Senior Environmental Health & Safety Specialist - EHS Life Safety & EOC Compliance in Galveston, Texas at University of Texas Medical Branch

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in an environmental, natural, or applied science, or related field, and three (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 drivers license and be able to operate a UTMB vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

A bachelors degree in environmental science, natural science, applied science, occupational safety, or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant professional experience, is preferred.

One or more of the following professional certifications is preferred:

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

• Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM)

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

• Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)

• Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP)

Job Summary:

Provides professional knowledge and expertise in the operation and support of environmental, health, and safety programs in compliance with regulatory agencies, national guidelines, and institutional policies.

Job Duties:

This position is a senior-level professional role within the UTMB Health Life Safety and Environment of Care Compliance group. The Senior Safety Specialist provides technical leadership and independently manages, implements, and evaluates Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) projects and programs. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with applicable Life Safety Code requirements, Joint Commission standards, and other relevant regulatory requirements; supporting the reliability and operational readiness of fire protection systems; and promoting safe, compliant, and well-maintained building environments.

The position requires advanced computer skills to develop, analyze, and deliver performance metrics, compliance reports, and program-related documentation. A comprehensive working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations is essential, along with the ability to interpret requirements, exercise sound professional judgment, and apply regulatory interpretations consistently to support compliance and operational safety. The Senior Safety Specialist reports to an EHS Supervisor.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure UTMB campuses and clinics meet all environmental health and safety regulatory requirements as measured through audits and compliance inspections.

• Plans, develops, implements, evaluates, and supports EHS programs, policies, procedures, and initiatives. Provides technical consultation, guidance, and customer support regarding Life Safety and Environment of Care compliance requirements.

• Participates in and supports Environment of Care and other relevant committees, including providing technical input, reports, and recommendations.

• Maintains current knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal environmental, health, safety, fire, and life safety requirements.

• Conducts and documents facility inspections, identifies deficiencies, prioritizes corrective actions, tracks outstanding issues, and verifies resolution.

• Provides technical assistance during regulatory inspections, accreditation surveys, audits, and other compliance reviews. 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, experience, and established response procedures.

• Participates in the EHS emergency on-call program and responds to assigned calls in accordance with established procedures. Supports and coaches integration of team process concepts.

• Achieves results with minimal to no coaching.

• Adheres to institutional policies, internal controls, documentation requirements, and established reporting relationships.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of applicable EHS regulations, Life Safety Code requirements, Joint Commission standards, and relevant fire and life safety codes.

• Detailed experience with EHS site audits, inspections, and routine surveys, including developing and drafting of audit documentation, tracking corrective actions, and monitoring results through completion of the audit activities.

• Extensive experience conducting EHS audits, inspections, and routine compliance assessments, including documenting findings, prioritizing deficiencies, coordinating corrective actions, and monitoring issues through verified closure. Ability to develop and deliver regulatory and safety training for new and existing employees and provide instruction on institutional EHS policies and procedures.

• Advanced computer skills, including the ability to develop and maintain compliance reports, dashboards, performance metrics, tracking systems, and other program documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, manage competing priorities, and make timely decisions regarding safety and compliance concerns.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and nonclinical departments, Facilities and Property Services, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Decision Making Responsibilities:

Responsible for closing or stopping any unsafe work or activities that pose a risk to life safety or regulatory compliance. Responsible for promptly reporting all compliance discrepancies to the Program Director and/or EHS Supervisor. Provide direction and guidance to junior staff regarding daily work activities to support the achievement of departmental objectives and programmatic goals.

Salary Range:

Actual salary will be commensurate with experience.

Working Environment/ Equipment:

• 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.

• Ability to drive UTMB vehicles.

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 Trustworthiness and Reliability determination (25 TAC 289.252/10 CFR Part 37).