NRRI Coleraine Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

**** Please note this position is NOT eligible for sponsorship ****

The salary range for this position starts at $55,000.00/yr and depends on qualifications

The primary purpose of the Coleraine Environmental Health and Safety Specialist role is to oversee and
enforce Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) protocols at the NRRI Coleraine campus, ensuring
compliance with regulations and minimizing environmental impact. This entails serving as the local EHS point
of contact and assisting the NRRI Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Training (QEHST) team in
developing and implementing safety plans and procedures to support our research projects. The position is
based in Coleraine, MN, with occasional travel to Duluth, MN.
 

Job Duties:

1. Assist to develop and implement safety and quality plans and procedures to support research projects
(80%):

• Work as part of the NRRI Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety & Training (QEHST) team to
  develop and implement new safety and quality policies and procedures tailored to the Coleraine
  site's unique needs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) inquiries at the
  Coleraine campus, providing guidance and support to staff regarding safety protocols and
  procedures.
• Develop safety control plans for each research project, ensure employees have the proper
  safety equipment and train employees on the control plan.
• Conduct regular safety and quality inspections and audits at project kick-offs, during projects,
  and upon project completion, ensuring adherence to safety standards and best practices.
• Assist in maintaining the Coleraine Compliance Calendar and ensuring timely completion of
  required safety inspections and tasks.
• Support the implementation of the Industrial Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and
  associated environmental permit to ensure compliance with regulations mandated by MPCA, DOT,
  and OSHA. Conduct monthly inspections as mandated by MPCA to monitor and maintain
  compliance.
• Assist in preparing and delivering safety training sessions at all-staff safety meetings,
  educating employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and hazard identification and
  mitigation.
• Assist in writing, reviewing, and updating safety procedures and documentation, ensuring
  accuracy, clarity, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

2. Ensure safe and compliant management of hazardous waste at the Coleraine site to mitigate environmental
impact and adhere to regulatory requirements (20%).

• Utilize Chematix program to accurately track and manage hazardous waste inventory,
  ensuring all relevant information is documented and up to date.
•  Implement and enforce proper labeling procedures for hazardous waste containers to
  facilitate safe handling and disposal.
• Oversee appropriate storage practices for hazardous materials, including segregation to
  prevent incompatible substances from interacting.
• Coordinate transportation of hazardous waste, including arranging for proper packaging and
  shipping in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain accurate chemical inventories, manifests and records for all chemicals and
  hazardous waste shipments, ensuring completeness and compliance with regulatory reporting
  requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections of hazardous waste storage areas to identify and address any
  potential safety or compliance issues promptly.
• Serve as a member of emergency response teams.
• Serve as a member of the NRRI Coleraine and Duluth Safety Committees, actively participating in safety
  meetings, discussions, and initiatives aimed at enhancing safety culture and practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
• Writing and communication skills
• Computer Skills 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following: environmental science, safety, engineering, chemistry
• Accreditations or certifications from recognized safety organizations

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering
research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is
guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources
in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and
resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship. With
industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address
Minnesota’s soil, forest, water, and mineral resources:

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management
• Minerals and Metallurgy
• Materials and Bioeconomy
• Data Collection and Delivery
• Commercialization Services

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

You are required to attach a Cover letter and Resume. Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please visit UMN Careers page and search for position Job ID 361004.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).