Environmental Health & Safety Technician

General Summary:

The Environmental Health and Safety Technician will work, in conjunction with the other members of the OEHS Office, with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and the administration, in the implementation and execution of UMass Boston's safety, environmental compliance, and emergency management programs. The OEHS Technician will assist University personnel in understanding UMass Boston plans, procedures and guidelines, as well as federal, state and local requirements; will be responsible for conducting and assisting facility managers and supervisors with inspections and audits; will assist in the implementation of corrective action strategies; and will provide periodic status reports to management.

The responsibilities of the OEHS Technician will include training and outreach, program development and compliance in the following areas: fire safety, laboratories, offices, buildings, grounds, shops, and construction sites. Our office also manages environmental and safety issues related to construction and renovation and performs industrial hygiene activities including indoor air quality assessments.

Examples of Duties:

• Assist in the campus fire safety program including building fire safety and fire extinguisher inspections, campus hot work permits, fire drills, AED inspections and maintenance.
• Assist with a wide variety of EHS services in support of research and teaching laboratories.
• Respond to indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns throughout the campus; interview occupants, inspect the area to identify the cause and take basic IAQ measurements, when appropriate; prepare a written inspection report.
• Maintain an IAQ databases including records of complaints and investigations, mold remediation and asbestos abatement project.
• Perform regular fume hood and eye wash/ safety shower inspections.
• Inspect renovation and construction sites and assist in monitoring dust and noise containment.
• Assistant other staff with Facilities maintenance worker safety programs, including Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, Respiratory Protection, Personal Protective Equipment, Asbestos Operations and Management and Forklift safety, among others.
• Provide support/back up to other OEHS staff with receipt and transport of hazardous materials to end user; collect and transport of laboratory waste and other hazardous materials to central accumulation sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or degree in a relevant scientific discipline and less than one (< 1) year of environmental health and safety work experience required or the following substitutions:
• Associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and a minimum of three-five (3-5) years of environmental health and safety work experience; or High school diploma and a minimum of five-seven (5-7) years of environmental health and safety work experience. Specific experience with laboratory, office and facility-based populations required Ability to obtain a Certification in Industrial Hygiene, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager or Certified Safety Professional required. Occasional lifting and moving of heavy drums and other materials may be required. Occasional use of level C chemical protective clothing and respiratory protection will be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the public sector and with diverse populations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative databases.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and municipal codes and standards that pertain to typical OEHS activities found at a research institute of higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding in the use and limitations of electronic instrumentation and the interpretation of results.
• Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Ability to assess chemical hazards, containing chemical spills and following appropriate emergency response procedures.
• Ability to use respiratory protective equipment and wear Level C protective clothing.
• Ability to lift and move heavy drums, up 50 pounds.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:

Grade: 30

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.