Senior Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist - EHS-Environmental Radiation Safety

Utmb; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health seeks a Senior Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist to lead and support Environmental, Health, and Safety programs in compliance with regulations and institutional policies. The role focuses on safety program development, training, and cross-functional collaboration across departments.

You will oversee inspections, coordinate with committees, and contribute to emergency response and safety initiatives, while ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal rules.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of related experience.
• Must obtain 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Texas driver's license and ability to operate a UTMB vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute EHS projects and programs in a senior role.
• Oversee the Industrial Safety Inspection Program and assist Laboratory/Water Quality programs.
• Develop and deliver training to faculty and staff on safety and compliance.
• Interact with PIs, EHS staff, and UTMB leadership to achieve safety goals.
• Perform inspections, recordkeeping, and incident investigations to meet compliance.

Skills

EHS knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Training delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental, natural, or applied science

Job description

Senior Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist - EHS-Environmental Radiation Safety

Bachelor’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field, and 3 years of related experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position. Must complete 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.

***Must have a valid Texas driver's license, pass all background checks, and be able to operate a UTMB vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field and 5 years of related experience. One or more of the following licenses or certifications, with special consideration given to candidates with a CIH or the ability/desire to obtain within one year of hire:

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
• Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Registered Environmental Manager (REM)
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS/RS)
• Other EHS – recognized professional certifications

Job Summary:

Provides professional knowledge and expertise in the operation and support of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs in compliance with regulatory agencies, national guidelines, and institutional policies.

Job Duties:

• This position is a senior technical position in the UTMB-EHS, Radiation & Occupational Safety group. As a senior safety specialist, the incumbent is expected to independently develop, lead, and execute EHS projects and programs, mentor junior staff, and develop/deliver training to faculty & staff in large/small settings.
• This position is responsible for overseeing the Industrial Safety Inspection Program, participating in the Laboratory Inspection Program, and assisting the Water Quality & Industrial Hygiene Programs. Additionally, the position will serve on one or more safety committees, directly interacting with other EHS professionals, Principal Investigators, and UTMB Executive Leadership.
• Advanced levels of computer skill sets are needed to develop and deliver performance and compliance reports. A working knowledge of various codes, the ability to make and effectively apply interpretations is required. The Senior Safety Specialist will be supervised by the EHS Supervisor.
• Independently plans, develops, trains, and implements diversified EHS programs.
• Provides customer service and consultation on safety compliance.
• Develops systems that prevent problems from arising.
• Directly interacts with faculty and other groups to achieve desired outcomes.
• Supports and directly participates in committee activities.
• Troubleshoots technical issues involving knowledge of research projects and works directly to intervene and obtain safe work practices.
• Responsible for knowledge of applicable environmental, health, and safety rules and regulations on a local, state, and federal level.
• Facilitates team development and team dynamics, including empowerment.
• Assists with regulatory inspections.
• Performs inspections, testing of safety equipment, and maintains records to meet compliance goals.
• Provides input on facility operations, construction and renovation projects, and will directly interact with contractors to influence outcomes based on technical expertise.
• Responds to hazardous materials releases and other emergent conditions within scope of training and experience.
• Participates in emergency on-call program.
• Supports and coaches integration of team process concepts.
• Achieves results with minimal to no coaching.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of environmental health & safety regulations.
• Ability to inspect, test, monitor, or measure safe environmental levels.
• Ability to evaluate observed conditions and provide recommendations.

Decision Making Responsibilities:

• Responsible for closing or stopping any unsafe work conditions. Responsible for reporting all compliance discrepancies to the Program Director and/or EHS Supervisor. Responsible for directing daily work activities to achieve departmental and programmatic goals.
• Standard hospital, clinical, laboratory and/or office environments.
• Potential exposure to hazardous conditions and/or materials. May involve strenuous activity such as walking, lifting, and moving of materials. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection, chemical-resistant clothing, etc.
• Standard office equipment and equipment used to ensure safe environmental levels.
• May be required to pass the “Basic Radiation Safety in the Laboratory” course within the first 6 months of employment.
• Ability to drive UTMB vehicles.
• This is a rotating on-call position where the incumbent will serve as a primary responder.

Salary Range:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Other

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code. Eligible for unescorted access to category 1 and category 2 quantities of radioactive material based upon a Trustworthiness and Reliability determination (25 TAC §289.252/10 CFR Part 37).

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

My Profile

Create and manage profiles for future opportunities.