EHS Specialist - Environment Health and Safety

The University of Kansas Health System; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement program (457/403b)

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City is looking for an EHS Specialist to support the Environment Health and Safety Office. The role serves internal and external customers, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include waste handling, inspections, training program development, incident investigations, and coordination with vendors with after-hours on-call duties. A strong safety mindset and adherence to policies are essential.

Qualifications

• Four years of hazardous materials experience.
• Proficient with Word, Excel and Access.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process and manage chemical, radioactive and biological waste from laboratories, including handling up to 300 lb containers, and coordinating with outside contractors.
• Survey laboratories for compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations; assess risk and document radioactive contamination and radiation levels.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Biosafety program knowledge

Biological risk assessment

Waste Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Engineering

Job description

Department:

Environment Health & Safety (EHS)

Environment Health and Safety Department

Position Title:

EHS Specialist - Environment Health and Safety

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The EHS Specialist serves all internal and external customers by providing assistance in all areas of the Environment, Health & Safety office.

Job Description:

Job Responsibilities

• Collecting and processing chemical waste, radioactive waste and biological waste from research laboratories which will include handling 55-gallon containers that can weigh as much as 300 pounds. Conducting weekly inspections. Tracking the decay-in-storage radioactive waste and managing documentation of radioactive waste records and coordinating with outside contractors to properly dispose of radioactive waste.
• Surveying laboratories to assure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Includes tasks such as coordination with lab staff, assessing risk, taking and analyzing wipes for radioactive contamination, surveying for radiation levels, assessing lab practices for compliance with safe work practices, and maintaining documentation.
• Assists with coordination and calibration of survey meters and other instruments and ensures that they have been properly calibrated or properly stored out of service.
• Support the development and coordination of EHS related training programs and policy development.
• Ensure inspections by regulatory agencies are coordinated and deficiencies are minimized and corrected.
• Assists with updating radiation inventory and chemical inventory tracking software system.
• Assists with the proper shipments of Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods.
• Maintains filing systems regarding occupant safety.
• Help investigate and mitigate accidents, spills, losses, thefts, unauthorized receipts, uses, transfers, disposals, misadministration, and other deviations from approved safety practices involving hazardous agents and implement corrective actions as necessary. This will include being on-call after hours. Operate as an alternate emergency coordinator as outlined in the University’s Contingency Plan.
• Participates in required training which includes, but is not limited to:
  • An introductory training related to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act within 30 days of hire. This training shall include, but is not limited to, online training, review of the University’s Contingency Plan and on-the-job training.
  • An annual training related to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This training shall include, but is not limited to, online training, review of the University’s Contingency Plan and on-the-job training.
  • Annual Radiation Safety, Biosafety, Bloodborne Pathogen, Hazardous Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, and HAZWOPER training

• Conducts activities in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with KUMC Policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Performs job responsibilities in a safe and secure manner.
• Coordinate work with other University areas ensure integration and support of the University mission.
• Develops, maintains and expands job-specific knowledge and skills to keep pace with industry changes and supports the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
• Participates in relevant committees, task force, or other similar activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical center, employee, and patient information. Manages sensitive data with discretion and in accordance with KUMC policies and legal requirements.
• Maintains the highest standards of integrity, respect, professional conduct, and ethical standards.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Work Experience

• Four (4) years of hazardous materials experience. Education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
• Experience using Microsoft computer software: Word®, Excel® and Access®

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Health Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering).

Work Experience:

• Experience with radiation safety, emergency response, Safety Committees
• Experience with academic research laboratories

Skills

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Access
• Biosafety program knowledge
• Biological risk assessment
• Waste Management

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range:

$28.20 - $38.35

Minimum

$28.20

Midpoint

$33.17

Maximum

$38.35