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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $72,300.00
• MidPoint – $90,312.00
• Maximum – $108,444.00

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