Safety Officer 1

Central Washington University is recruiting a Safety Officer 1 to join our Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $51,588 - $69,396 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave.

The Role:

Provides assistance in the administration of Central Washington Universities (CWU) comprehensive Environmental Health & Safety programs to comply with Washington State and the Department of Labors' Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) rules, regulations and codes including developing and implementing any agency or geographic project specific Environmental Safety and Health programs/policies. Positions assigned to EH&S shall provide assistance as directed in the development and implementation of the universities' (CWU) Environmental Health & Safety program/policy. All employees are expected to support CWU's commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

Training:
- Organizes and instructs safety and health education courses such as first aid, confined space, fall protection, fork lift truck operations, and other safety education courses as developed; coordinates training efforts with State, Federal, and local safety organizations to improve safety programs; Conducts educational safety programs such as employee safety orientation, supervisor's safety training, radiation safety, diving safety, etc.;
- Provide Asbestos Awareness, OSHA Class III Asbestos training, Lead Awareness, and mold awareness training to CWU personnel.

Incident Investigation:
- Reviews reports and evaluates data concerning occupational injuries and public liability accidents; determines necessity and scope of further investigation; Reviews accident investigations for proper corrective or preventive actions; recommends solutions for controlling accidents and injuries; Conducts/monitors accident/injury/illness investigations;
- Respond to emergency calls regarding damaged asbestos or lead containing materials. Assess situation and isolate the area. Project size dependent, with the assistance of CWU Abatement Personnel, may conduct emergency removal. With guidance from Facilities Management Director, decision will be made on whether removal will be done in-house or by on-call abatement contractor.

Inspections:
- Conducts local facility/unit inspections of safety practices and facilities compliance; conducts interviews with employees, supervisors and management personnel in order to identify unsafe practices, establish strategy for suitable corrective measures to manage the risk of accident and injury losses in accordance with OSHA, WISHA, National Fire Protection Association, , , building codes, and other appropriate codes, regulations and standards;
- Liaison with KVFR for fire inspections and Training needs

Facility Asbestos/Lead/Mold Assessment & Repair Program:
- Perform routine facility inspections (semi-annual follow-ups) of all known asbestos and lead containing materials. Creates, compiles, and submits detailed list of areas needing patch/repair to CWU Abatement personnel that will need to be done.
- Perform facility inspections/assessments on requested or reported mold concerns. Creates, compiles, and submits detailed reports to identify potential causes and recommended corrective actions. Assist Facilities Management Director in remediating concerns and monitoring of mold abatement projects.

Construction/Renovation Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:
- Conduct facility inspections, surveys and/or field verifications, for upcoming construction, renovation, remodeling, and/or demolition projects across campus and report to Facilities Management Director.
- Review construction documents and submit information (presence/ amount/location) of asbestos/lead-based paint that may/will be disturbed during any proposed/scheduled renovation, remodeling, and/or demolition project to Capitol Planning manager.
- Respond to any mold related issues discovered during construction/renovation activities and provide guidance as to necessary protective actions that should be undertaken.
- If imminent danger or serious non-compliance items related to asbestos/lead are discovered, this position has the authority to shut down the project until Facilities Management Director or EHS Director is notified and responds.

Safety Programs:
- Develops and implements safety programs for institutional employees, students, and visitors; Confers with and advises managers, supervisors, and employees on occupational safety and health activities, problems, and needs;
- Consults with experts in fields related to area(s) of specialization such as computing professionals, risk management, expert legal counsel and representatives of state and federal agencies;
- Exercise decision-making authority and advise other health and safety professionals and institutional departments, administrators, and personnel in matters related to area(s) of expertise. Provide leadership functions such as assisting others with complex problem resolution, recommending courses of action, and training other health and safety professionals.
- Serves on campus committees and task teams; represents the institution before external committees, boards and agencies on matters pertaining to specialty area;
- Develops and maintains the campus ergonomic program and conducts ergonomic assessments for the campus community.

-Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or aligned fields.
• Three years of experience in occupational safety and health programs.
• Familiarity with applicable Federal and State Regulations.
• Familiarity with monitoring/sampling techniques for asbestos, lead, and mold.
• Excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years' work experience in asbestos and or lead abatement field.
• Current Asbestos Supervisor Certification (or acquire within 6 months of accepting position)
• Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Potential to mentor and educate students who will serve diverse populations.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. This may be the job for you!

Salary: This position is based on the range 49 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $51,588 and maximum annual salary of $69,396. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch); may vary with notice

Working Conditions: This position may work indoors and outdoors, at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas such as mechanical rooms, manholes and excavations, and may need to physically access work areas with the equipment and tools necessary for completion of the job. This often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking/climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required. May need to drive a service vehicle in congested areas.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.