Environmental Health and Safety Technician

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Technician provides support to the Office of EHS. The Technician responds and/or assists with incidents/injuries to track and investigate causes; The technician inspects and audits shops and labs; collects and sorts hazardous waste from user's locations; and coordinates professional services and contractors.

• Inspects the campus for signs of non-compliance; this includes housekeeping, blockage of emergency exits, incorrect use of equipment or safety accessories, etc.
• Maintains central hazardous waste storage area. Collects and sorts hazardous and non-hazardous waste from user's locations
• Assists with regular observations of laboratory chemical fume hoods, bio-safety cabinets, and other hazardous equipment and ensure correct operation
• Reports and places "Out of Service" placards until the repair is complete
• Observes Contractors for non-compliance issues during construction, repairs, or renovations activities; including in-house staff
• Assists with correcting all safety concerns prior to and during events and activities. This includes approval forms, food sanitation, and proper set-ups
• Assists with investigating the cause of incidents/injuries/near misses, provides tracking, and provides corrective actions
• Assists with updating the EHS website

• Occasionally drives or operates University vehicles
• Performs other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Minimum of some college or technical school

Required Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of job-related experience

License/Certification:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license

• OSHA 500
• EHS Academy for Higher Education (UTHSC)
• General science and laboratory courses
• Experience in Higher Education

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position: Environmental Health and Safety Management courses
• Knowledge and experience with industrial hygiene monitoring equipment

Skills:

• Must have skills relevant to the position

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community

Primary Work Location:

• Works primarily Inside - office, shops and laboratories; limited to no exposure to harsh conditions.

Physical Demands:

• 70% walking, sitting, climbing, carrying, hearing and seeing;
• 20% stooping, kneeling
• May need to lift up to 60 pounds

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Equipment Operation

• Demonstrates the essential skills required to use equipment and tools needed to perform job duties and responsibilities.
• Follows maintenance and operation procedures and safety rules to minimize equipment malfunctions and prevent personal injuries.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Decision Making

• Demonstrates the ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
• Assimilates and/or secures relevant information to assess the risks and benefits of alternatives.
• Considers impact of decision in the long and short term.

Writing Proficiency

• Demonstrates the ability to express information clearly and concisely in writing.
• Formulates and writes information to effectively communicate messages, ideas, and/or concepts for the intended recipient or audience.
• Uses appropriate words and tone, and correct grammar.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.