EHS Technician

Salary: $23.44 Hourly
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Board-Approved
Job Number: 02981
Division: Operations
Department: Facilities & Security
Opening Date: 08/13/2026


JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous decisions and improvements to the College Learning Environment.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Successful candidate will assist with Federal, State, and local regulatory compliance by helping with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives and risk reduction for Kirkwood's main and outlying campuses. Position is a combination of hands-on tasks and in-office computer work.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve Kirkwood's EHS efforts by being familiar with and following compliance regulations (including but not limited to waste, air emissions, inspections, and Hazard Communication).
• Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to assist with compliance efforts.
• Maintain accurate records related to waste inventories, safety inspections, air emissions, safety data sheets (SDSs), and other record retention requirements.
• Pick up/handle chemical wastes, hazardous materials, and respond to chemical spills.
• Assist with organization and labeling of a variety of waste streams for lab packs and other waste disposals.
• Compile and collect data for EHS compliance requirements.
• Conduct inventories of hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, and safety assets (fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, AEDs, etc.)
• Conduct inspections of safety assets and areas where hazardous waste is stored.
• Assist with posting of safety signage.
• Use the CampusOptics software for compliance and risk reduction (chemical inventory, SDS compliance, inspections, safety assets).
• Perform other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Be knowledgeable of and assist with Federal, State, and local EHS compliance regulations for a variety of programs (industrial tech, chemistry lab, art & theatre, etc.)
• Requires organizational skills, good communication skills, and attention to detail
• Work with multiple data sets ranging from small to large while maintaining quality and accuracy of data
• Work and communicate effectively with individuals across a diverse workforce
• Spill response
• Become HAZWOPER and DOT certified within 6 months of hire
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves a combination of working in an office setting and light to medium work. Position involves exerting up to 10-50 pounds of force occasionally (10-33%). Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. Position may require the use of various respiratory protection devices, incumbent will be required to obtain a medical clearance and subsequent fit test for respiratory protection. Incumbent must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, industrial hygiene, or related field; or education/experience combination equivalent
• Understanding of chemical safety
• Ability to understand and apply Federal, State, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations
• Good interpersonal relationships and communication skills
• Proficiency in various Office software including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ability to learn other software programs
• Experience in data entry and data compilation
• Valid Driver License with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College's insurance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS

• Experience working in higher education or working across multi-site organizations
• Working knowledge of hazardous wastes, air pollutants, and other hazardous materials
• Experience in handling hazardous materials and wastes
• Experience conducting safety asset inspections
• Familiarity with EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, View phone number on click.appcast.io , View email address on click.appcast.io , or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io FAX: View phone number on click.appcast.io, TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

WHY KIRKWOOD: Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01


Do you have at minimum an associate's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or related field; or education/experience combination equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires driving to all Kirkwood campuses. Do you have a valid driver's license with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College's insurance?

• Yes
• No

Required Question