Environmental Safety Specialist

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is seeking a Life Safety Specialist to ensure compliance with fire and life safety standards across all facilities. This role involves overseeing fire safety programs and conducting inspections, training staff, and managing hazardous materials.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a related field, OSHA training, and experience in a healthcare environment. Strong knowledge of fire safety regulations is essential. The role involves on-call responsibilities for emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 4 years of experience.
• OSHA HAZWOPER training required.
• Two years of experience as a Safety Specialist in a healthcare environment required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing fire protection and life safety programs.
• Coordinate inspections and testing of fire safety systems.
• Provide life safety compliance training to staff.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets and manage hazardous waste.

Skills

Knowledge of fire alarm and suppression systems

Risk assessment

Knowledge of OSHA regulations

Hazardous materials management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Safety, Occupational Health, or related field

Job description

Summary

The Life Safety Specialist ensures full compliance with the Physical Environment and Life Safety standards established by DNV Healthcare USA, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal fire and life safety regulations. This role oversees fire and life safety systems, Alternative Life Safety Measures (ALSM), risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and documentation to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The specialist is responsible for life safety compliance across all Chesapeake Regional Healthcare facilities, including Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Jennings Outpatient Center, Surgery Center of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach Surgery Center, and all CRMG and affiliated medical office buildings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation, and oversight of fire protection and life safety programs in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain, enhance, and continually develop professional knowledge, skills, and competencies related to the accreditation agency’s Physical Environment and Life Safety Chapters and applicable regulatory requirements, with responsibility for ongoing self‑directed professional development.
• Review Life Safety documentation with Facilities Leadership to ensure regulatory and accreditation survey readiness and maintain all required records for efficient presentation during surveys.
• Ensure all Life Safety deficiencies, construction activities, and system impairments have documented ALSMs and that discrepancies have documented corrective actions or action plans.
• Coordinate with vendors to identify and remediate fire and smoke barrier penetrations using UL‑listed assemblies.
• Provide technical guidance to consultants, designers, and contractors; review plans, as‑builds, and work in progress for compliance with Life Safety standards.
• Coordinate the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, fire doors, dampers, penetrations, emergency lighting, and exit signage; document deficiencies, implement ALSMs when required, and coordinate corrective repairs to resolution.
• Review fire watch procedures and ensure appropriate documentation during system impairments.
• Plan, conduct, document, and report required fire drills and monitor compliance through the Safety Committee.
• Monitor contract personnel performing fire life safety work to ensure compliance with codes, licensing, and certification requirements.
• Assist with regulatory surveys, accompany surveyors as needed, and coordinate follow‑up corrective actions.
• Report significant Life Safety concerns or unsafe conditions to the Director of Facilities Management.
• Provide Life Safety and compliance training to facilities staff and other hospital departments regularly.
• Perform assigned operational or maintenance–related support duties when required.
• Collaborate with the HERT Team.
• Maintain availability for phone calls/texts/emails after hours via use of personal cellular phone for emergencies involving the safety and security of the CRH campus.
• On‑call responsibilities may be required for emergency or after‑hours incidents.

Hazardous Materials & Safety Programs

• Oversee the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Program to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate proper handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manage the approval process for new chemicals.
• Coordinate with licensed hazardous waste vendors and maintain required documentation and manifests.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Safety, Occupational Health, Engineering, or related field. An additional 4 years of required experience may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• OSHA HAZWOPER 24/40‑hour training or HazMat Operations awareness.
• FEMA ICS‑100, ICS‑200, ICS‑700 (NIMS) completion.
• Experience: Two years of experience as a Safety Specialist in a healthcare environment, including planning and implementing Alternative Life Safety Measures (ALSM). Working knowledge of fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression systems, smoke doors, and emergency lighting inspections.
• Licenses and Certifications: Certified Life Safety Specialist – Healthcare (CLSS‑HC) or Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP).