Worker Safety & Health Professional - Industrial Hygiene

Responsibilities

Develops and implements programs, policies and procedures for hazard evaluation and monitoring to prevent or minimize staff exposures to chemical, physical, ergonomic and biological exposures that may result in occupationally-related illnesses and disease. Illustrative program areas include but are not limited to electrical, industrial hygiene, pressure, ventilation, human factors, chemical and biological safety, construction and commercial motor vehicle safety. The professional monitors potential hazards and assists in developing and implementing control strategies. Periodically reviews the organizations health and safety standards in accordance with OSHA and state regulations and contractual requirements. Ensures that quality control procedures are implemented according to applicable regulations. Maintains professional knowledge of existing and proposed changes in applicable health and safety regulations. Provides expert knowledge of diverse chemical, physical, ergonomic and biological hazards. Makes recommendations and presentations based on accepted industrial hygiene scientific methodology. Develops and conducts employee training, hazardous materials communications and quality assurance programs. Provides industrial hygiene leadership to the organization. Responsible for evaluating and approving material and equipment requisition, new and modified processes and non-routine work. Provides leadership to less experienced professionals through work assignments and mentoring and acts as a Team Lead or technical expert on projects.

Responsibilities:

The primary duties of the incumbent will be to:

• Serve as the worker safety, health, and industrial hygiene professional supporting research activities and programs while addressing occupational safety and health concerns.
• Execute the core elements of industrial hygiene, anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control across laboratory operations to Identify, evaluate, and control chemical, biological, and physical hazards in laboratory and outdoor environments in accordance with DOE and PNNL requirements. Hazards may include physical stressors such as noise, thermal extremes, ionizing and nonionizing radiation including lasers, vibration, and ergonomic conditions; chemical stressors such as dusts, fumes, gases, and vapors; biological stressors such as mold, bacteria, and pathogens; ergonomic stressors such as repetitive motion, awkward postures, and heavy lifting; and psychosocial stressors such as excessive work demands and organizational strain.
• Perform field sampling, manage IH instruments, analyze data, and design protective mitigation strategies using the Hierarchy of Controls to support regulatory compliance and an incident-free work environment.
• Conduct inspections, exposure monitoring, surveys, assessments, and studies related to laboratory research; collect and analyze industrial hygiene data; interpret results; and recommend measures to reduce occupational health risks.
• Design, evaluate, and review engineering controls, including ventilation and substitution, as well as administrative controls, such as work scheduling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) programs.
• Develop work-practice improvements and exposure-mitigation strategies in collaboration with research teams, operations personnel, and staff to address unique hazards and implement effective safety solutions.
• Use and interpret real-time OEHS data platforms and prepare accurate, comprehensive technical reports and exposure documentation for Industrial Hygiene and Chemical Management systems.
• Respond to employee concerns, provide safety oversight, and deliver excellent customer service while supporting continuous improvement in safety and health performance.
• Investigate accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
• Participate in emergency response activities and drills.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Establish, manage, and enforce the organization's laser hazard control program to ensure compliance with ANSI Z136 standards, including exercising the authority to immediately halt unsafe laser operations.
• Assume responsibility for a broad range of occupational safety functions, including fall protection, confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health Sciences, or a related field and 5+ years of relevant Industrial Hygiene experience - OR -
• MS/MA in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health Sciences, or a related field and 3+ years of relevant Industrial Hygiene experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting industrial hygiene surveys and exposure assessments in laboratory or research environments.
• Experience in implementing both Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Safety programmatic areas from 10 CFR 851.
• Experience and knowledge of facility infrastructure and corresponding safety concerns.
• Knowledge and background in chemical/material identification and evaluation along with experience in hazard analysis/exposure assessment activities.
• Knowledge and ability to use advanced information system capabilities for gathering data. Familiarity with computers, Window, MS Office, and the use of the Internet.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The incumbent must be able to qualify as a Radiological Worker and beryllium worker for entry into radiological and beryllium-controlled areas at PNNL. The incumbent may occasionally perform work with radioactive materials or be in the vicinity of radiation fields and may be involved with emergency response activities. The incumbent may also receive minimal exposure to workplace hazards, including toxic chemicals, noise, lasers, magnetic fields and microwaves. The incumbent will also work in laboratories, around maintenance and construction activities and may be exposed to various physical hazards such as moving machinery, cranes, ladders, scaffolds, etc.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.