Occupational Safety Technician

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking applicants for the position of Occupational Safety Technician (OST). This position supports departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education, and support services across the UVA community. The OST role is well suited for individuals with laboratory experience and/or education in science or engineering who are interested in applying their background towards real-world safety challenges in a higher education environment.

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director for Research Safety, the OST completes projects and tasks that support the University’s dynamic occupational safety and research safety programs. The OST works collaboratively with EHS occupational and research safety professionals to address both existing and emerging safety needs. This position offers hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to a broad range of safety practices, making it an excellent foundation for early-career professionals interested in environmental health and safety, occupational safety, and research compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations and inspections to support safe work and learning environments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, University policy, fire code, and professional standards across diverse operations, including fall protection, electrical safety, shop equipment, and laboratory hazards.
• Provide recommendations, written reports and follow-up to assess the implementation of corrective actions identified through inspections and evaluations.
• Assist in conducting incident investigations and provide recommendations for improvement and implementation of measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Provide support for labs and makerspaces implementing, maintaining and updating chemical inventory in chemical inventory software.
• Assist in development and delivery of occupational and research safety training.
• Promptly respond to requests for technical consultation from the research and teaching community, academic units and the healthcare community.
• Provide support for OST-related services and initiatives for University departments and committees.
• Work collaboratively with a variety of University stakeholders to promote adherence to federal and state regulations, University policy and programs.
• Liaise with Risk Management, Youth Protection, Facilities Management Division of Occupational Health & Safety, Safety and Security, Workers Compensation, Occupational Medicine and other University departments to promote a functionally efficient and cohesive safety and compliance support infrastructure.
• Assist other EHS programs and University needs, as required (e.g., assisting with laser hazard analyses, noise monitoring, emergent response to air quality incidents, emergency support).

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: At least one year of relevant experience.
• Licensure: A valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Relevant work experience in a laboratory, the health sciences, industry or other technical field.
• Work experience at an institution of higher education.
• Experience with the safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Experience performing inspections, safety and physical hazard assessments.
• Experience conducting accident/incident investigations.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid or ability to obtain after hire.
• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite applications, utilizing spreadsheets and databases for data tracking and analysis, and experience with online research for the identification of technical resources.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong knowledge of environmental health and safety practices, including applicable regulations such as Virginia Department of Occupational Safety and Health standards, as well as the safe use of equipment, hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment, supported by excellent organizational skills for accurate program maintenance and recordkeeping. They are an effective communicator with experience delivering training to diverse audiences and can analyze data to present clear, actionable insights to stakeholders. Highly reliable and detail-oriented, this individual manages multiple priorities, works both independently and collaboratively, and is committed to ongoing professional development.

Physical Demands

This position involves active and sedentary tasks. Active tasks during fieldwork include frequent standing, bending, crouching, reaching, occasional ladder climbing, moderate lifting, carrying and

manipulating survey equipment and walking for extended periods as a part of inspections and consultations. PPE is required dependent upon task and environment.

Anticipated Hiring Range:$19.11 - $26.44 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
• Working environment: A variety of environments, to include offices, research laboratories, makerspaces, patient care, animal research, outdoor facilities, and other areas where hazardous materials, loud noise, non-ionizing energy fields and potentially harmful equipment exist.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. Employees will be required to comply with the Health System’s immunization policy – OCH-002: Occupational Health Screening and Maintenance.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0082591. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter - should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, fak3ph@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.