Safety Specialist

• 503437
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: May 8 2026 - 23:55 MDT
  
  

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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:
• Hazardous waste handling / RCRA programs
• Regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, CUPA)
• Inspections, audits, or enforcement
• Emergency response / incident management
• EHS program implementation
• 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.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance. 

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.