Occupational Health Program Specialist

Occupational Health Program Specialist
Civil Service
8424WS - CO Pro 4-Wrk Hlth & Sfty -
Health, Safety, and Risk Management

About the Job
This position is charged with activities and operations related to the occupational health program within Health, Safety & Risk Management Biosafety and Occupational Health Department (HSRM-BOHD), which are required to ensure an effective system-wide occupational health program at the University of Minnesota. HSRM-BOHD has a system-wide responsibility for protecting the health of all employees, students, volunteers, and visitors who participate in activities related to the University's mission of teaching, research, and service. The incumbent, under supervision of the Occupational Health Program Manager, will review, update, and develop post-exposure processes and educational resources which are evidence-based and consistent with federal regulations and guidelines, institutional policies, and best practices. The incumbent must be an organized self-starter who can identify gaps and inconsistencies and develop solutions to complex technical or operational problems as they arise. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to serve as a member of cross functional work groups and committees are imperative for success in this position.

Job Duties
50% Serve as the primary point of contact for University occupational health programs that include exposures to University animals, including, but not limited to, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Research Animal Resources (RAR), and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Review IACUC protocol occupational health information. Stay abreast of best occupational health practices with respect to animal risks and hazards and review their applicability to University programs. Actively collaborate with University partners seeking to understand changing occupational health needs in their programs and identify areas for improvement or standardization.

30% Maintain occupational health and safety processes, post-exposure plans, and educational resources. Collaborate with University partners, the contracted occupational health provider, and local health departments for the administration of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control, Biosafety Level 3, and Federal Select Agent Programs. Provide support to HSRM safety specialists for incident response and investigations.

20% Provide support for database management of occupational health information technology systems. Customize and configure the system to manage HSRM and stakeholders' business processes. Identify areas where surveillance and reporting features can serve as tools to improve compliance with training and medical requirements.

Working Conditions
Primary job site is the office with some flexibility to work remotely. May include occasional visits to laboratories, vivarium, and/or research areas. Routine exposures to hazardous materials or harsh physical conditions are not expected. Limited out of town travel may be necessary to University system facilities or educational meetings.

Required Qualifications
* BA/BS plus at least five years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least nine years.
* Experience interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and/or institutional policies, procedures, and standards.
* Experience developing and managing programs
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Knowledge of One Health approach of recognizing optimal health outcomes at the intersection of people, animals, plants, and the environment they share
* Knowledge of AAALAC International, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and/or American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
* Knowledge of NIH and CDC policies and guidelines as they pertain to biological safety, biocontainment, and biosecurity.
* Knowledge of OSHA, Select Agent, and Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol program regulations
* Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey information to cross-sections of the campus population in group settings while considering multiple perspectives and competing interests.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills with a record of negotiating and resolving work related problems within multidisciplinary teams
* Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Preferred Qualifications
* Master of Public Health with Veterinary Public Health specialty degree
* Advanced degree in occupational health and safety, public health, veterinary medicine, animal science, or other life sciences.
* Experience with managing projects related to improvements to occupational health and safety functions within a higher education institution
* Experience with computerized data management, handling health care information and/or employee records
* Experience with developing post-exposure processes, training, or educational materials
* Experience working with animals in research, clinical veterinary, and/or wildlife settings

Pay Range: $38.46-$40.87 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).