What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety Specialist - UT Space Institute position at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
JOB DESCRIPTION
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Safety Specialist to support campus environmental health and safety operations. This position assists in conducting safety, environmental, and health audits, inspections, and training activities while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and university regulations. The Safety Specialist supports emergency preparedness and emergency management operations, maintains safety records and reporting requirements, and assists with safety program administration across campus.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Required Qualifications
Education:
Education:
Preferred Qualifications
To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 29, 2026.
Required Application Materials:
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is an aerospace and engineering research center of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. UTSI supports world-class research, education, and workforce development initiatives through partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions. The Safety Department supports the campus mission by promoting a safe and compliant working and learning environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
ABOUT US
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Safety Specialist to support campus environmental health and safety operations. This position assists in conducting safety, environmental, and health audits, inspections, and training activities while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and university regulations. The Safety Specialist supports emergency preparedness and emergency management operations, maintains safety records and reporting requirements, and assists with safety program administration across campus.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct workplace inspections and evaluations to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
- Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses, and health-related complaints and recommend corrective actions.
- Maintain inspection records, reports, and follow-up documentation.
- Assist with OSHA logs, TDEC annual reports, hazardous waste documentation, and safety compliance reporting.
- Develop and maintain safety and occupational health programs including hearing conservation, respiratory protection, LOTO, ergonomics, indoor air quality, and hazardous materials programs.
- Coordinate hazardous chemical “right-to-know” programs and safety committee participation.
- Design, develop, and deliver safety and emergency management training programs for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
- Conduct emergency drills and assist with emergency preparedness planning and disaster response communication.
- Maintain the UTSI Safety webpage and related safety resources.
- Provide CPR/AED/BFA training as assigned.
- Maintain relationships with local emergency management agencies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Associate’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety or a related field.
- Two to four years of safety-related experience.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of occupational safety and health regulations and compliance standards.
- Knowledge of chemical handling, hazardous materials management, and environmental safety principles.
- Ability to conduct inspections, investigations, and safety assessments.
- Ability to analyze problems and recommend corrective actions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to utilize Microsoft Office and web-based software systems.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a campus environment.
Education:
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, environmental sciences, safety management, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, toxicology, or related field.
- Additional experience in environmental health and safety programs within higher education, research, laboratory, or industrial environments.
- Knowledge of chemical and industrial hygiene practices.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal compliance regulations.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques for compliance activities.
- Knowledge of radiation and laser safety.
- Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- ASP, CSP, OHST, HAZWOPER, or similar safety-related certifications.
- Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee
- Work Arrangement: Onsite
- UT Market Range: MR08
- Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 29, 2026.
Required Application Materials:
- Resume
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is an aerospace and engineering research center of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. UTSI supports world-class research, education, and workforce development initiatives through partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions. The Safety Department supports the campus mission by promoting a safe and compliant working and learning environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
ABOUT US
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!