EHS Specialist

The EHS Specialist will play a critical role in supporting New York Medical College’s comprehensive environmental, safety, occupational health, research, and clinical compliance programs providing strategic assistance to ensure compliance and implementation of programs under the supervision of the department Director. This position will be responsible for developing/implementing/executing various EHS programs and technical work across a wide range of EH&S areas. The position focuses on ensuring that programs are in compliance with the related regulations and best practices. Ensure that EHS issues are identified and addressed by working collaboratively with departments across campus.

• Completes safety program initiatives such as laboratory biological and chemical safety, radiation safety program, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene/ air sampling, and biohazard/ CDC-BSL3-Select Agent safety programs. Keeps assigned programs in compliance at all times. Reviews and maintains program compliance documents. Audits programs on a regular basis. Completes on site laboratory inspections and follows up on completion of CAPAs. Communicates issues to stakeholders and supervisor. Resolves problems. Effects change using the continuous improvement model. Documents findings and CAPA results. Services as program responsible person, where appropriate. Audits and provides support to animal research facility. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Carries out projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor. Champions the laboratory inspection program. Performs routine comprehensive assessments of laboratories, protocols, and programs. Maintains thorough and accurate records of assessments, consults with Principal Investigators (PIs), lab personnel, and other staff on findings and provides appropriate recommendations based on regulatory compliance and best-practice guidelines.  Develops recommendations for corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.    
• Assists with Laboratory decommissioning/cleanout and new PI registration/move-in processes. Gauges needs/serves as point person for assembling necessary scopes of work for new labs. Serves as point person for initial/annual permitting/protocol registration processes for PIs. Completes risk assessments.
• Assists as directed with research compliance, clinical compliance, and clinical infection prevention programs, including the development and revision of plans, policies and procedures. Serves as institutional Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent/Radiation Programs. Assists with IBC & IACUC protocol reviews and risk assessments. Responds to/assists with the mitigation of emergencies and spills involving hazardous materials which may include biological, chemical, or radioactive substances and assisting in the response and investigation of accidents, incidents, or exposures.
• Supports off-site Touro University safety & environmental program: perform/document chemical inventory audits, SDS library updates, fume hood and biosafety cabinet reviews. and facility/laboratory signage maintenance. Assist facilities in performing risk assessments and make recommendations on appropriate safety/environmental/compliance practices. Schedule, perform and document inspections on the various campuses throughout the TCUS.  Assist with the implementation and monitors the progress of corrective actions. Develops and maintain issue tracking systems. Implements improvements on an ongoing basis. Perform follow-up inspections as necessary. Provide instructor lead trainings on topics such as ergonomics, safe chemical management, spills management, infection prevention, lock-out tag-out, etc
• Advances data integrity by completing and/or coordinating the administration and maintenance of records/documentation/databases, including training records, dosimetry records (for research and clinic programs), waste manifests, SDSs, and other compliance documents.  
• Promotes excellence in training programs. Prepares, revises and conducts in-person and on-demand trainings on a variety of EH&S topics, including, but not limited to: biosafety, chemical safety, shipping hazardous materials, bloodborne pathogen standard, hazardous waste, CPR/AED use, radiation safety, and clinical compliance.Able to learn and manage training platforms and databases/LMS. Prepares and reviews content. Maintain training database.
• Interpret and maintain proficiency in regulations, standards, guidelines and trends in environmental health and safety and research compliance; anticipate and evaluate their impact on internal stakeholders; communicate requirements to EH&S management
• Assist laboratories/clinics/facilities with the management of regulated waste streams and environmental compliance/sustainability initiatives.
• Carries out campus-wide life safety, construction safety, and environmental and clinical compliance reviews. Escorts contractors and vendors when required. 
• Participates in on-call rotational system providing routine and off-hours support when necessary to resolve emergency and EHS issues.
• Involvement in dental school program initiatives such as Infection Prevention, Bloodborne pathogens, clinic inspections, water system testing, amalgam management, x-ray certifications/dosimetry, training, and other program related to student/staff and clinical safety at the dental school, as requested.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education requirement: Bachelor’s Degree required.

Licenses or certifications:

Required:

• CDC/FBI/DMV background checks and clearances required within 1 month of hire.

Ability to complete the following training within 3 months of hire, if assigned:

• HAZWOPER/RCRA/DOT HAZMAT/IATA certification
• Radiation Safety Officer
• Laboratory Safety Officer
• OSHA 10/30
• Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor and/or Inspector

Preferred:

• CSP/CHMM/CIH/CEM

Technical/computer skills: Must have strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, MS Teams, and other college/department specific software. Must be able to utilize Zoom.

Prior experience:

• 0-10 years of EHS experience is required.
• Working knowledge of academic environment, and/or research laboratory processes, equipment and facilities is preferred.
• Experience in asbestos, radiation, air sampling, industrial hygiene, inspections or willingness to learn.

Other skills/ requirements:

• Must have collaborative customer service attitude and skills, exceptional written and oral communication. Must be able comfortable giving presentations and speaking directly with internal customers.
• Must have ability to work collaboratively and function as a team member.
• Must have collaborative customer service attitude and skills, exceptional written and oral communication.
• Must be detail oriented.  
• Must be able to provide emergency response support (24 hour) on a rotating basis.
• Must be able to work on-site full time; work from home/hybrid work is not available for this position.

Physical demands:

Must be able to wear a respirator without restrictions. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to walk between multiple sites on campus daily. Must complete all required university and departmental vaccinations including influenza. Must complete an annual occupational health clearance. Must be able to conduct physical inspections at any campus withing the Touro University system.

Environmental demands: 

Work within laboratories, clinics and storage areas containing chemicals, biohazards, and radioisotopes. Work in warm (outside), cold (coolers) and dusty areas.      

Travel: 5-40% for training and visits to other Touro University sites in New York and possibly through out USA, if requested. This position is 100% on site, remote/hybrid work is not available.