PROFESSIONAL POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Division:
Department:
Location:
Schedule:
Reports to:
SAFETY & HEALTH SPECIALIST II
ORIO
Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston
8am – 4:30pm Monday thru Friday, weekends and nights as needed
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
STATEMENT OF THE JOB:
The Safety and Health Specialist II (SHSII) assists in the development, maintenance, and
promotion of all University EH&S Safety and Health programs. The position oversees hazardous
waste collection and disposal practices along with documentation and required reporting. The
SHSII provides technical expertise, in support of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for
students, employees, and visitors to the University of Southern Maine campuses.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 Oversees hazardous and bio-hazardous waste storage, inspection, and disposal
practices for all three campuses. Maintains all documentation associated with
hazardous and bio-hazardous waste storage, collection, and disposal.
 Oversees Electrical Safety and Lock Out/Tag Out program implementation and
training.
 Evaluates the properties of waste chemicals and compounds (waste determinations)
in order to minimize the risk of incompatibility situations and maintain compliance
with hazardous waste storage and shipping regulations.
 Manage and organize lab and department chemical inventory documentation and
annual updating practices.
 Manages the work station self-assessment program and annual online training
materials associated with the self-assessment. Responds to special ergonomic
assessment situations.
 Assists in the selection, development, and implementation of training programs on
pertinent safety and health issues affecting specific USM departments and
personnel.
 Initiates activities conducted by outside contractors for on-site testing of materials
to determine the presence or lack of asbestos or lead containing materials.
 Serves as liaison to local and state agencies including fire and police, emergency
responders, medical professionals, the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP), and the Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS).
 Oversees the updating and posting of health and safety related notifications such as
meeting space occupancy ratings, evacuation plans, and maps.
 Identifies safety violations or deficiencies and initiates appropriate action by either
generating Facilities Management work orders or through interaction with the
effected department.
 Assists with the management of Hearing Conservation, Fall Protection, Life Safety
and Emergency Action Program development and implementation.
 Additional duties as reasonably assigned.
ANCILLARY DUTIES
 The SHSII works directly with the Director on the maintenance and development of
the environmental safety and health programs.
 Assists with scheduled fume hood testing and documentation.
 The SHSII may work with Lab Managers to help improve Lab Safety practices.
 Performs other Occupational Safety and Health duties as needed or assigned
SPECIAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES*:
 Broad access, including but not limited to master key or swipe card access, to University
facilities, residences, or apartments.
 Direct access to or responsibility for controlled or hazardous substances.
 Direct responsibility for safety and security of employees, students, minors, and/or
visitors or property.
 Ability to drive a University vehicle and provide proof of a valid driver’s license.
 Ability to drive colleagues, students or others and provide proof of a valid driver’s
license.
 Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid
driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Supervises the activities of work study students.
 Acts as an alternate for time card approval and hazardous substance purchasing
approvals
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Evaluates invoices and other billing documents in order to properly and effectively
assist departments with understanding the cost of disposal of hazardous and bio
hazardous waste.
 Consults with the Director as needed to insure that department expenditures
remain within budget limitations.
PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO JOB PERFORMANCE:
 Participates in state, regional, and national organizations related to Occupational
Safety and Health.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS:
Internal:
 University Departments, System-wide Services
 Faculty, staff, and students
External:
 Vendors specializing in hazardous waste, environmental sampling, & asbestos/lead
remediation
 General public
 Local, state, and federal regulatory agencies
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace
environment.
 Knowledge of regulatory requirements in safety and environmental management.
 Record of effective management of a safety and environmental management
program in a complex organization.
 Excellent communication skills (oral, computer, and written)
 Demonstrated ability to start, maintain, and complete multiple projects by
deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
 Bachelor’s degree (with preference given to a degree in the Safety and Health field or
similar). A minimum of two years’ work experience in the safety and health profession.
License:
 Valid motor vehicle driver’s license
Preferred:
 Advanced training and experience in occupational safety and health fields
*NOTE: All individuals who are recommended to fill and subsequently offered a position with special essential responsibilities
as listed above, or other licensure or certification, shall have the following additional applicable background screening
completed (in addition to regular and standard background screening) based on the responsibilities of the position: Credit
history screening, and/or Sex offender registry screening, and/or Federal criminal history screening and/or License/certification
verification.
For Human Resources Use
Date Approved:
Job Family:
Salary Band:
Unit:
CUPA code:
Employee:
Position #:
06/01/2015
02
103
UMPSA
455100
TBD
00014949