Environmental Specialist

Howard County Public School System; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 79,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System seeks an Environmental Specialist to protect student and staff health by promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable learning environments across the school system. The role provides technical expertise in environmental health, IAQ, hazardous materials, compliance, and related facilities operations.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, coordinating with schools and contractors, developing training and procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety Health or related field.
• AHERA Inspector and AHERA Project Designer Licenses required by MDE (license info to be uploaded).

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental assessments, inspections, and investigations of school facilities to identify health, safety, or environmental concerns.
• Coordinate sampling, testing, and abatement activities; review lab results and contractor documentation.
• Ensure facilities comply with OSHA, EPA, Maryland and local environmental requirements; maintain records.

Skills

Environmental assessments

Indoor air quality

Hazardous materials handling

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene

Job description

The Environmental Specialist supports the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff by promoting safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible learning and working environments across the school system. The position provides technical expertise and guidance related to environmental health, indoor air quality, hazardous materials, environmental compliance, and other conditions that may affect school facilities and occupants. Responsibilities include conducting assessments and investigations, identifying potential environmental concerns, recommending corrective actions, and coordinating with schools, facilities staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to address issues effectively. The Environmental Specialist also develops and supports environmental health programs, procedures, training, and communication to promote consistent practices and regulatory compliance throughout the school system. Through proactive monitoring, education, and problem-solving, the position helps minimize environmental risks and supports well-maintained, healthy, and sustainable schools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety Health or related field.

Certification/Licensure:

• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspector License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Project Designer License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

Note: Candidate must upload a copy of the above-mentioned licensures under the supplementary question section of the application.

Experience:

• Five years of experience performing environmental and/or industrial hygiene assessments such asbestos surveys, water sampling, or mold and moisture intrusion assessments. Education requirements may be met by substituting experience for education on a year-for-year basis (up to four years).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety Health or related field.
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Supervisor License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Planner License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Water Sampler Certification issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
• Three (3) years experience in scheduling, coordinating and inspecting maintenance or construction work projects/activities preferred.
• One (1) year previous experience and general knowledge of HVAC Systems.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Conducts environmental assessments, inspections, and investigations of school buildings and grounds to identify conditions that may affect the health, safety, or well-being of students and staff, including indoor air quality, moisture, mold, hazardous materials, and other environmental concerns.
• Implements and monitors HCPSS environmental management programs, including asbestos, lead, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, water quality, and other applicable environmental programs, in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Coordinates environmental sampling, monitoring, testing, and abatement activities; reviews laboratory results, contractor documentation, and field data; and documents findings and required corrective actions.
• Conducts compliance inspections and audits; maintains required environmental records and documentation; and assists with ensuring HCPSS facilities and operations comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, Maryland, and local environmental requirements.
• Provides technical guidance and consultation to school administrators, Building Maintenance, Office of School Planning and Construction, Risk Management, contractors, and other stakeholders regarding environmental hazards, regulatory requirements, and corrective actions.
• Develops technical reports, procedures, training materials, presentations, and other communications related to environmental health and safety programs; provides training to HCPSS staff as needed.
• Responds to environmental emergencies and urgent concerns; assists with incident investigations, risk assessments, contractor coordination, and other environmental projects or assignments as directed.

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and experience with building investigations & inspections.
• Knowledge of procedures and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials

Skills

• Demonstrated skill to effectively listen and communicate with the public, PTO groups, etc.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, blueprints, schematic drawings, or sketches to determine location, size, capacity, and type of component or unit.
• Ability to wear appropriate respiratory protections.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Job requires responding to environmental emergencies.
• Sampling of hazardous materials and responding to environmental emergencies may require PPE.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to access roofs, crawlspaces, evaluate malodors, and work in hot and humid conditions.
• Job requires the use of tools and equipment that could exceed 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and climbing on hands and knees.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Licensure

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Working Hours

• The duty day for this position is 35 hours including a one hour duty-free lunch.
• This position will be required to respond to emergencies after-hours, weekends, and holidays.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application must include the following. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

• Transcript: A copy of transcript from an accredited college or university approved by the US Department of Education OR an education evaluation by one of the agencies approved by Maryland State Dept. of Education (MSDE).
• Certification/Licensure:
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspector License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Project Designer License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

Note: Candidates must upload all of the above-mentioned documents at the time of submitting the application. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 24 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $78,692 - $130,366. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Faria Nazrul ([e-mail]) OR [e-mail].