EH&S Specialist
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
UC San Diego Health is seeking an experienced Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) professional to lead regulated waste compliance and waste stream management across all UC San Diego Health locations. The EH&S 4 will focus on reducing compliance risk through routine audits, inspections, training, and process improvements that support proper waste segregation, handling, and disposal. This role serves as the technical program specialist for regulated waste programs, including oversight of vendor compliance, waste contract performance, and systemwide waste stream management in coordination with Environmental Services (EVS) and clinical operations. The EH&S 4 will also support environmental compliance for on-site treatment systems, including autoclave operations, ensuring safe and compliant handling of medical waste. This is a hands-on, operational role requiring strong field presence, collaboration with frontline staff, and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical workflows. The EH&S 4 will develop and maintain SOPs, conduct audits and inspections, analyze performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement in waste compliance programs. Key Responsibilities: Waste Compliance & Audit Program (25%):Lead routine waste audits, track findings, and implement corrective actions to improve compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Identify trends and drive reduction in audit findings through targeted interventions. Coordinate closely with site-based EHS supervisor and location EH&S to ensure alignment and consistent execution across locations. Vendor & Contract Compliance (10%):Serve as EH&S Specialist for waste vendor compliance. Monitor contract performance, ensure regulatory adherence, review manifests and documentation, and coordinate issue resolution with vendors and internal stakeholders. Partner with operational leads and supervisors to address issues, resolve gaps, and support consistent vendor practices across sites. Waste Stream Management (20%):Oversee systemwide waste segregation and disposal practices. Partner with EVS, clinical departments, and support services to ensure proper handling of regulated medical waste, hazardous waste, pharmaceutical waste, and solid waste streams. Environmental Compliance – Treatment Systems (10%):Support environmental compliance for on-site waste treatment systems including safe operation, regulatory requirements, and coordination with internal teams and external agencies. Training & Program Implementation (10%):Deliver targeted, practical training on waste handling, segregation, and compliance requirements. Support rollout of process changes and ensure staff competency across departments. Support supervisors and frontline teams with tools and guidance to reinforce program expectations. Inspections, Rounding & Hazard Resolution (15%):Conduct site inspections and rounding activities. Identify gaps, document findings, and work with departments to implement corrective actions. Metrics, Reporting & Process Improvement (10%):Track and analyze waste compliance metrics, audit results, and program performance. Develop reports and dashboards to support leadership visibility and continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five (5+) years of EH&S experience with a focus on environmental compliance, regulated waste, or healthcare operations. Strong working knowledge of federal and state regulations related to medical waste, hazardous waste, and environmental compliance (e.g., Cal/OSHA, DTSC, EPA, DEH). Experience conducting audits, inspections, and compliance assessments. Experience managing or supporting vendor contracts and compliance oversight. Demonstrated ability to analyze data, track metrics, and drive process improvements. Experience developing and delivering training in operational environments. Strong communication skills and ability to work with frontline staff and leadership.