Hybrid Safety Specialist chez University of Maine

The University of Maine System (UMS) is seeking a Safety Specialist I to join our Risk and Safety Management (RSM) team. This position plays a key role in supporting occupational and life safety across all UMS campuses. The Safety Specialist will conduct audits, deliver training, and provide consultation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university safety standards. Working under general supervision, the Safety Specialist is expected to be self-motivated, collaborative, and committed to fostering a culture of safety across the university community. 

The Risk and Safety Management supports all UMS campuses by providing guidance, resources, and management tools that align with the goals of the UMS Board of Trustees. Our mission is to protect people, property, and the environment while enabling the university system to excel in teaching, research, and public service. RSM is implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) to strengthen and continuously improve its risk and safety performance. Built on the core principles of Leadership and Policy, Risk Management, Compliance Assurance, and Education and Outreach, this framework provides a systematic approach to managing safety across the enterprise. We are committed to being leaders in risk and safety management, fostering a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. By empowering our campus community to ‘think safety’ and recognize risks, RSM helps create a safer, more resilient University of Maine System.

This position is located on the University of Maine's Orono campus. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to work occasional evenings or overnights as necessary to meet our clients' needs. 

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Risk and Safety Management staff, campus personnel, and cross-functional teams to develop and maintain safety programs.
• Conduct safety audits and client observations to assess compliance with OSHA, BLS, and other regulatory requirements.
• Design, deliver, and document occupational and life safety training (both in-person and virtual).
• Provide technical guidance on safe handling, detection, labeling, and mitigation of hazardous materials.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective measures.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for safety improvements. 
• Respond to emergencies, incidents, and other safety-related concerns. 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using the Plan-Do-Check-Act model.

Please review the full Safety Specialist job description for more information

Salary: The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with the candidate's training, education, and experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

• Ability to work independently, as a team member, and with community members such as employees, students, and volunteers/
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with internal and external customers. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to act in an advisory capacity or technical liaison.
• Excellent team facilitation and time management skills.
• Strong computer skills with a variety of personal computer and software programs, including Google, Microsoft, and Adobe Suites.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work odd shifts to accommodate clients' needs.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the calendar year to support clients throughout the state.

Qualifications

Required:

• a Bachelor's degree in occupational or life safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, emergency management, occupational health, life or physical sciences, physics, biology, or chemistry, or one of the following is required:
  • Five years of experience directly related to occupational or life safety in the military.
  • Five years of progressively more technical occupational and life safety experience AND a certification by an appropriate body such as OSHA Technical Institute, National Fire Protection Associates, National Safety Council, Board of Certifying Safety Professionals, or the American Society of Safety Professionals.
• Five years of occupational or life safety experience/

Preferred:

• Experience in occupational and life safety that is typically found in a research university environment, encompassing service, education, support, technical, maintenance, and construction.

How to Apply:

Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: 

1. A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. 
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted no later than September 9, 2025.
• Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity, or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207-581-1226.  TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

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