Position Title: Safety Specialist

Employee Classification: Safety Specialist

College/Division: Engineering College

Department: 360001-ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $53,165 - $60, 476 or commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Do you have a passion for safety and a keen eye for hazards? The College of Engineering at NMSU is seeking a dedicated Safety Officer to join our team!

Classification Summary:
Under general supervision, responsible for evaluating and assisting in mitigation of health and safety hazards. Develops, organizes and facilitates applicable safety programs and safety training for NMSU employees; reviews accidents, injuries and loss controls as needed to determine cause and trends in area of responsibility. Coordinates and provides assistance with inventories, inspections and maintaining records and programs.

Classification Standard Duties:
Manages various safety programs and operations in focused areas. As directed develops and promotes general safety programs, policies and procedures to further support and facilitate safety, compliance and injury prevention. Advises university community regarding safety protocols and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance as mandated by local, state and federal agencies. Provide employee safety training to prevent worker injury/illness and facilitate OSHA, EPA and other regulatory agencies compliance. Evaluates health and safety hazards according to environmental, health and safety principles and legal requirements. Provides reports on inspections and activity reviews which include recommendations for correcting operations and building safety deficiencies. Establishes procedures to eliminate injury, illness or hazards. Interprets data, prepares reports and provides recommendations regarding employee exposure. Recommend overall procedural changes to supervisor for any safety policy or recommended departmental program change in accordance with NMSU safety policy and procedures and under final authority of Environmental Health Safety & Risk Management. Provide safety planning and ventilation assistance to ensure safe operations. Performs related duties as required, including emergency response after-hours. Supervises, directs, delegates, and evaluates work of assigned staff.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, protocols and/or safety procedures; knowledge of use, storage, transport, and emergency response procedures for hazardous materials; selection and use of personal protective equipment.; SKILLS:Performing inspections and developing reports and safety procedures that facilitate compliance with EPA, OSHA and other applicable safety standards; skill in developing safety procedures and protocols; short- and long-term range planning; problem analysis and resolution; public contact and relations; supervisory and people skills; good organizational and record keeping skills; data management; developing innovative training sessions; independent thinking and judgment; imparting technical knowledge and information to workers of differing backgrounds.; ABILITIES:Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to develop, implement, and enforce safety programs and protocols. Ability to lead and train staff and/or students. Ability to gather data, compile information, utilize data management tools, and prepare reports and other material. Ability to operate, test and/or repair monitoring, sampling and/or analytical equipment and instruments. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Ability to design and present informational programs and presentations, based on assessed needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Management of College of Engineering safety programs and operations. Develops and promotes general safety programs, policies, and procedures to support and facilitate safety compliance and injury prevention. Oversees safety protocols and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance as mandated by local, state and federal agencies. May include emergency response after hours.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Certifications may apply. Requires a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Special Requirements of the Position
Proficient in the use of technology-database development, querying, word processing, spreadsheet development, and MS Office. Demonstrated ability to perform library and internet searches to collect technical and regulatory information required for decision-making. Professional Engineering Licensure in the State of New Mexico (preferred).

Department Contact:  David Jauregui, jauregui@nmsu.edu, 575-646-2912

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

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

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

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

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 handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

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.