Public Health and Occupational Safety Specialist

Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Probationary

Job Classification: Environmental Health and Safety Professional II

Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,524 - $81,000 annually 

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, unless otherwise notified 

Recruitment Close Date: November 18, 2025

THE DEPARTMENT:

The mission of the Division of Administrative Affairs is to provide high quality fiscal, human and facility services in support of the university through partnerships and innovative solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Health Programs

• This position is responsible for the food and pool safety programs on campus.
• The safety specialist will conduct routine and compliant-driven inspections of facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, food trucks, and fundraising sites to ensure compliance with public health laws.
• The safety specialist will educate staff and students on public health issues and provide guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Investigate complaints and suspected cases of food, water, or vector borne illnesses.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, issues notices of violation and maintain accurate records.
• Work with other agencies to resolve issues or complaints related to food and pool safety.
• The safety specialist will coordinate with Student Health Services and other University stakeholders to prepare and respond to public health outbreaks on campus (e.g., Measles, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses).

Laboratory Safety Program

• The Safety Specialist will assist the department in conducting laboratory hazard assessments, inspections, and follow ups.
• Draft, implement, and update safety policies, procedures and protocols to align with federal and state regulations.
• Develop and deliver training programs on safety handling, emergency response, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The incumbent will assist in maintaining the campus chemical inventory, including data entry, verification, and reconciliation of hazardous materials. 
• The safety specialist with investigate accidents and incidents, document findings, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Oversee the collection, storage and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance to state regulations.
• May be asked to serve on the campus safety committees as deemed necessary.
• Responsible for assisting in the development, coordination, and implementation of campus safety incentive programs.

Environmental Compliance Program

• The Safety Specialist will conduct environmental audits and assessments, prepare and submit compliance reports to regulatory agencies (e.g., CUPA, AQMD, etc.), monitor and analyze environmental data to ensure adherence to regulations, develop and implement environmental compliance programs, coordinate with regulatory authorities during inspections and audits, review and update environmental permits and licenses, stay current with changes in environmental laws and regulations.
• This position will maintain current records for hazardous waste shipping manifests, supporting documentation, hazardous waste and medical waste tracking documents etc.
• Monitor departments for proper waste accumulation procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment and that departments are in alignment with the campus Hazardous Waste Management Program.

Emergency Response

• The Safety Specialist will assist the department in general field work or respond to calls from campus customers. Calls range from general safety concerns, air quality, hazardous materials spills, etc.
• The incumbent will coordinate with the department to respond to general calls or concerns and expect to keep detailed notes.
• May serve in a support role to the Safety Officer (Incident Command System) in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• The position is exempt from overtime and may require the need to work after hours, weekends, campus closures and holidays as deemed appropriate by the EHS Director in an effort to meet campus demand and core department responsibilities with respect to environmental regulatory compliance and/or emergency response.

Safety Training

• The Safety Specialist will provide general support on an as-needed basis for several EH&S required safety training topics, including but not limited to Hazard Communication, Hazardous Waste, Laboratory Safety, Emergency Procedures, and other safety trainings as needed.
• Helps to develop interactive web-based safety training modules with site-specific campus procedures a