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.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree (or experience in lieu of education).

• 5 years of related experience.

• 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).

• Have or be eligible to obtain applicable or related certification, such as CSP, ASP, CIH, CHMM.

• 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 of related experience and EHS-specific experience at an academic medical center.
• 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.
• Applicable or related certification, such as CSP, ASP preferred.

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. On-call coverage may be expected in emergency response and Incident Command System capacities. 

 

Chemical, physical and biological hazards may be encountered, and the employee must be able to evaluate the exposure potential to ensure health and safety.  

 

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.

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu