How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Department of Environment, Health & Safety is seeking a motivated and service-oriented Safety Specialist to advance workplace safety by providing occupational safety and industrial hygiene support to research and academic units. This professional position focuses on identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, conducting safety inspections and industrial hygiene assessments, reviewing plans for new and renovated research and laboratory spaces, evaluating engineering controls, conducting exposure monitoring, and developing and delivering safety training programs. The successful candidate will assist departments in maintaining safe and compliant work environments, investigate workplace incidents and near misses, recommend corrective actions, and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote a strong culture of safety throughout the university. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, researchers, and students to promote a culture of safety while supporting regulatory compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities*
Occupational Health and Safety
- Conduct laboratory, shop, and workplace safety inspections and communicate findings to departmental leadership through verbal and written reports.
- Identify potential health, safety, and environmental hazards and facilitate corrective actions.
- Assist with job safety planning and risk assessments.
- Investigate safety and health incidents, injuries, exposures, complaints, and concerns; recommend and coordinate corrective actions.
- Perform industrial hygiene evaluations, including air monitoring and noise assessments.
- Evaluate engineering controls, ventilation systems, and other exposure control measures.
- Track and monitor completion of safety-related corrective actions.
EHS Program Support
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver occupational health and safety training programs.
- Assist with development and implementation of health and safety policies, procedures, and programs.
- Respond to faculty and staff inquiries regarding occupational health and safety matters.
- Champion departmental safety committees and promote safety awareness initiatives.
- Assist in development of guidelines, standard operating procedures, and newsletters.
- Assist with review of construction and renovation projects for occupational health and safety considerations.
- Participate in hazardous materials emergency response activities involving biological, chemical, or radioactive substances.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain readiness for emergency response activities.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or closely related safety field.
- One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety, or related fields. Relevant internship, co-op or other practical experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of industrial hygiene principles, exposure assessment techniques, and occupational health and safety practices.
- Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, including OSHA and MIOSHA standards.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, email, databases, and reporting systems.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
- Valid driver's license with the ability to travel to campus locations
- Ability to successfully complete a medical evaluation and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, as required to perform assigned duties and support emergency response activities.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience in industrial hygiene, laboratory safety, or occupational health and safety.
- Experience working in a higher education, research, or academic environment.
- Experience investigating workplace incidents, accidents, and employee exposures.
- Experience developing and implementing environmental health and safety (EHS) programs and managing EHS-related projects.
- Professional certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is highly desirable. Candidates who are eligible for or actively pursuing these certifications are encouraged to apply.
- Active participation in professional organizations through committee service, conference presentations, or other leadership activities.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides immediate vesting and two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
M-F daytime hours. Additional work hours may occasionally be required during nights and early mornings, and weekends to respond to emergencies or other time sensitive/critical events and to provide training for employees.
Additional Information
Facilities & Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.