Health and Safety Specialist

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Health and Safety Specialist . This position will support departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education, and patient care services across the UVA community. The Health and Safety Specialist is responsible for completing projects and tasks that support the University's occupational health and safety programs. This position will work collaboratively with EHS occupational safety and health professionals in support of existing and emergent needs. This position reports directly to the Senior Industrial Hygienist.

• Administer ergonomic-related programming, to include: assessment of computer workstation design and functions and laboratory/operations functions, as needed; provide ergonomic assessment reports; create, maintain and present ergonomics trainings; administer ergonomic software program(s); develop and maintain educational programming and web resources; coordinate with University stakeholders (e.g., health care professionals, Human Resources, ADA compliance, Worker's Compensation, etc.) and workgroups who support prevention of musculoskeletal injury/illness.

• Assist in occupational health and safety related programming, to include but not limited to:

• Collect environmental samples.

• Perform occupational exposure monitoring for noise, air quality and workplace air contaminants in a variety of work environments, for example: research laboratories, vivaria, shops, clinics, offices, and athletic facilities.

• Respond to and conduct investigations for indoor air quality and odor concerns.

• Assist with the air and noise sampling equipment maintenance program including calibration and repair, as needed.

• Recordkeeping.

• Share in the EHS responsibility to respond to after-hours emergencies. Employee may be on-call during specified periods and will respond as necessary.

  
  

• Education: Qualified candidates will have a bachelor's degree in health, science, or engineering (i.e., physical science, biological and health sciences, occupational health and safety, kinesiology, management/technology, or environmental science). High school diploma plus four years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

• Familiar with applicable ergonomic, and health and safety regulations (e.g., Virginia Department of Occupational Safety & Health), professional health & safety consensus guidelines, and University policies.

• Available and willing to pursue professional development opportunities. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety supports professional development and expects staff to participate in job-related training and professional advancement educational opportunities.

• License: Valid, un-restricted Driver's License.

• Immunization: Employees will be required to comply with the Health System's immunization policy - OCH-002: Occupational Health Screening and Maintenance.

  
  

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience: 1-2 years of relevant work experience in the sciences or engineering. e.g., in a laboratory, in health sciences, in industry or another technical field. Additional training in Ergonomics, Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Engineering, or other applicable technical fields. Prior experience in ergonomic evaluations. College level coursework in ergonomics, kinesiology, physical therapy, or related field.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess confidence in interpersonal communication including effective verbal and written skills and providing presentations/training for diverse audiences.

• Bring demonstrated ability and experience in listening, communicating, and relating professionally with all members of a university community and with project contractors.

• Ability to complete job duties and responsibilities while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as may be required.

• Demonstrate a professional level of email and report writing skills.

• Ability to occasionally work after normal business hours and on weekends to align with scheduled activities.

• Ability to perform accurate field measurements, data calculations, results interpretation and transcribe values into a database.

• Demonstrate a level of mechanical aptitude and keen observation.

• Able to balance and prioritize multiple projects at a time, be highly reliable, flexible, and service oriented.

• Be motivated to take initiative in accomplishing work responsibilities both independently and as a collaborative, professional and respectful EHS team member.

  
  

Computer applications: Competent in Microsoft Office Suite applications, utilizing spreadsheets and databases for data tracking and analysis, and experience with online research for the identification of technical resources.

Physical Demand Requirements: This position involves active and sedentary tasks. Active tasks during fieldwork include frequent standing, bending, crouching, reaching, occasional ladder climbing, moderate lifting, carrying, and manipulating survey equipment and walking for extended periods as a part of inspections and consultations. Must be able to wear a tight-fitting respirator as required.

Working Conditions and Exposures: This position requires entering offices, research laboratories, outdoor facilities, vivaria, clinical and patient care areas, construction sites, other areas where hazardous materials, loud noise, non-ionizing energy fields and potentially harmful equipment may exist.

Anticipated hiring salary: Up to $25.97/hour ($54,000 annually), commensurate of candidate's education and experience.

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave.

• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs.

• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System.

• Tuition and professional development benefits.

• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

  
  

Apply online and search for requisition R0060470. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:

• Resume

• Cover letter

  
  

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A total of three references is required.

Questions regarding the position or application process should be directed to Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu .

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.