Occupational Safety Specialist

Liberty University; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty University seeks a dedicated individual to enhance the occupational health and safety program across its facilities. The role involves technical guidance, regulatory compliance assessments, training delivery, and fostering a culture of safety within the university. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt to various working conditions, including off-site locations and emergency circumstances.

Qualifications

• Three years of similar work experience required.
• Ability to train and motivate others.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational guidance and coaching in safety practices.
• Conduct EHS assessments and deliver training.
• Document inspections and support regulatory compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Safety, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Publisher

Outlook

Adobe Pro

Job description

Under the direction of the Sr. Occupational Safety Compliance Officer, this position provides technical guidance, training, assessments, and program improvement to support the University-wide occupational health and safety programs to ensure a safe environment at LU facilities and properties on and off campus. This includes assessing work areas and equipment to ascertain and support compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations. Areas of focus include but are not limited to the management and administration of hazard communication (HazCom) for chemical hazards, respiratory protection safety, confined space entry safety, hearing conservation safety, fall protection safety, machine guarding safety, electrical safety, trenching & excavation safety, and lab safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be successful in this role, a person must have a passion for helping people and be able to make personal connections with people at every level within the organization.
2. Reports to work at assigned times and performs any duties assigned by the Sr. Occupational Safety Compliance Officer.
3. Can read and understand blueprints.
4. Provide operational guidance and coaching, serve as a resource to the LU community, and champion best safety practices.
5. Supports elements of the LU EHS Program, including, but not limited to, Hazardous Communication (HazCom), Fall Protection Safety, Electrical Safety, Lockout/ Tag Out Safety, Trenching and Excavation Safety, Mobile Elevated Work Platform Safety, Forklift Safety, Lab Safety, Bloodborne Pathogens Safety, Confined Space Entry Safety, and others, to help promote safety and support regulatory compliance.
6. Collects and maintains field data to demonstrate compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements.
7. Is a training resource for various EHS programs. Delivers training and participates in the assessment of training effectiveness.

8. Partners with EHS Team members to develop and maintain engaging safety communications and training.
9. Conducts EHS assessments of LU sites/departments.
10. May execute other duties in support of safety, health, and environmental programs.
11. Required to handle high-stress situations and follow instructions when responding to emergencies.
12. Document inspections clearly and precisely.
13. Ability to learn and use complex testing equipment.
14. Support safety functions during evenings, weekends, and holidays as required, such as football games, commencement, convocation, concerts, etc. Respond to emergencies involving hazardous incidents (gas leaks, chemical spills, fire, etc.) to aid on-site remediation efforts. Perform other related duties as assigned.
15. Participate in institutional professional development and training.
16. Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
17. Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Director of EHS, Associate Vice President, and/or Vice President of Security & Public Safety.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
NONE

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience
A Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Safety, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field is preferred but not required for this position. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Three years of similar work experience is required. Ability to train and motivate others. Practical communication skills to interact with faculty, staff, and students. Must be detail-oriented and have strong organization and planning skills. Computer skills are required including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Adobe Pro, and other software/applications as required for the administration of the department. Ability to utilize an iPad in the field to conduct inspections. Ability to respond promptly in person to all campus locations requiring environmental health & safety services. Ability to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment, as necessary. Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of the program.
Any Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University at the employer's expense will be reimbursed back to the University upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring them. The position requires a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally.
• Ability to read and follow directions.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills.

Problem-Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of a routine nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Daily required to travel to local and off-campus locations. Some overnight travel may be required.
• Required to spend significant time walking, standing, and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Ability to walk long distances over smooth surfaces and on elevated, inclined rough surfaces as found in mountain terrains.
• Ability to work on scaffolding and in confined spaces. The position requires individuals to work at extreme heights and in confined workspaces.
• Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business.
• Able to handle and use hand and power tools.
• Regularly lift 25 pounds with the ability to lift 100 plus pounds occasionally.
• Able to wear half and full-face respirators, including SCBA.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment
The working environment varies depending on the department's and the university's needs. Sometimes, work is performed within climate-controlled buildings/offices that are well-lit and have moderate noise levels. Other times, work is performed outside in all weather conditions and environments, from flat to rocky and mountainous. The work environment also includes construction zones, which can be loud, dusty, slippery, and rough.

Driving Requirements
Travel to perform the essential functions of this position requires the use of LU vehicles such as trucks, vans, transit vehicles, SUVs, utility vehicles, or golf carts. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Target Hire Date2025-07-21Time TypeFull timeLocationLynchburg - In OfficeThe University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.