Environmental Safety Specialist

Summary

The Life Safety Specialist ensures full compliance with the Physical Environment and Life Safety standards established by DNV Healthcare USA, as well as all applicable local, state, and federal fire and life safety regulations. This role oversees fire and life safety systems, Alternative Life Safety Measures (ALSM), risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and documentation to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

The specialist is responsible for life safety compliance across all Chesapeake Regional Healthcare facilities, including Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Jennings Outpatient Center, Surgery Center of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach Surgery Center, and all CRMG and affiliated medical office buildings.

• Assist in the development, implementation, and oversight of fire protection and life safety programs in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain, enhance, and continually develop professional knowledge, skills, and competencies related to the accreditation agency’s Physical Environment and Life Safety Chapters and applicable regulatory requirements, with responsibility for ongoing self‑directed professional development.
• Review Life Safety documentation with Facilities Leadership to ensure regulatory and accreditation survey readiness and maintain all required records for efficient presentation during surveys.
• Ensure all Life Safety deficiencies, construction activities, and system impairments have documented ALSMs and that discrepancies have documented corrective actions or action plans.
• Coordinate with vendors to identify and remediate fire and smoke barrier penetrations using UL‑listed assemblies.
• Provide technical guidance to consultants, designers, and contractors; review plans, as‑builds, and work in progress for compliance with Life Safety standards.
• Coordinate the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, fire doors, dampers, penetrations, emergency lighting, and exit signage; document deficiencies, implement ALSMs when required, and coordinate corrective repairs to resolution.
• Review fire watch procedures and ensure appropriate documentation during system impairments.
• Plan, conduct, document, and report required fire drills and monitor compliance through the Safety Committee.
• Monitor contract personnel performing fire life safety work to ensure compliance with codes, licensing, and certification requirements.
• Assist with regulatory surveys, accompany surveyors as needed, and coordinate follow‑up corrective actions.
• Report significant Life Safety concerns or unsafe conditions to the Director of Facilities Management.
• Provide Life Safety and compliance training to facilities staff and other hospital departments regularly.
• Perform assigned operational or maintenance–related support duties when required.
• Collaborate with the HERT Team.
• Maintain availability for phone calls/texts/emails after hours via use of personal cellular phone for emergencies involving the safety and security of the CRH campus.
• On‑call responsibilities may be required for emergency or after‑hours incidents.

• Oversee the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Program to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate proper handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manage the approval process for new chemicals.
• Coordinate with licensed hazardous waste vendors and maintain required documentation and manifests.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Safety, Occupational Health, Engineering, or related field. An additional 4 years of required experience may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• OSHA HAZWOPER 24/40‑hour training or Haz Mat Operations awareness.
• FEMA ICS‑100, ICS‑200, ICS‑700 (NIMS) completion.
• Experience
  :
  Two years of experience as a Safety Specialist in a healthcare environment, including planning and implementing Alternative Life Safety Measures (ALSM). Working knowledge of fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression systems, smoke doors, and emergency lighting inspections.
• Licenses and Certifications
  :
  Certified Life Safety Specialist – Healthcare (CLSS‑HC) or Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP).