Jobs at Howard County Public School System (Now Hiring) — 20 open

DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Coordinator of Environmental Services is responsible for the development, implementation, management of operating and capital budgets appropriated for environmental services requirements and comprehensive environmental programs for the school system. This role oversees requirements associated with indoor environmental quality, water quality, hazardous material management, and related contracted services; optimizes building system performance; ensures that all facilities, procedures, and policies align with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to environmental compliance requirements. Works collaboratively to coordinate environmental requirements related to facility management, maintenance, planning, design, and construction of school district buildings and grounds with departments and offices across the school system. The role supports system-wide operational effectiveness and the Strategic Plan by implementing environmental compliance, health, and safety measures, improving the indoor environmental quality, advancing environmental goals, and striving for safe and healthy environments that prioritize need and advance equitable outcomes for students and staff. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  

Experience: 

• Three years of related work experience in environmental management, safety compliance, or industrial hygiene, environmental compliance, occupational safety, indoor air quality/environmental quality management, or a related field.  

• Experience conducting inspections, investigations, audits, and regulatory compliance activities. 

• Experience coordinating with local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, legislation, and compliance programs. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, mechanical engineering, industrial hygiene or occupational safety & health, or a related field. 

Experience: 

• Experience developing and implementing district-wide environmental, health and safety programs, services, and initiatives. 

• Experience in a K-12, higher education, government, healthcare, or large institutional environment.  

• Experience coordinating environmental health and safety programs.  

• Experience responding to environmental incidents and emergency situations.  

• Experience interpreting and applying OSHA, EPA, Maryland COMAR, and other applicable local, state, and federal environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations, guidelines, legislation, and compliance programs.  

• Experience with indoor environmental quality (IEQ), indoor air quality (IAQ), hazardous materials management, and industrial hygiene monitoring. 

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) 

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) 

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) 

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) 

• EPA/AHERA Asbestos Building Inspector and/or Management Planner certification 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Provides the leadership and supervision for the Environmental Management Department.   

• Coordinates the development and management of the district’s Environmental Management Program which includes establishing and overseeing an environmental management team and the operating and capital budget allocated to achieve program outcomes that are related to HCPSS Strategic Plan priorities that are focused on sustaining safe and healthy environments for students, staff, and community.    

• Coordinating building walkthrough inspections, building system evaluations, investigation of reported indoor environment quality (IEQ) concerns, environmental team activities, meetings, including distribution of the environmental program requirements.  

• Develops, maintains, and stays current with regulatory and technical requirements related to environmental program requirements to include but not limited to, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), indoor air quality (IAQ), water quality, chemical spill control, hazardous material management, wastewater management, and occupational safety and health.   

• Planning, organizing, inspecting and conducting indoor environmental reviews of all HCPSS facilities in accordance with nationally accepted guidelines and scientific principles.  

• Defines program priorities, schedules and objectives and monitors progress of mitigation or remediation projects pertaining to indoor air quality.  

• Maintains compliance with Federal and State legislation and regulations including but not limited to: Maryland COMAR, Federal Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act. 

• Serves as the key HCPSS contact person concerning all environmental program requirements.  

• Develop policies, procedures and protocols to maintain compliance with indoor environmental guidelines.  

• Manages communication with the Board, staff, parents, and other stakeholders regarding all aspects of the HCPSS environmental program.   

• Prepares and presents verbal and written reports to managers and senior management as required. Assists others in the development of status reports, letters, technical memoranda, contact reports, technical analyses or other outputs needed.  

• Prepares and provides formal briefings to staff and customers and participates in technical discussions at project review sessions and in negotiations with the customer.  

• Provides statistical analysis in support of indoor environmental projects, reports, and technical assessments. 

• Responds promptly to real and perceived emergencies involving health and safety issues. Provide on-the-ground coordination during building systems and site emergencies that have the potential to result in an environmental, safety, or health concern.   

• Investigate incidents involving water infiltration, equipment failure causing leaks and flooding, fire, unsafe conditions, and non-compliance issues to identify the cause and associated hazard. Develop strategies to reduce and prevent future occurrences.  

• Conducts simple risk assessments and work site assessments for basic health and safety concerns.  

• Coordinates and conducts inspections, investigations and audits. Coordinates and conducts appropriate environmental and industrial hygiene monitoring. Recommend appropriate environmental control measures.  

• Collaborate with other departments to review compliance with all safety and environmental codes related to indoor environmental quality and recommend corrective measures.  

• Performs activities such as audits, preparation of HCPSS standards, and notifies management of quality problems.  

• Provides expertise and technical evaluation/documentation in relation to HCPSS safety and industrial hygiene programs.  

• Updates and maintains OSHA and EPA related compliance records and ensures that managers and administrators are kept abreast of this information. 

• Provide administrative and technical directions to HCPSS personnel regarding the resolution of technical problems, development/approval of in-house training, etc.  

• Develops, coordinates and conducts training related to indoor environmental quality. Interfaces with contractors and consultants as needed.  

• Participates in semi-annual/as needed HCPSS quality audits or assessments.  

• Evaluates environmental health and safety (i.e. indoor quality of the environment including ventilation, exhaust and lighting) according to current standards.  

• Conduct indoor environmental incident investigations and safety inspections and follow up activities to ensure corrective measures are completed in a timely manner.  

