Senior Specialist: Environmental Health & Safety, Hazardous Materials

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and overseeing multiple facets of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Environmental Health and Safety Program. Serves as the AACPS Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Designated Person, responsible for scheduling, coordinating, supervising, and inspecting the work of contractors and/or other authorized persons involved in the inspection, testing, removal, encapsulation, air monitoring, and reporting for asbestos containing materials. This position also acts as the primary contact for all hazardous materials testing and removal projects (Lead-Based Paint, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Mercury Flooring, laboratory chemicals, etc). Ensures work is done in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and safety procedures. Serves as the primary contact person to be notified in the event of damage or suspect asbestos containing or other materials are identified.

Additional Work Days/Hours

Based on the assignment, the following additional work days and/or hours may be required as needed:

Ability to work flexible schedules

Emergencies

Evenings/Nights

Extended hours

Holidays

Inclement weather conditions

On call

Outside of normal business hours

Summer hours

Weekends

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as the asbestos project manager by performing the following tasks relating to inspection, testing, and repair/removal of asbestos: establishing work priorities, scheduling, assigning and coordinating all project work and activities; selecting and issuing proper documentation for testing, abatement, construction, encapsulation, and air monitoring. Additionally, monitors on a day-to-day basis abatement construction and air monitoring.

Develops, coordinates, collaborates with, and procures environmental health and occupational safety programs, including inspections of facilities and work practices to identify potential sources of health hazards and assist with corrective actions.

Participates in routine safety inspections, safety committee meetings, and accident investigations to identify environmental, health, and safety deficiencies and contribute to corrective efforts.

Works on a daily basis with AACPS employees, contractors, and/or any authorized personnel to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations. Visits project sites to inspect work in progress or finished work to ensure that quality standards are adhered to and that work is being done in accordance with contract specifications and time schedules. Notifies supervisor and/or other school officials concerning any non-conformance of project work, violations and/or problem situations.

Maintains compliance with federal and state legislation and regulations including, but not limited to Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Occupational Safety and Health, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

Maintains school records to determine if suspect asbestos or other hazardous material has or has not been identified. Samples suspect material(s), fills out necessary documents and forwards such samples and documents to a certified testing laboratory/facility. Provides necessary documentation after results have been received for school records. In the event of damage or exposure to asbestos or other hazardous material, determines the extent of the damage and if there is a potential for fiber release or occupational exposure hazard.

Participates in and manages efforts to develop and maintain interdepartmental communications with Divisions of Maintenance, Operations, Planning Design and Construction, and school administrators/staff relating to asbestos and other hazardous material related issues, including corrective measures and abatement projects affecting the well being of students, staff, contractors, and school facilities.

Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Standing: under 1/3 of the time

Walking: under 1/3 of the time

Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Using hands to handle or feel: under 1/3 of the time

Pinching (fine motor skills): under 1/3 of the time

Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Pushing: under 1/3 of the time

Pulling: under 1/3 of the time

Reaching (with hands and/or arms): under 1/3 of the time

Climbing (Ascend/Descend): under 1/3 of the time

Balancing: under 1/3 of the time

Stooping: under 1/3 of the time

Kneeling: under 1/3 of the time

Crouching: under 1/3 of the time

Crawling: under 1/3 of the time

Bending: under 1/3 of the time

Twisting: under 1/3 of the time

Squatting: under 1/3 of the time

Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Smelling: under 1/3 of the time

Repetitive Motions: under 1/3 of the time

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: under 1/3 of the time

Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision

The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Color vision (ability to identify/distinguish colors)

Depth perception

Work Environment

Location

Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time

Outdoor environment: under 1/3 of the time

Construction site: under 1/3 of the time

Confined space: under 1/3 of the time

Warehouse environment: under 1/3 of the time

Shop environment: under 1/3 of the time

Temperature Change: under 1/3 of the time

Exposure

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather related): under 1/3 of the time

Outdoor weather conditions: under 1/3 of the time

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): under 1/3 of the time

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): under 1/3 of the time

Work near moving mechanical parts: under 1/3 of the time

Work in high, precarious places: under 1/3 of the time up to 40 feet on vertical ladder/scaffolding

Communicable diseases: under 1/3 of the time

Fumes or airborne particles: under 1/3 of the time

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: under 1/3 of the time

Risk of electrical shock: under 1/3 of the time

Vibration: under 1/3 of the time

Noise Level

Quiet: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Weight & Force

Lifting and carrying requirements

Up to 50 pounds: under 1/3 of the time

Travel Requirements

30% daily day travel within the county to investigate asbestos and other EHS issues.

Employee Safety Statements

The employee is required to use safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents.

Adheres to safe practices and methods in the operation of equipment and supplies related to the job.

The employee is responsible for correcting and/or reporting any conditions within an AACPS building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees and students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Specialization in Safety Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Safety and Health or applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Experience

Three (3) years experience in asbestos issues related field required; and

Three (3) years experience in scheduling, coordinating and inspecting maintenance or construction work projects/activities preferred; and

One (1) year previous experience and knowledge of HVAC Systems required;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, blueprints, schematic drawings, or sketches to determine location, size, capacity, and type of component or unit.

Knowledge of and experience with building investigations & inspections.

Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with the public, PTO groups, etc.

Knowledge of procedures and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and "The Right to Know Law."

Ability to successfully pass examination given by a physician approved by Anne Arundel County Public Schools prior to appointment to the position.

Ability to wear appropriate respiratory protection.

Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.

Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

Within 180 days, obtain Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Inspector License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) required; and

Within 180 days, obtain Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Planner License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) required; and

Within 180 days, obtain Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Supervisor License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) required; and

Within 180 days, obtain Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Project Designer License issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) required; and

Hold or be eligible for Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) issued by Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) preferred; or

Hold or be eligible for Certified Safety Professional (CSP) issued by Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) preferred; or

Hold or be eligible for Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) issued by Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) preferred. or

Hold or be eligible for Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) issued by Institute of Hazardous Material Management preferred; and

Upon hire, Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required.

Proof of a good driving record required.

Daily access to reliable transportation.

Driving Requirements

Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.

Board Vehicle

Personal Vehicle

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) works to provide a challenging and rewarding educational experience to 85,000 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Our philosophy is simple: All Means All. With an emphasis on access and equity, we provide an array of opportunities through innovative educational programs.