Occupational Health & Safety Technician

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 30,924 - 44,044; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Vacation time and paid holidays

Job summary

Augusta University seeks an Occupational Health & Safety Technician to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance across its campuses in Augusta, Georgia. The role involves conducting inspections, managing hazardous materials, and responding to spills while collaborating with various departments to enhance safety standards.

Candidates should possess at least an Associate degree in a related field and demonstrate effective communication and critical thinking skills. Full-time benefits include health insurance and tuition assistance programs for eligible employees.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology, nuclear science, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials regulations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe workplace through inspections and evaluations.
• Manage hazardous material inventories and waste.
• Respond to spills and conduct safety inspections.

Skills

Effective verbal communication

Critical thinking

Mechanical aptitude

Reading comprehension

Effective written communication

Service orientation

Education

Associate degree in relevant field

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Occupational Health & Safety Technician

Job ID: 299184

Location: Augusta University

Full/Part Time: Full Time

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world‑class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.

Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real‑world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

Location

Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

College/Department Information

The Division of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) partners with Augusta University to promote safety services that support the clinical, teaching, and research missions on campus. We are responsible for a campus‑wide effort to ensure Augusta University complies with local, state, and federal health and safety rules and regulations to provide a safe environment for work, study, research, and patient care.

Job Summary

OHS Technicians ensure a safe and regulatory compliant workplace through review, evaluation, and analysis of work environments; hazardous materials inventory and waste management; training and consultation; and spill response. OHS Technicians perform work in the radiological, biological, chemical, fire, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety programs under the technical supervision of OHS program managers. These programs are intended to minimize workplace and learning environment risks to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Surveillances

• Inspect research laboratories for the safe and compliant use of radiological and biological materials and hazardous chemicals.
• Provide on‑site coaching and consultation to laboratory personnel to improve safety and compliance.
• Document surveillances for follow‑up action and review by regulatory agencies.

Hazardous Material Inventory Management

• Track the purchase, delivery, and receipt of radiological and biological materials, and laboratory chemicals. Ensure the proper storage of Drug Enforcement Administration controlled substances as well as Georgia Broad of Pharmacy Dangerous Chemicals.
• Update, or cause laboratory personnel to update, the hazardous material inventory database to reflect receipt, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Waste Management

• Ensure proper storage of radiological, biological, and chemical waste at the point of origin.
• Collect, package, and transport radiological and chemical wastes to the Material Safety Storage Facility, and biological wastes to the biowaste trailer.
• Properly store, and ultimately dispose radiological, biological, and chemical wastes.
• Assist in the disposal of Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substances through approved destruction methods.
• Document waste management activities for review by regulatory agencies.
• Sort and package universal waste to include lamps, ballasts, batteries, and mercury containing equipment.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Evaluate the impact of water intrusions through measurement of saturation of building materials to designate areas of required remediation to Facilities Operations personnel.
• Assist with the evaluation of indoor environmental quality complaints.

Ensure Safety of University Buildings

• Conduct Life Safety inspections of university buildings.
• Inspect and certify fire extinguishers.
• Certify the proper operation of fume hoods.
• Test safety showers and eyewash stations.
• Conduct sidewalk surveys to identify tripping hazards.
• Document inspections, tests, and observations for follow‑up action and review by regulatory agencies.

Environmental

• Collect emergency generator hours monthly.
• Assist in annual environmental program audits.

Hazardous Material Spill Response

• Respond to spills of radioactive and biological materials and hazardous chemicals.
• Coordinate assistance from Public Safety, if necessary to control scene.
• Contain spill.
• Assist affected employees, to include personnel decontamination.
• Direct staff on spill clean‑up, or in case of substantial or particularly hazardous material, perform clean‑up.
• Properly dispose of contaminated materials.
• Make internal notifications.
• Document actions for follow‑up and review by regulatory agencies.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Associate degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, nuclear science, industrial hygiene, environmental science, radiation protection, laboratory science, occupational safety, or closely related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, nuclear science, industrial hygiene, environmental science, radiation protection, laboratory science, occupational safety, or closely related discipline.

Two years of experience as an environmental, health, and safety technician in industry, academia, or at a medical facility. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager designation.

National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist certification. Certified Safety Professional. Georgia Firefighter certification. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager designation.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of algebra, chemistry, biology, radioactivity and radiation, and industrial hygiene principals.
• Working knowledge of laws, regulations, and AU rules regarding the safe and compliant use of hazardous chemicals, biologicals, and radiological; occupational safety and health standards; industrial hygiene principles; and fire safety requirements.
• Engineering, personal protective equipment, and administrative controls for the safe use of hazardous materials.
• Laboratory and clinical practices associated with the use of radiological, biological, and chemical materials.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Effective verbal communication
• Effective written communication
• Active listening
• Reading comprehension
• Critical thinking
• Judgment and decision making
• Complex problem solving
• Instructing
• Persuasion
• Coordination
• Service orientation

Abilities

• Ability to maintain an established work schedule.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively at all levels and across various cultures.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions precisely.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to use test and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to draw conclusions and recommend courses of action.
• Ability to develop and deliver OHS training material for various personnel.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (Work outside of normal business hours may be required)

Pay Band: B11

Salary: Minimum $27.21/hour

Salary to be commensurate with the qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum midpoint) of the position.

Recruitment Period: Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full‑time benefits‑eligible employees and some of our half‑time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full‑time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Conditions of Employment

• All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
• If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
• For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post‑secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
• All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Driver's License Statement

The Human Resources Division will request a driver's history report for the identified top candidate(s) for this position. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Other Information

Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.