Lab & Environmental Specialist

General Summary: 

The OEHS Lab and Environmental Specialist within the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) is responsible for supporting the radiation, laser chemical and biological safety programs, as well as the environmental management system, including data input into the inventory control system for chemical, radiological and biological materials. The incumbent will be responsible for receiving, bar coding and distributing chemical, radiological and biological materials throughout the campus; will support the collection and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal requirements; and may also be involved in routine laboratory inspections; working at the Integrated Science Complex (ISC) loading dock; maintaining the supplies and equipment in the ISC waste rooms; and providing other Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) support services to laboratories campus wide.

Examples of Duties: 

• Track radiological material and lasers on campus and update campus laser registration and standard operating procedures as needed.
• Inspect laboratories for safety and compliance with regulations.
• Support the Laboratory Safety and Radiation Safety Committees.
• Participate in training of laboratory personnel.
• Receipt and transport of hazardous materials to end user; collect and transport of laboratory waste and other hazardous materials to the central accumulation site.
• Input data for the web based hazardous materials inventory control system.
• Maintenance of the UMASS on-line chemical inventory program.
• Participate in the University’s Emergency Response Program/Chemical Spill Response Team in the event of emergencies, especially those involving hazardous materials, including periodic call back.
• Assist with a wide variety of EHS services in support of research and teaching laboratories.
• Assist in the preparation of environmental compliance reports such as EPA/DEP Biennial Environmental Compliance Report, annual DEP Air Quality Control Report, MWRA Sewer Use Discharge Permit and EPA NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR)s
• Conduct regular inspections of waste accumulation areas, acid neutralization systems, and other areas as necessary.
• Assist in development and maintenance of environmental plans including Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, Contingency Plans, Stormwater plan, etc.
• Coordinate with other UMB departments on projects involving potential environmental impacts including hazardous materials and soil.
• Monitor new environmental regulations and best practices.
• Occasionally, oversee consultants working on environmental projects.

Qualifications: 

1. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 2-5 years of environmental health and safety work experience dealing with environmental compliance, preferably in a university or comparable environment required or the following substitutions:
• Associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and a minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of environmental health and safety work experience; or
• A comprehensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
• Physical requirements include frequent use of computers, and the potential exposure to chemicals 40 percent of the time, and occasional exposure to noise and harsh weather conditions.
• CHMM or ability to obtain CHMM certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

MA licensed Wastewater Treatment Operator, grade 2

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative databases.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and municipal codes and standards that pertain to chemical, radiological and biological materials.
• Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Ability to assess chemical hazards containing chemical spills and following appropriate emergency response procedures.
• Ability to serve as a member of the Environmental Health and Safety Hazwoper Team, in accordance with OSHA 1910.120q.
• Ability to use respiratory protective equipment and wear Level C protective clothing.
• Ability to lift and move heavy drums, up to 50 pounds.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade: 32             

This is an exempt union position.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Show email View phone number on employmentopportunities.umb.edu.