• Assists in the prevention of work-related illness and injury connected with indoor environmental quality and maximizes employee protection & safety.  

• Response to emergencies to coordinate the necessary environmental services. 

• Collaborates with Risk Management to organize, advise and provide environmental health and safety expertise to regularly scheduled safety committee meetings to identify and prioritize safety hazards and needs, to plan and coordinate corrective or enhancement efforts, and to increase overall environmental health and safety awareness.  

• Collaborates with Risk Management to conduct inspections of school facilities and grounds to identify existing or potential injury and/or health hazards; develops and recommends corrective action against known and identified hazards; assists with implementing corrective actions; maintains accurate inspection records including follow-up communications with departments to verify recommended corrective action has been taken.  

• Collaborates with Risk Management to maintain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health laws governing: Right to Know, Bloodborne Pathogens, Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, Electrical Equipment Lock Out/Tag Out, Hearing Conservation and Respiratory Protection.  

• Collaborates with Facilities’ Planning, Design and Construction, Maintenance, Operations, and school architects and engineers to develop proper construction standards to facilitate a safe work and instruction environment for new school construction, school additions, and renovations.  

• Serves as liaison, and coordinates with, all environmental and occupational health and safety related agencies for Howard County, Howard County Health Department, the State of Maryland, and Federal agencies.  

• Works with various school community organizations such as the PTA, PTO, Booster, or related groups to promote the school system’s overall environmental health and safety program as requested. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental, occupational health, and safety laws, regulations, standards, and compliance requirements, including OSHA/MOSH, EPA, COMAR, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and related regulations.  

• Knowledge of environmental health and safety principles and practices, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ), indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, wastewater management, ventilation systems, mold and moisture investigations, and environmental remediation.  

• Knowledge of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards, EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools guidance, and other nationally recognized environmental health and safety standards and resources.  

• Knowledge of occupational safety principles, incident investigation techniques, hazard recognition, risk assessment methodologies, and corrective action planning.  

• Knowledge of environmental health and safety auditing, inspection, investigation, monitoring, and compliance practices.  

• Knowledge of emergency response procedures related to environmental health and safety incidents.  

• Knowledge of school facility operations, maintenance practices, construction, renovation, and environmental control systems within a K-12 environment.  

• Knowledge of project management, contract management, program coordination, and continuous improvement principles.  

• Knowledge of data collection, statistical analysis, technical report writing, records management, and documentation practices.  

• Knowledge of effective training methods, public presentations, and stakeholder communication techniques.  

• Knowledge of business technology applications including Microsoft Office Suite, database applications, environmental reporting systems, and web-based research tools.  

Skills:  

• Skill in coordinating and managing environmental health and safety programs and initiatives.  

• Skill in conducting environmental inspections, investigations, audits, and industrial hygiene assessments.  

• Skill in identifying hazards, analyzing environmental and safety risks, and recommending corrective or preventive actions.  

• Skill in interpreting and applying environmental and occupational safety laws, regulations, standards, and technical guidance.  

• Skill in preparing clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, correspondence, presentations, and compliance documentation.  

• Skill in project coordination, organization, prioritization, and management of multiple assignments and deadlines.  

• Skill in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relations, and collaboration with staff, administrators, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.  

• Skill in utilizing database systems, business software applications, spreadsheets, and other technology tools to support program operations and reporting.  

Abilities:  

• Ability to implement, coordinate, and evaluate environmental health and safety programs and related compliance activities.  

• Ability to conduct inspections, incident investigations, environmental assessments, and follow-up activities to ensure timely corrective actions.  

• Ability to analyze technical information, interpret regulations and standards, and communicate findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.  

• Ability to respond effectively to environmental health and safety incidents and emergency situations.  

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, administrators, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.  

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.  

• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.  

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.  

• Demonstrated ability with database applications and web-based research.  

• Project management and contract management principles.    

• Demonstrated ability with business technology applications (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite) 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Working Environment 

• Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings. 

• May be required to go into confined spaces, climb up to high areas (roofs, plenum spaces, catwalks, attics, etc.), into mechanical rooms, cold/hot spaces, and damp/musty areas. 

• Same as above, use of lifts, and required to investigate, presence of hazardous materials, and manage the remediation of reported mold growth, and abatement of hazardous materials. 

• Work involves climbing ladders to access roof areas while carrying environmental testing/monitoring equipment. 

• Work requires use of protective equipment. such as goggles, gloves, masks, etc. 

Physical Requirements 

• Work involves special physical demands such as lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing ladders, etc. 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

Licensure  

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.  

Prior to any employment offer, the selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record. For positions requiring a CDL, a query of your record will also be run in the Federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. 

Working Hours 

• This position is classified as “essential” and requires the ability to be on call and respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Individuals in this position are issued an HCPSS mobile phone for these purposes. Accepting this position would require that you meet these requirements during your tenure with HCPSS. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
Supplemental Application Questions 

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application. 

1. Please describe your experience developing and implementing district-wide environmental, health and safety programs, services, and initiatives.  

2. Please describe your experience interpreting and applying OSHA, EPA, Maryland COMAR, and other applicable local, state, and federal environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations, guidelines, legislation, and compliance programs.   

3. Please describe your experience with indoor environmental quality (IEQ), indoor air quality (IAQ), hazardous materials management, and industrial hygiene monitoring. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION