Summary

A safety specialist performs worksite assessments to determine what kinds of risks and hazards exist and whether the site meets all regulatory compliance standards. The duties and responsibilities in this field include investigating occupational or worksite accidents or issues, writing reports based on your findings, and communicating with managers and employees about specific issues that need attention, such as unsafe work practices and failure to comply with health and safety standards. Some safety specialists also conduct training and safety education sessions for workers, such as how to properly use safety equipment or avoid accidents.

Job description

Summary of Job Duties

A safety specialist performs worksite assessments to determine what kinds of risks and hazards exist and whether the site meets all regulatory compliance standards. The duties and responsibilities in this field include investigating occupational or worksite accidents or issues, writing reports based on your findings, and communicating with managers and employees about specific issues that need attention, such as unsafe work practices and failure to comply with health and safety standards. Some safety specialists also conduct training and safety education sessions for workers, such as how to properly use safety equipment or avoid accidents.

The Chemical/Environmental Hygiene Specialist (CEHS) works under the general direction of Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). The CEHS is responsible for monitoring campus programs designed to identify, evaluate and control occupational hazards to UAMS employees including but not limited to, acceptance, processing, packing, documentation and tracking of hazardous chemicals waste for storage, shipment, and disposal. Provides assistance in environmental compliance. Member of the Emergency Spill Response Team. Stay up to date with regulatory changes and update SOPs as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of experience in occupational health and safety related field
Computer competency
Must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting items up to 50 lbs. unassisted; maneuvering 55 gallon drums using a hand truck or drum dolly
Must medically qualify to wear a respirator and other protective equipment, as needed
Position requires frequent exposure to hazardous chemical and radioactive wastes

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, safety, industrial hygiene, biology or a related field, plus 2 years' experience in occupational health and safety or in related field
Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

OSHA's Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response standard (HAZWOPER); 40 Hour initial training with eight (8) hours annual refresher. Will be provided within the first year if candidate does not have it.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of experience in occupational health and safety related field
Computer competency
Must be able to lift items up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Must be able to maneuver 55 gallon drums using a hand truck or drum dolly
Must medically qualify to wear a respirator and other protective equipment
Frequent exposure to hazardous chemical and radioactive wastes
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, safety, industrial hygiene, biology or a related field
Preferred: 2 years' experience in occupational health and safety or in related field
Knowledge of OSHA's HAZWOPER standard; 40 Hour initial training with eight (8) hours annual refresher

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision
Holiday, Vacation & Sick Leave
Education Discount
Retirement 10% Match
Basic Life Insurance
Career Training
Merchant Discounts
Concierge Prescription Delivery

Company overview

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is Arkansas' only comprehensive academic health sciences university and the state's largest public employer. Founded in 1879 by eight physicians, UAMS has evolved into a statewide health system encompassing six colleges: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health, and Graduate School. As a premier academic medical center, UAMS combines education, research, and clinical care through its UAMS Medical Center, which serves as Arkansas' only adult Level 1 trauma center and the state's sole provider of adult kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants. The institution operates with a $1.3 billion budget and generates over $100 million in annual research funding, maintaining internationally recognized programs in multiple myeloma, aging, and other specialized areas. UAMS supports over 3,000 students, 900 medical residents and fellows, and maintains affiliations with Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. With eight regional campuses across Arkansas, UAMS provides extensive community outreach and telehealth services, ensuring healthcare access throughout the state while contributing approximately $3.92 billion annually to Arkansas' economy.