Make a difference in people’s lives every day. When you join UCLA Health, you’ll be working at an institution that provides leading-edge care to the people of L.A. and throughout the world. We provide our team members with the environment and support to do amazing work, because each and every one of them plays a vital role in our commitment to care.
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
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Bachelor’s degree in Health and Safety, Engineering, Public Health, or a related field, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Working knowledge of hazardous materials, chemicals, hazardous waste management, and applicable federal and state regulations.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Ability to interpret federal and state laws, regulations, hospital safety codes, and applicable Joint Commission standards.
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Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare policies, reports, memoranda, and other professional documents.
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Ability to develop and deliver safety training, educational sessions, and presentations on safety policies, procedures, and related issues.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, administration, external partners, and regulatory agencies.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, as well as databases, email, internet applications, and Articulate Storyline 360.
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
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One year of experience working with hazardous materials in a healthcare setting.
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HAZWOPER and Department of Transportation (DOT) certifications.
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Certification in health and safety or a related field.
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Safety-related experience in a healthcare setting.
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Advanced knowledge of hazardous waste regulations, Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBP), California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), fire codes, and medical waste regulations.
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
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Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within three months of hire and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within three months of hire and participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
EMPLOYMENT SCAM ALERT:
UCLA Health Recruitment is currently being targeted by scam artists through external job board sites. Review some tips in order to avoid becoming targeted. El reclutamiento de salud de UCLA actualmente está siendo atacado por estafadores a través de sitios de juntas de trabajo externos. Revisar algunos consejos para evitar ser apuntado.
“The environment is nurturing and fosters growth. When I come to work, I know what I'm doing matters.”
VINCENT, Sr. CLS Specialist, Toxicology
MONICA
I've been blessed to touch so many lives through my serving. It's a privilege to uplift other employees with words of encouragement and a smile.
SOZIT
The first thing i noticed when i joined the team was how everyone is very welcoming and friendly with supportive management. I did not feel like an outsider.
EDGAR
Once I joined, I knew UCLA Health was THE place to be due to the growth potential and training offered
RENE
If you want to grow professionally, this is the right place for you.
ERA
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ELIZABETH
It’s so diverse and inclusive here. There’s always the opportunity to share your thoughts. It's a place where you feel you belong.
JERRY
Your career path at UCLA Health will enable you to follow a myriad of avenues and turns. It opens up a wide variety of opportunities.
ORLANDO
There’s a togetherness and higher level of commitment to teamwork at UCLA Health. We are several groups and teams that work together with a common goal which is to improve our patients experience.
KATHERINE
UCLA Health is a supportive, collaborative, and purposeful environment where leadership is invested in your growth and creating real opportunities. And knowing that what we do matters gives a real sense of purpose.
DR. ISLA GARRAWAY
UCLA has incredible resources and a team science approach. The ability to work with collaborative teams and access the amazing resources around campus is the best part about being at UCLA.
RADU
UCLA is very diverse in its personnel as well as its many research fields studied
JENNA
UCLA Health provides so many opportunities to exchange ideas, share moments and grow. I have learned a lot about team management and relationship building.
SHARON
I was looking for a job to further my career and continue to improve and learn as a therapist.
TARO
I have been blessed to be surrounded by supportive colleagues who aspire me to be the best version of myself.
Awards & recognition
