Safety & Health Officer 2 - Safety Administrator

Bemidji State University (BSU) and Northwest Technical College (NTC) invite applicants to join our team as a Safety Administrator. The Safety Administrator provides leadership and management in developing, implementing, evaluating and directing BSU and NTC’s occupational safety and health and environmental management programs. This includes policies, procedures, programs, and communications needed to ensure compliance, and related record keeping, with all Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
 
Responsibilities of the Safety Administrator include:  

• Developing, implementing, and managing BSU and NTC occupational safety and health programs and policies that comply with applicable laws, regulations, and codes; limiting associated risks and liabilities; supporting and promoting a safe and healthy campus environment through a strategy of injury and illness prevention. Percent of Time: 50%
  • Consulting with federal and state occupational safety and health officials so that program/policy content, execution and results are monitored and in compliance.
  • Developing and directing department specific plans, policies, and procedures, to contain occupational illnesses and injuries.
  • Providing managers, supervisors, private contractors and employees with direction and technical support to ensure compliance with state and federal occupational safety and health regulations/standards.
  • Recommending changes in procedures, work site environment, protective equipment and devices as appropriate.
  • Directing the University’s Chemical Hygiene/Laboratory Safety Program and serving as the University Chemical Hygiene Officer preparing and updating Chemical Hygiene & Laboratory Safety programs, investigation of laboratory incidents, chemical exposures, and monitoring of storage and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.
  • Monitoring occupational safety and health standards and advising managers and supervisors of changes that affect their campus operations.
  • Assisting with fire code compliance to include emergency response procedures and hazardous material response.
  • Advising and assisting the University’s administration with safety-related evacuations and/or work stoppages.  **The incumbent will have the authority to order immediate work stoppage, evacuation, or other appropriate action without prior approval in situations or conditions of imminent danger. **

• Developing and managing BSU’s and NTC’s occupational safety, health and environmental compliance education program and related activities for a safe workplace for all employees. Percentage of Time: 25%
  • Developing, directing, assessing and presenting university wide safety, health, and environmental compliance training programs for supervisors, employees, and students as requested by departments. Maintaining records of all employee training provided to comply with State and Federal regulations and standards.
  • Investigating and directing mitigation of indoor air quality issues, industrial and office ergonomics, and other environmental and industrial hygiene issues factors or stresses.
  • Providing safety, health, and environmental compliance education/training to faculty and supervisors of student assistants so they become knowledgeable (can train students as needed).
  • Developing and maintaining the university’s Environmental Health & Safety Web Page to educate and promote awareness of training, prevention and current topics.
  • Developing and maintaining the university’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on-line program.

• Developing and administering the University’s environmental and hazardous waste programs ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Percent of Time: 15%
  • The programs include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
    • Hazardous and Infectious/Biological Waste
    • Universal and E-Waste
    • Air Emission Inventory
    • Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction
    • Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures
    • Under-Ground and Above-Ground Storage Tanks
  • Collecting data, completing, and submitting all required reports to all regulatory agencies.
  • Managing the collection, storage, manifesting and other preparation procedures in relation to disposing of hazardous and infectious waste before transporting to a licensed TSD site.
  • Serving as a resource to managers, supervisors, employees and students regarding proper storage and disposal of waste products; alternating products and methods of operation for source reduction of waste; and maintaining all waste manifests and related records.
  • Managing the university's recycling of universal and E-waste products including the collection, storage, manifesting and shipment of materials.
  • Developing and maintaining a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) plan to restrict/reduce exposure in the event of an accidental release of hazardous materials, the remedial action needed, and reporting requirements.
  • Reviewing all materials and non-monetary donations to quantify the full impact on existing waste streams, creation of new waste streams, and/or whether they will impact the campus’ hazardous waste generator size designation.

• Investigating occupational illnesses and injury incidents on campus, determining causation, designing/implementing remedial action, and preparing/submitting all required documentation. Percent of Time: 10%
  • Assisting Human Resources with conducting workers’ compensation agency claim investigations, determining causation, implementing remedial actions, and preparing/submitting the necessary documentation.
  • Evaluating university and statewide workers’ compensation data periodically to evaluate trends and recommending/implementing preventive actions to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses.

• Professional experience working with organizational safety and training.
• Excellent communication, motivational and leadership skills to build relationships with co-workers, contractors, students, etc.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and quickly adapt to changes in policies, processes, procedures and priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Science, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, or related field.
• Three (3) years of Professional experience in a related field.
• Teaching and training experience.
• Ability to obtain Certifications in any of the following: Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.
• Experience in developing and implementing an employer’s Safety Program.
• Experience as a professional Safety Officer.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.