EH&S Principal Hazardous Materials Technician - 131433

The University of California, San Diego, is hiring an EH&S Principal Hazardous Materials Technician to manage hazardous materials safety on campus. Responsibilities include inspecting and maintaining safety equipment, supervising student employees, supporting safety programs, and responding to chemical emergencies. Candidates need experience in environmental health and safety, strong communication skills, and knowledge of mechanical systems and regulatory compliance.
About the position

The University of California, San Diego, is seeking an EH&S Principal Hazardous Materials Technician to oversee and manage resources related to hazardous materials safety on campus. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining safety standards in research and teaching laboratories where hazardous materials are utilized. The incumbent will be responsible for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of essential safety equipment, including eyewash stations, safety showers, fume hoods, snorkel exhaust systems, and gas cabinets. This position requires a proactive approach to assessing risks and identifying opportunities for process improvements in operational performance and environmental factors. In addition to technical responsibilities, the technician will supervise and train student employees, providing work direction and ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to. The role also involves maintaining and tracking first aid kits and supplies, supporting the Chemical Inventory and Hazardous Materials Business Planning programs, and providing guidance to faculty, researchers, staff, and students on the proper use of safety equipment. The technician will be part of the EH&S emergency response team, responding to hazardous materials spills and chemical emergencies, and assisting with cleanup efforts. The position requires a combination of education and experience in environmental health and safety, with a strong understanding of mechanical systems, chemical safety, and regulatory compliance. The technician must possess excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical information to a diverse audience and demonstrate strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks efficiently. This role is vital in promoting a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety equipment functions correctly to protect personnel working with hazardous materials.

Responsibilities
• Manage resources and assess risk related to hazardous materials safety on campus.
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• Coordinate the inspection, testing, and maintenance of safety equipment such as eyewash stations, safety showers, fume hoods, snorkel exhaust systems, and gas cabinets.
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• Maintain and update standard operating procedures for testing laboratory safety equipment.
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• Supervise, train, and provide work direction to student employees.
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• Maintain, track, and order first aid kits and supplies for campus research areas.
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• Support Chemical Inventory and Hazardous Materials Business Planning programs.
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• Provide guidance and assistance to faculty, researchers, staff, students, and contractors on safety equipment usage.
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• Respond to hazardous materials spills and chemical emergencies as part of the EH&S emergency response team.

Requirements
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of experience in an environmental health and safety program, or two years of college including appropriate science courses and one year of experience in an environmental health and safety program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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• Understanding of simple mechanical systems, monitoring equipment, and ability to perform testing, routine maintenance and calibration procedures per ANSI and OSHA Standards.
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• Knowledge of chemical, biological, and radiation principles, health and safety, analytical techniques, chemical compatibility, and spill cleanup procedures.
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• Ability to monitor and train others in the proper application and use of personal protection equipment including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
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• Good oral and written communication and customer service skills, with the ability to relate technical information to a diverse clientele.
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• Knowledge of industry standards and laws pertaining to the inspection and testing of safety equipment.
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• Knowledge of county, state, and federal regulations concerning chemical, radioactive, and biological hazards.
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• Ability to organize, work independently, and exercise good judgment while meeting deadlines and scheduling tasks effectively.

Nice-to-haves
• Completion of an accredited hazardous materials management curriculum to meet the HAZWOPER requirements.
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• Solid knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
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• In-depth knowledge of administrative tools and information systems.
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• Experience in producing high-quality written reports and documents.

Benefits
• Health insurance coverage
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• Dental insurance coverage
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• Vision insurance coverage
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• 401k retirement savings plan
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• Paid holidays
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• Paid time off (PTO)
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• Flexible scheduling options
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• Professional development opportunities