Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Environmental, Health, and Safety

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist supports the University's commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible campuses; is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive EHS programs that ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations; partners with faculty, staff, and administration to manage risk, promote a strong culture of safety, and protect University personnel, property, and the environment.

• Develop, implement, and maintain EHS policies, procedures, and programs in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Interpret federal, state, and local regulations and provide guidance to ensure University-wide compliance
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on University operations; recommend and implement necessary updates
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, including notifications to environmental agencies and internal stakeholders
• Serve as a primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, and inquiries
• Develop manuals, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and training programs to educate the University community on EHS requirements
• Identify training needs through audits, incident trends, and program assessments; deliver instructor-led and train-the-trainer programs for EHS staff, faculty, safety officers, and campus personnel
• Conduct routine inspections and program audits across campus facilities, laboratories, and operations
• Evaluate program effectiveness using performance metrics; identify gaps and implement corrective actions
• Lead or support investigations into incidents, near-misses, and regulatory non-compliance; recommend preventive measures
• Serve as a member of the University's emergency response team for incidents involving fire, hazardous materials, chemical spills, gas leaks, indoor air quality concerns, and natural disasters
• Coordinate response efforts, provide technical guidance, and ensure proper reporting and follow-up
• Support environmental compliance programs including hazardous waste management, chemical safety, and pollution prevention
• Assist with laboratory safety programs, including chemical hygiene, hazard communication, and safe storage practices
• Provide guidance on indoor air quality, ventilation, and exposure control measures
• Serve as an EHS liaison for assigned campuses, departments, or research areas
• Partner with faculty, staff, and administration to integrate EHS considerations into operations, projects, and planning
• Promote a proactive safety culture through outreach, committees, and awareness initiatives
• Support contractor safety and ensure third-party compliance with University standards
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, training, incidents, and compliance activities
• Generate reports and analyze data to support decision-making and continuous improvement
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $65,508.00
• MidPoint – $80,244.00
• Maximum – $94,980.00

• Attention To Detail
• Lobbying
• Organizational training
• Policy analysis
• Policy implementation
• Process design
• Risk analysis
• Stakeholder engagement