Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon's most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. Our mission to "let knowledge serve the city" reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action - in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life , from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist ( EHS Specialist) works in PSU's Environmental Health and Safety ( EHS ) department and has responsibility for environmental health and safety programs to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

The EHS Specialist supports environmental health and safety programs, including asbestos, lead, silica and formaldehyde exposure control plans; indoor air quality assessments; personal exposure monitoring; drinking water sampling; air contaminant and underground storage tank permits; disposal of electronic waste and non-laboratory biological and hazardous waste; and environmental site assessments.

The EHS Specialist provides support to PSU staff regarding potential impacts to hazardous building materials during construction projects and maintenance activities to ensure safe working procedures and proper removal and disposal of hazardous materials.

The position evaluates and makes recommendations to updating, reviewing and maintaining regulatory plans and records. This position helps prepare reports and other documentation associated with environmental health and safety programs.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
- A Bachelor's degree with primary focus (45 quarter hours or 32 semester hours) in the physical sciences; AND
- Two years of related professional experience in environmental, health, or safety; OR
- A satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or professional certifications.

* Note: Graduate level courses in the subject areas may be substituted, on a credit-hour basis, for a portion of the required experience.
Preference may be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level courses or have additional experience in Industrial Hygiene, or in occupational, public, or environmental programs.
Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position

• Experience supporting occupational health programs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste management methods, procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills sufficient to convey essential regulatory requirements, resolve technical issues, and provide guidance and assistance to members of the University community.
• Ability to maintain information and documentation, both electronically and hard copy, in an organized manner to demonstrate compliance and facilitate effective program management.
• Ability to perform physical activities including walking, lifting large containers, moving 55-gallon drums, operating a forklift or other powered industrial truck, and others as noted in Special Working Conditions.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Able to wear a full or half respirator depending on the job duties/ requirements.
• Proven ability to perform work and collaborate with the University's diverse community, colleagues, and regulatory agency representatives.
• A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of relevant experience, including developing and implementing environmental and occupational health and safety programs for a higher education, research or similar institution.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with the University's diverse community, regulatory agency representatives, contractors and colleagues in Environmental Health & Safety Department.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications.

Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting monthly salary rate for this position will be between $26.44/hr and $30.45/hr. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% employer-paid health insurance premiums (employees and eligible dependents) and significantly reduced tuition rates for employees and eligible dependents at any of the Oregon Public Universities. After completing six full months employees are eligible to choose between our two employer-paid pension programs in addition to two voluntary retirement programs . Wellness options include access to the PSU Rec Center at a reduced rate and free wellness programs. For a comprehensive view of all PSU benefits, visit the PSU Total Compensation Calculator .

Application Instructions

Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Background Check Required Yes If you have questions
Please email Jeffrey Rook at jrook@pdx.edu.

Search Details

Posting Close Date Application screening begins