Safety Specialist

Position: Safety Specialist 1

Requisition
req
35947

Working Title
Safety Specialist 1

Position Grade
12

Position Summary

Position Summary:
Under general supervision, assists in monitoring and coordinating campus
environmental health and safety programs, including safety inspections,
accident investigations, and safety training.

Essential Functions:
Assists in the development and implementation of university-wide safety
programs, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fire protection, and
other OSHA compliance programs.
Monitors safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of students,
faculty, and staff and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations,
including OSHA, EPA, and NMED.
Performs hazard analyses and recommends appropriate mitigation measures.
Assists in the development and maintenance of departmental safety work order
tracking and reporting systems.
Conducts routine and follow-up environmental health and safety inspections of
university facilities and reports findings to higher-level safety staff.
Assists in responding to emergency situations involving hazardous materials,
fire and smoke incidents, or unknown hazards; prepares reports and submits recommendations.
Monitors and documents the condition and location of fire extinguishers, fire
alarm systems, automatic fire suppression systems, special ventilation systems,
and other fire safety equipment.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:
Assists in developing and delivering environmental health and/or safety
training programs under the guidance of higher-level staff.
Assists in maintaining automated records and recordkeeping systems.
Assists in evaluating the transport and disposal of hazardous chemicals and
materials.
Provides technical support and safety guidance to lower-level staff within EHS
and to the campus community.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Requires considerable physical activity, including lifting, pushing, or pulling
objects up to 50 pounds; physical work comprises more than 70% of job duties.
Work involves exposure to hazards or physical risks requiring adherence to
standard safety precautions.
May involve exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke,
unpleasant odors, and/or loud noise.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Specific personnel training is required for employees working with hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
Construction Safety:

* OSHA 30 Hour Construction and/or General Industry certification or higher.

* Experience conducting
jobsite hazard assessments, including fall protection, scaffolding, excavation,
and struck-by hazard identification in active construction environments.

* Familiarity with
construction site safety management plans, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and
toolbox talk facilitation.

* Experience working
alongside general contractors, subcontractors, and project managers to enforce
safety compliance without disrupting project timelines.

Fire Safety:

* Experience conducting fire risk assessments and pre-fire planning in
construction or industrial settings.

* Familiarity with hot
work permit programs and hands-on experience managing hot work safety procedures
in construction environments.

* Experience coordinating
with local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and fire marshals during
inspections or code compliance reviews.

Blueprint Reading:

* Demonstrated ability to read and interpret architectural, structural,
mechanical, and electrical construction drawings to…