Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (Student) (FWS)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

American University seeks a part-time Student Assistant in Environmental Health & Safety to support laboratory safety, waste management, and life safety initiatives across campus. You will follow procedures, assist during drills, and help with safety communications.

Training and PPE are provided, with flexible scheduling for 5–12 hours per week. The role is limited to enrolled AU students with a valid AU email and a Federal Work Study Award, in good academic standing, capable of lifting up to 50

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled at American University with a valid AU email account.
• Student must have a Federal Work Study Award.
• Must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Support Laboratory Safety activities, including waste management and PPE inventory.
• Assist Life Safety inspections and emergency preparedness activities.
• Support OSHA programs such as trainings and field support.
• Assist with safety communications and general safety tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Microsoft 365 proficiency

Education

Current student at American University

AU email account required

Federal Work Study Award

GPA 2.0 or higher

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Department: Environmental Health & Safety

Time Type: Part time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary:

The Student Assistant reports to the Associate Director of Risk and Safety within the Office of Enterprise Risk Management and provides field-based support for Environmental Health & Safety operations across campus. This position assists with laboratory safety, waste management, life safety inspections, occupational safety programs, and safety communications. The role is well suited for a student who can follow detailed procedures, communicate professionally, and work independently on recurring tasks after training. All required training and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Essential Functions:

Laboratory Safety

• Inspect laboratory waste accumulation areas and safety equipment for proper labeling, containment, storage, and general readiness.

• Collect, move, and stage hazardous waste containers for licensed vendor pickup.

• Support lab safety walkthroughs, inventory checks, and supply restocking, including PPE, spill kits, and sharps containers.

Life Safety

• Conduct routine inspections of AEDs, eyewash stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, exit signage, and related life safety equipment.

• Maintain Narcan and first aid supply inventories and restock items as needed.

• Support emergency preparedness activities, including drills, supply staging, and on-site coordination.

OSHA Programs

• Assist with occupational safety activities, including audiogram clinics, safety trainings, field support, room setup, materials, and attendance records.

General

• Assist with written and visual safety communications, including notices, flyers, signage, checklists, and outreach materials.

• Follow established procedures, communicate progress, and complete other duties as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• 5 - 12 hours per week.

Salary Range

• $18.40 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be currently enrolled at American University with a valid AU email account.

• Student must have a Federal Work Study Award.

• Must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

• Successful review of judicial record.

• Availability to work 5 - 12 hours per week during business hours (flexible scheduling).

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk between campus buildings; work conditions will vary across office, laboratory, and facilities environments.

• Interest in environmental health and safety, laboratory science, public health, or a related field.

• Attention to detail, reliability, and comfort working in varied campus environments.

• Basic Microsoft 365 proficiency and a proactive attitude.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• This is an academic year position with the opportunity to continue working through the final exam period and into summer.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.