JOB TITLE
Safety Technician
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Environmental Safety
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Safety Technician provides support to faculty, students, and staff to help facilitate, assess, and promote a safe and healthy working environment across campus. The responsibilities of this position will be that of chemical receiving and chemical inventory manager. This position will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director and will also perform routine EHS tasks such as fire safety inspections, fire extinguisher inspections, fume hood certifications, sustainability initiatives, hazardous waste pick-ups, and chemical inventories. In addition, this position will also be involved with environmental compliance, emergency response and other safety and OSHA compliance related projects.
WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:

• Chemical Inventory Management: Perform daily chemical receiving and inventory at multiple receiving locations across campus utilizing the UNHCEMS database and barcode inventory system. Ensure existing chemicals are inventoried and that used product have been removed from the inventory. Ensure Safety Data Sheets have been uploaded into CEMS for all products on campus and maintain the user database in CEMS.
• Hazardous Waste Management/Equipment Inspection: Perform day-to-day pick-ups and management of hazardous waste and biological waste. Conduct weekly inspections of hazardous waste accumulation areas in more than 200 locations. Report findings to the Assistant Director and take corrective action to ensure the university meets regulatory requirements. Conduct annual certifications on more than 100 ventilation devices and submit work orders, as needed. Inspect safety devices including emergency showers, eyewash stations, and provide documentation to management for needed repairs, maintenance, and other hazardous conditions on a regular basis. Periodically conducts spore testing on waste autoclaves and reports results.
• Fire Safety Support: Assist in the development of a fire safety program including a variety of routine tasks to ensure compliance with building codes, insurance standards and University expectations for a safe campus. This includes completion of comprehensive fire safety inspections and management of the fire extinguisher inventory and inspection process. Annual inventory of flammable liquids storage for Fire Department permit renewal. Conduct health and fire safety inspection in campus buildings and perform tests on emergency lighting, emergency call stations, and other life safety equipment.
• General Safety Program Compliance (OSHA Compliance): Perform routine inspections in trade shops, machine shops, laboratories, confined space, and other areas to identify unsafe conditions or non-compliance with WPI policies. Report findings to supervisor and work with faculty, students, and staff to resolve safety issues by recommending corrective actions and following up until resolved.
• Hazardous Materials Shipper: Maintain certifications in International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines and regulations for shipment of hazardous materials. Ensure shipments are documented, packaged, marked, and labeled appropriately. Ensure import/export permitting procedures are followed, when applicable. Electronically, track shipments to ensure viable arrival at destinations and determine cause of delays. Coordinate with appropriate personnel for shipments that are mixed substances (chemical, biological, or radioactive).
• Emergency Response Team Member: Respond to emergency situations, participate in on-call rotation, ability to don respirator and other personal protection equipment, provide technical support to outside Responders, assess dangerous situations, and respond appropriately. Assist in maintaining an electronic database to record incidents and corrective actions. Maintain respiratory certification annually.

Requirements:

• B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or related science or A.S. and equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in research laboratory, safety department, or environmental compliance.
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Must be able to obtain IATA and DOT hazardous materials shipping certifications.
• Must be able to access all areas of campus including the use of protective equipment used to access and work in permit-required confined spaces, mechanical rooms, ladders, roofs and other elevated work areas.
• Must be able to move heavy large objects such as full 55 gallon drums and lift items, up to 50 pounds, to shoulder height.

WPI requires employees to be fully-vaccinated (including a booster shot) for COVID-19. For additional information on WPI's response to COVID-19, refer to https://www.wpi.edu/we-are-wpi
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.
To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Safety-Technician_R0001832
About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.jeid-1b299b7a9b11f54cb96eab327b5da7a3