to safety.
• Ability to understand biological, chemical and scientific terminology in order to provide thorough and accurate review and guidance.
• Experience identifying, collecting, processing, and documenting hazardous waste streams.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and providing guidance on regulatory rules and standards.
• Ability to use and maintain industrial hygiene monitoring instrumentation and supplies.
• Ability to effectively work both independently and in a team environment; effective organizational, oral, and written communication skills; strong multi-tasking skills to meet multiple deadlines and complete numerous projects simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency with electronic systems and software.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• 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 biology, chemistry, or environmental science) strongly preferred.
• EHS-specific experience at an academic medical center or accredited medical facility.
• 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.
• CIH, CHMM, CSP preferred.

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.

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.