Description
University of Hawai‘i, Kapi‘olani Community College, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, is seeking applications for an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist position. Please see the information about the position, the duties and responsibilities, the minimum and desirable qualifications, and the job application attachments below:
Position Title: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Position No.: 0097541 Hiring Unit: Office for Administrative Services
Location: Kapi‘olani Community College
Date Posted: April 1, 2026
Closing Date: April 19,2026, 11:59 PM HST
Band: BSalary: Salary schedules and placement information
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Conditions: General funded position, to begin approximately June 2026, pending position clearance, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and program needs.
Introduction: The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist is responsible for directing, planning, and coordinating all environmental and occupational health and safety programs for the campus. This role requires technical expertise to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including those from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and HIOSH (Hawaii Office of Occupational Safety and Health). The specialist serves as the primary on-site expert and liaison for all safety-related matters, working to identify, evaluate, and control hazards and risks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
(** Denotes Essential Functions)
**Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive campus-specific EHS program, including a Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazardous Materials Management Program, and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.
**Conduct regular inspections of all campus facilities, including laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and grounds, to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
**Establish and maintain a system for tracking and managing hazardous materials, including proper storage, use, and disposal of chemicals and other regulated substances.
**Develop and update emergency response plans for various scenarios, such as chemical spills, fires, and natural disasters.
**Create and deliver mandatory EHS training programs for faculty, staff, and students, with a focus on areas like lab safety, hazardous waste handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and fire extinguisher use.
**Provide specialized training for high-risk programs, such as welding, automotive repair, and nursing, ensuring students and instructors are proficient in program-specific safety protocols.
**Provide First Aid/CPR/AED Certification for campus employees
Maintain accurate records of all training sessions and participant certifications.
**Serve as the campus' first responder for on-campus environmental and safety emergencies.
**Investigate all accidents, injuries, and near-misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
**Prepare and submit all required incident reports to the appropriate campus leadership and regulatory agencies.
Ensure the campus is in continuous compliance with all relevant regulations from federal and state agencies, including OSHA, HIOSH, and the Hawai'i Department of Health.
**Act as the primary point of contact and liaison for regulatory inspections and audits.
Maintain a current knowledge of evolving laws, regulations, and best practices in environmental health and safety.
**Oversee Campus Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Hydrants, Fire Extinguishers, AEDs, & First Aid Kits.
Provide expert advice and consultation to campus administration, department heads, and faculty on EHS matters, including facility design for new construction or renovations.
Work collaboratively with the central UH System EHS office and other community college EHS specialists to share information and resources.
Promote a strong culture of safety awareness and personal responsibility across the campus community.
May work outside of normally scheduled work hours, including day, night, weekend, and/or holiday hours as needed
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Public Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Chemistry, Biology, biological sciences, or a related field, andthree (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental health and safety, with a focus on implementing and managing EHS programs in a high-risk environment; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated. This experience should include, but is not limited to, developing safety plans, conducting training, and performing hazard assessments.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the areas of environmental health, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, incident command system, public safety, and safety training as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standards and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and theories and systems associated with standards related to environmental health and safety, including those from OSHA, HIOSH, and the Hawai?i Department of Health.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply use of software related to project management, including but not limited to Cloud-based inspection management systems, learning management systems, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit, Word, Excel, Project, Trimble, and Zoom (or any other video conference software).
Demonstrated ability to independently manage a comprehensive EHS program, including developing policies, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance.
Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively train personnel, prepare reports, and communicate with campus leadership and regulatory agencies.
Demonstrated ability to resolve complex problems and make sound decisions under pressure
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Demonstrated ability to wear required PPE such as hard hats, respirators, safety glasses, etc.
Demonstrated ability to conduct inspections in various indoor and outdoor environments in areas with noise, fumes, dust and odors which may require climbing ladders and crawling through tight spaces.
Demonstrated ability to respond via email, telephone and/or in person to after hour emergency situations.
Desirable Qualifications
A master's degree in environmental health and safety, occupational safety, engineering, or a related field.
Experience working in an educational institution or research-heavy environment.
Experience with laboratory safety, biohazardous materials management, and chemical hygiene planning.
Experience with fire and life safety codes and inspections.
Experience working with vocational programs that involve trades, such as welding, automotive, or construction.
Certification or ability to obtain certification within 60 days of employment:
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification: A crucial certification demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of OSHA regulations.
HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) 40-Hour Certification: This is non-negotiable for campuses with programs that handle hazardous materials, as it is a specific OSHA requirement for those involved in emergency response.
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification: A fundamental requirement for any safety professional who must train employees to respond to on-campus emergencies.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP): A highly respected certification that demonstrates advanced professional knowledge and competence
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH): Relevant for a role that must manage exposure to chemical and physical hazards.
Knowledge of the University of Hawaii's system policies and procedures related to facilities management and risk assessment.
Familiarity with the unique environmental and administrative challenges of working in a distributed community college system in Hawai?i.
Evidence of commitment to Kapi‘olani Community College’s vision of positioning itself as a model indigenous serving institution whose graduates strengthen the social, economic, and sustainable advancement of Hawai‘i and the world.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED (Read the "To Apply" section carefully)
To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. In addition to the Application, applicants must attach the following:
Cover letter;
Resume;
The names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three professional references; and
Official graduate and undergraduate transcript(s) showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (copies of official transcripts are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.) Transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. The expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant.
Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
NOTE:
The application will be incomplete if materials are unreadable, illegible, password protected, missing, or corrupted; therefore, late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All requested documents/information become the property of Kapi‘olani Community College and will not be returned.
Please do not include any self-identifying photos and redact any references to confidential information on submitted documents (social security number, date of birth, etc.).
Applications lacking copies of transcripts will be reviewed based on work experience equivalency to meet minimum qualifications (MQs). All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date.
If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, you will need to create an account.
Inquiries: Kapi'olani Community College HR Department, kapcchr@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
