About this role
Under the direction of the Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and with guidance from the Hazardous Materials Program Manager, the Safety Specialist supports environmental health and safety programs across UCLA Health System medical centers and clinic locations. This role primarily supports hazardous materials and regulated waste management programs, including monitoring compliance, conducting audits and inspections, analyzing performance metrics, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
The Safety Specialist also supports Fire/Life Safety, Indoor Air Quality, General Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and other Environment of Care programs. Responsibilities include assisting with regulatory compliance, ensuring alignment with Joint Commission standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and advising clinical and operational teams on requirements for hazardous, medical, universal, and solid waste management. The role also helps maintain current Environment of Care policies and promotes a safe, healthy, and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Health and Safety, Engineering, Public Health, or a related field, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of hazardous materials, chemicals, hazardous waste management, and applicable federal and state regulations. Knowledge of environmental health and safety (EHS) program development, regulatory compliance, and hospital safety requirements, including applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and Medical Center policies and procedures. Experience with occupational safety and injury prevention programs, including Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP), ergonomics, hazardous materials, fire safety, respiratory protection, and other EHS programs. Knowledge of industrial hygiene, environmental health, infection control, laboratory safety, and safe practices related to airborne and bloodborne pathogens, chemical exposures, non-ionizing radiation, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Ability to interpret federal and state laws, regulations, hospital safety codes, and applicable Joint Commission standards. Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare policies, reports, memoranda, and other professional documents. Ability to develop and deliver safety training, educational sessions, and presentations on safety policies, procedures, and related issues. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, administration, external partners, and regulatory agencies. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, as well as databases, email, internet applications, and Articulate Storyline 360.
Preferred Qualifications
One year of experience working with hazardous materials in a healthcare setting. HAZWOPER and Department of Transportation (DOT) certifications. Certification in health and safety or a related field. Safety-related experience in a healthcare setting. Advanced knowledge of hazardous waste regulations, Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBP), California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), fire codes, and medical waste regulations.
License Requirement
Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within three months of hire and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
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As a condition of employment , the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.