Workplace Safety (WPS) Field Specialist

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The role of the Environment, Health and Safety ( EHS) department is primarily environment, health and safety functions at the University. In support of the University's core mission, EHS will provide comprehensive environmental, health and safety services to the University community. This includes education through training and consultation, maintaining a safe environment through recognizing and controlling health and safety hazards, ensuring a process of regulatory compliance and minimizing future potential liabilities. By developing EHS programs and performing various periodic inspections we can provide a safe work place, ensure a process of compliance and minimize future potential liabilities. EHS is organized into eight (8) sections: Biological Safety, Environmental Affairs, Fire Safety & Emergency Response, Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety, Workplace Safety and Business & Support.

The primary purpose of the Workplace Safety ( WPS) Field Specialist is to develop and manage the university Fall Protection Program in compliance with OSHA regulations. This position will be the designated OSHA 'Competent Person' and Subject-Matter Expert regarding fall protection system selection and use across campus. The position conducts investigations across campus in accordance with the annual Hazard Management Plan ( HMP) inspection program, as well as serves as the main EHS liaison to departments hiring student-employees, such as Exercise Sports Sciences, Student Union, Student Stores, Athletics, etc. As part of the HMP program, the position will conduct safety investigations and training in order to ensure safe work practices of student workers and maintain compliance on campus with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and state ( NCOSHA) and university requirements. The individual in this position must have knowledge in research and workplace safety. The individual in this positions implements and monitors the educational program and trains/consults with campus staff faculty, researchers, and students on corrective actions, regulations, and requirements of regulatory agencies of the departments specified above. The primary goal of this position is to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the faculty, staff, students, and visitors at all UNC facilities. This position is a member of the EHS Emergency Response/HazMat team. This requires on-call responsibilities throughout the standard 8-hour workday (8am-5pm).

Four year degree with a preference for a related major in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or closely related science; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require specific certifications or licenses. Specific jobs will require additional minimum training and/or licensing upon selection.

Must possess a valid North Carolina Drivers' License and an acceptable driving record.

Physical Effort: Requires ability to walk, bend, stand, and climb ladders. Ability to enter laboratory animal research areas required. Ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus ( SCBA) is required. An annual physical exam is required. Member of the HAZMAT team.

Accuracy Required in Work: A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is necessary since inspection results are reported to and used by various groups in the university community. Health and safety practices are impacted by the inspection findings. University compliance with the various regulatory agencies is dependent on the results of the inspections, reports, and surveys, along with the quality of the training provided to faculty, staff, and students on health and safety principles, practices, policies, and procedures. Multiple regulatory agencies thoroughly scrutinize academic institutions and the performance of their safety programs. Accurate measurements and observations are an essential and integral part of every survey and emergency response.

Consequence of Error: Inaccurate inspections or surveys can result in unsafe working conditions for faculty, staff, students, and compliance problems for the university. Inaccurate measurements or observations can allow unsafe, potentially dangerous, and injurious situations to persist. Failures in conforming to regulatory safety requirement may occur. Consequently, errors can lead to expensive, unnecessary corrective actions.

Four (4) to five (5) years experience in the Environment, Health & Safety professions.

Physical Effort: Must be able to frequently walk, bend, stand, and climb ladders. Ability to enter laboratory animal research areas required. Ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus ( SCBA) is required. An annual physical exam is required as participation in the HAZMAT team.

Work Environment and Conditions: The employee is exposed to animal, biological, radiation, physical, and chemical hazards daily in the support areas. Work may require entering tight spaces, personal protective equipment, and training on proper use is required. Knowledge and understanding of the principle characteristics of these hazardous agents and the accurate measurements and observation of the hazards is essential. Work environments can be affected by extreme weather conditions. The employee may be called to emergency response duty during severe weather episodes.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.