Associate Safety Officer

Harvard University, United States

Updated: 8 months ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

18-Aug-2023

Campus Services

62585BR


Job Summary

This position delivers safety services to minimize risks and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations for construction projects.  Responsibilities include supporting EHS staff, project managers and construction managers to help identify compliance risks and develop and implement solutions to effectively mitigate those risks.  Related tasks include participating in the construction project planning process to identify EH&S related issues, assisting project teams in the development and execution of hazardous material abatement/remediation, mitigation and/or construction safety management plans, conducting on-site safety inspections on active construction sites, and assisting with project turnover to operations.  Position will work with the Project Support Services team to ensure implementation of the University Construction EH&S Standard and related University standards.  Other duties include supporting management systems and training programs and participating in the EH&S emergency response program.


Position Description

  • Acts as a construction and renovation safety resource providing compliance support services at all Harvard Campuses. 
  • Develops effective and collaborative relationships with construction project teams, project managers, consultants, and colleagues to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
  • Participates and represents EH&S in routine project specific meetings including planning, construction and closeout, construction site safety walks, and other meetings.  Conducts field reviews of construction and/or remediation projects to assess compliance with respect to university requirements and specifications. Accompanies the general contractor’s Site Safety and Health Officer and/or others on periodic site inspections to observe the on-going construction activities. Provides regular reports to Project Managers regarding construction safety program implementation status and agendas. Solicits, manages and reviews safety consultant’s work as necessary to ensure compliance, timeliness, and technical accuracy. Generates reports, communicates findings to Project Managers, tracks corrective action, and assembles trending reports.    Communicates issues and action items to Project Support Services team, and others in EHS as needed.  Understands when and how to escalate issues.
  • Reviews construction project design documents and specifications. Provides comments and recommendations with respect to compliance with Harvard’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines for Design, opportunities to permit safer construction methods and designs that might create problems for the safe use, operation and maintenance of the new structure.
  • Supports Harvard Project Managers to manage EH&S related contractors, consultants and other EH&S divisions supporting project work.  Manages deliverables and drives these groups project work to completion.
  • Responds to construction site safety inspections by OSHA, state agencies, and local municipalities’ inspectional services departments, or other regulatory agencies.
  • Responds to and investigates accidents and near miss incidents, leads after action review with supervisors, directors and affected personnel to identify root causes.  Tracks, monitors and drives adjustments in procedures, job responsibilities or trainings to prevent re-occurrence.  Analyzes accident/injury trends to mitigate potential future problems – provides recommendations for corrective action.
  • Communicates technical hazards of project related activities that may impact Harvard personnel or tenants within Harvard owned buildings.
  • Participates in EH&S Department Emergency Responder program.
  • Participates on a variety of EH&S project and program teams, as required.

    • Basic Qualifications

    • BS or BA in occupational safety, construction safety or related field or an equivalency of professional training, certifications and work experience.  Willingness to learn environmental issues related to construction.
    • Minimum of three years of safety/EHS-related experience both practical and theoretical based in construction or institutional safety. 
    • Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.  Strong grasp of 29 CFR 1926 Construction Industry Standards preferred.
    • Ability and willingness to obtain professional certification (e.g., CSP/CHST, etc.) is preferred.
    • Must possess and demonstrate knowledge in OSHA construction regulatory programs including but not limited to such standards Confined Space, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, working at elevations (Fall Protection), Lockout /Tagout, NFPA 70e/electrical safety, cranes/hoisting, areal lifts, scaffolding, and other safety programs. Willingness to learn environmental standards required.
    • Experience with both underground and above ground construction methods to proactively identify and address potential safety issues during construction.
    • Experience working on construction projects and operations with unionized labor is preferred.
    • Must possess strong communication skills (verbal and written) to effectively communicate EHS matters of compliance and risk with senior management, front line supervisors, trades personnel and others. Strong interpersonal skills. 
    • 40 hours per week M-F with occasional site visits off-hours. 

    Additional Qualifications and Skills

    Technology Skills Required

    Must be proficient in the use of technology and computers including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 

    Special Requirements

    Participates in EH&S Emergency Response Team on rotating basis (estimated at 6 to 7 times per year), as a cross-trained EH&S staff member, will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff.  Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects.  Driver’s license with some local travel may be periodically required.


    Physical Requirements

    Required to wear personal protective equipment.  Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, use ladders, work outdoors, at heights, access scaffolding and roofs from access hatches. Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits. Must be able to perform chemical monitoring and emergency response activities wearing Level D PPE.


    Working Conditions

    The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.


    Additional Information

    Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel


    Benefits

    We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

    • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
    • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
    • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
    • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
    • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
    • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
    • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
    • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
    • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

    Department Office Location

    USA - MA - Cambridge


    Job Code

    396056 Environmental Health & Safety


    Sub-Unit

    Environmental Health & Safety


    Union

    00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary


    Pre-Employment Screening

    CORI, Criminal, DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity


    Schedule

    Monday-Friday
    7am-4pm


    Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

    Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.


    EEO Statement

    We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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