Environmental Compliance Specialist

Pay Grade: 31E

Context of the Job:

The Environmental Compliance Specialist provides support for programs under the purview of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). In addition to the Qualifications and Special Requirements listed below, each Environmental Health & Safety Specialist is required to meet program-specific qualifications and certifications.

Under general direction, the Environmental Compliance Specialist performs duties associated with Clean Air Act program management and compliance, Air Permitting and Annual Air Emissions Reporting, TIER II EPCRA reporting, Greenhouse Gas Emission reporting and other environmental compliance initiatives to assure compliance with federal, state and local regulations to achieve the optimal control or reduction of the hazards and exposures which are detrimental to people and/ or property.

The Environmental Compliance Specialist plans, arranges tasks, and applies standard policy or procedure to routine problems or duties without the benefit of specific guidelines.  The Environmental Compliance Specialist assists with the development and implementation of new procedures for resolving non-routine matters that are highly visible. University policy, government regulations, institutional precedents, professional standards, and accepted practices govern independent action. The Environmental Compliance Specialist routinely interacts with students and staff, serving as an internal consultant on safety and health matters related to occupational and/or environmental issues. Failure to perform tasks satisfactorily can result in liability, property damage, injury, regulatory noncompliance, fines, imprisonment, or both.

This position is designated as Essential Personnel for specific University operations.

Major Responsibilities:

• Supports the implementation and maintenance of Clean Air Act compliance programs across university campuses; develops and keeps detailed records of Authority-to-Construct Permits, source registrations, and permit modifications.
• Monitors underground and aboveground storage tanks for compliance, including tracking inspections, leak detection results, and regulatory reporting schedules.
• Assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of the Workplace Chemical List and Tier II reports as required by the State of Delaware Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know regulations.
• Provides support during agency inspections and site visits related to air quality and storage tanks; helps prepare reports and documentation for regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates all University environmental licenses and permit payments.
• Responds to minor spills, leaks, and other environmental incidents; documents events, escalates as necessary, and supports corrective action efforts.
• Maintains Injury and Illness data collection systems in coordination with the Safety Officer.
• Assist with University facilities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; makes recommendations to that will help maintain University compliance, reduce hazards and exposures, and maintain budgetary constraints.
• Delivers basic training and educational programs.
• Consults with administration, faculty, staff, and students concerning environmental-related issues.
• Assists in maintaining environmental program documentation and records.
• Supports the department’s emergency response team during environmental and occupational health incidents and participates in after-hours incident responses as needed.
• Assists laboratory and shop safety inspections. 
• Maintains records for and performs lab ventilation audits.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with four years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of environmental science and engineering, including environmental chemistry, measurement technologies, pollution controls and equipment, and environmental management.
• Ability to develop and implement safety programs and protocols. Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards such as EPA, NFPA, OSHA and ANSI is preferred.
• Experience in maintaining environmental program documentation and familiarity with permitting processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Proficient computing skills and experience with database and spreadsheet software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience working in an academic research environment preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a background check. 
• Must be able to pass hazmat physical examination in order to qualify the individual for emergency response involving all levels of respiratory protection. 
• Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.  With or without assistance, requires the ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; without assistance must be able to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 55-gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, walk and stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, be able to work above and below ground level, work in cramped or confined spaces and work outside in various environmental conditions which include but are not limited to cold temperatures, hot temperatures, windy conditions and inclement weather. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to maneuver throughout Newark and Wilmington campuses and other UD locations when operationally necessary.
• Must have access to reliable private means of transportation and preferably live within 30-minute travel time to the University for emergency response purposes.