Environmental Health and Safety invites applications for a Occupational Safety and Health Technician to provide assistance to the Environmental Health Department with Federal, State and Local safety and environmental compliance requirements at the University of Montana. The Occupational Health and Safety Technician will work safely and accurately in the fields of environmental and occupational health, emergency planning, hazardous waste management, and lab safety.

• Assist in the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of university occupational health, safety, and environmental compliance programs, policies, and procedures
• Support the Occupational Health & Safety Officer in administering campus health and safety initiatives and regulatory compliance activities
• Assist with the management, handling, storage, and disposal of chemical, biological, radiological materials, and hazardous waste generated by the University and its affiliates
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and University health, safety, and environmental regulations, and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Collaborate with University departments, faculty, staff, students, and external agencies to promote a safe and compliant campus environment
• Conduct inspections, maintain records and documentation, and assist with incident response, investigations, and corrective action follow-up
• Exercise independent judgment within established guidelines to support health, safety, and environmental compliance across a variety of operational areas

• Ability to obtain EPA/OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training and/or DOT Hazardous Materials Employee Training within six (6) months of hire
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous waste management, including the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of chemical, biological, and radiological materials
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations, including EPA and OSHA standards
• Experience conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, incident investigations, industrial hygiene monitoring, and implementing corrective actions
• Ability to interpret and communicate safety regulations, maintain compliance documentation and records, and manage chemical inventories and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Ability to develop and deliver occupational health and safety training, conduct PPE assessments and respiratory fit testing, and promote safe work practices
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to travel to campus and affiliated locations as needed
• Willingness and ability to assist with emergency response activities and provide support to the University emergency response team when required

Mobility and Physical Demands

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, and maneuver materials weighing up to 60 pounds and safely move 55-gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds using appropriate equipment, which requires mobility and physical demands
• Ability to perform physical inspections requiring prolonged walking, climbing stairs and ladders, and accessing rooftops and other elevated work areas
• Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including successfully completing a respirator medical evaluation and fit testing for an air-purifying respirator
• Ability to work safely in potentially hazardous environments involving chemical, biological, radiological, and other environmental hazards

• Bachelor's degree in environmental health, emergency management, industrial hygiene, chemistry or physical sciences
• Degree in an applicable scientific discipline with a minimum of 30 hours in chemistry or degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 10 hours in chemistry and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in hazardous waste handling operations; or equivalent work-related experience in lab safety/chemical hazardous waste handling
• 40-hr Hazmat or DOT Hazmat, OSHA 10 or 30, CPR/AED and first aid certifications

Compensation Title: Occupational Safety and Health Technician

Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

• Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

• Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience

• Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.