Department Contact: Rebecca Torres, 575-646-3327, rtorres@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: EHS&RM is looking for a motivated individual to join our team, to help in keeping the NMSU community safe!

Position Details

Position Title: Safety Specialist

College/Division: Administration and Finance

Department: 500200-ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SAFETY & RISK

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifiications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: After hours on emergency basis.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The position manages assigned Environmental Health Safety & Risk Management (EHS&RM) programs designed to:
• Safeguard employee, student, and public safety
• Minimize property loss
• Protect the environment
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

Core Program Areas
This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining focused EHS&RM programs, which may include:
• Research Safety: Laboratory safety, chemical and hazardous materials management, hazard communication, hazardous waste handling, radiation safety, laser safety, biological safety, and specialized equipment certification for research activities.
• Fire and Life Safety: Fire code compliance, fire suppression and detection systems, fire extinguisher inspections, evacuation planning, emergency preparedness drills, building life safety systems inspections, and special event safety oversight.
• Occupational Safety: Lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection, machine guarding, shop safety, agricultural and field safety, forklift/aerial lift/crane safety, scaffolding/ladder safety, and general construction safety.
• Industrial Hygiene: Indoor air quality assessments, respiratory protection and fit-testing, exposure monitoring, noise assessments, and ergonomic evaluations.

Inspections and Assessments
• Conduct routine and targeted inspections of NMSU facilities, including laboratories, shops, mechanical rooms, farms, greenhouses, offices, classrooms, and common areas.
• Evaluate and certify hazardous equipment, research processes, and special activities/events.
• Identify and document hazards, and provide written reports with corrective and preventative recommendations.

Training and Outreach
• Develop and deliver safety training in both instructor-led and online formats.
• Training topics may include: asbestos awareness, laboratory safety, hazard communication, lockout/tagout, fire safety, fall protection, confined space, aerial lift/forklift safety, crane/rigging safety, drone/UAS safety, agricultural safety, and more.
• Provide expert guidance to university faculty, staff, and students on safety protocols, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Incident Response and Investigation
• Respond to incidents, accidents, and emergencies, including hazardous material releases and fire/life safety concerns.
• Conduct thorough investigations, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.

Program Administration
• Develop, review, and update EHS&RM policies, procedures, and web-based resources.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and regulatory reports in assigned program areas.
• Participate in EHS&RM working groups, university safety committees, and emergency planning meetings.

Additional Requirements
• Operate industrial hygiene and safety equipment to monitor workplace conditions and assess employee exposures.
• Provide support for special events, large-scale research projects, or high-risk operations.
• Travel to remote NMSU facilities across New Mexico as needed. Valid driver's license is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of EHS&RM.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 
Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services

Preferred Qualifications: 
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 3 years of directly related experience in one or more of the following areas:
o Hazardous waste handling / RCRA programs
o Regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, CUPA)
o Inspections, audits, or enforcement
o Emergency response / incident management
o EHS program implementation
o Fire and Life Safety

Special Certification/Licensure: 
This position has been established as a primary key position under the “All Hazard Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)” and is essential to operational continuity and/or recovery. In an emergency situation, primary key positions are required to report to work unless directed by supervisor or public safety authorities not to report for health and safety reasons.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.