Safety Specialist I

University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas

USD 55k-55k / month

Posted on Jun 24, 2026
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Posting Number S07103P
Position Title Safety Specialist I
Functional Title Safety Specialist I, Research Operations
Department Institution Risk and Safety Programs
Salary Range $55,000
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 06/23/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date 07/20/2026
Job Summary
The Safety Specialist I provides technical, logistical, and safety support across the University of Texas at Dallas campus to facilitate research, campus, and environmental safety operations in support of faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and students.

This role ensures continuity of safety operations by reinforcing appropriate safety practices in alignment with regulatory requirements and university policies and procedures, while monitoring and supporting corrective actions as needed. The position applies specialized knowledge and skills related to the function and maintenance of engineering controls, including fume hoods, toxic gas monitoring systems, chemical inventory and segregation processes (including compressed gases), cryogenic materials management, and emergency shower and eyewash systems. Responsibilities also include conducting or coordinating routine equipment testing and certification.

Additional responsibilities include delivering safety awareness training for faculty, staff, and students on safe work practices in potentially hazardous environments related to the role (e.g., cryogenic materials). The role also supports the development of training programs and outreach materials to promote safe work practices and environmental responsibility when handling hazardous materials. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment, are essential.

The Safety Specialist I is expected to build and maintain strong, collaborative, and professional relationships with faculty, staff, students, and university support personnel, while actively contributing to and promoting a culture of safety across campus.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in a related field and one (1) year of related experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Education and Experience
Preferred Qualifications

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or a related field.
Experience:
  • Three (3) or more years of experience in technical or mechanical equipment management, logistics, delivery, inventory control, and/or safety support roles.
  • Experience working in a university or academic setting (3+ years preferred).
  • Practical experience with applied chemistry processes.
Certifications:
  • IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping and/or DOT certification.
  • 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Working knowledge of chemistry, chemical handling procedures, safety equipment, and engineering controls, including fume hoods, emergency eyewash/safety showers, and toxic gas monitoring systems.
  • Familiarity with dangerous goods shipping processes and principles.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing the shipping and receiving of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to complete projects with general direction and oversight, and to work independently to accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining effective working relationships across departments.
  • Strong customer service orientation, with a willingness to assist students, staff, and faculty.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.
  • Proficiency in basic computer applications, recordkeeping practices, and office software; ability to use web-based systems for inventory management and shipping support.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain job-related safety and technical certifications as required by job duties and applicable regulations.
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Identifies safety hazards, assesses risks, mitigates unsafe conditions, prepares for emergencies, and promotes continuous improvement in daily safety performance within the university environment.
  • Receives, processes, inventories, and transports research-related equipment and materials (e.g., compressed gas cylinders) to laboratories; returns used materials to the receiving dock; may provide guidance to others on the safe use and handling of equipment and materials in accordance with CGA/ANSI standards.
  • Dispenses and manages cryogenic materials, including liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
  • Supports the safe operation, periodic testing, certification, and proactive monitoring of safety equipment, including fume hoods, emergency showers/eyewash stations, and toxic gas monitoring systems.
  • Assists with preparing outgoing shipments and receiving incoming shipments; provides shipping and delivery support for research and academic safety programs in compliance with DOT and IATA regulations.
  • Supports environmental and fire safety programs, as well as safety specialists, by coordinating research and academic safety activities and managing logistics for hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
  • Provides logistical support and maintains shared inventory systems for research and academic operations.
  • Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies; integrates safety practices into laboratory operations relevant to assigned responsibilities (e.g., cryogenic materials handling).
  • Organizes and maintains shared equipment storage areas; completes required reports; establishes and maintains recordkeeping systems to ensure proper management and retention of shipping/receiving documentation and regulatory records (OSHA, EPA, DOT, TCEQ).
  • Assists in the development and delivery of training programs and outreach materials to promote safe work practices and environmental responsibility when handling hazardous materials.
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of applicable regulations, standards, guidelines, and industry trends related to research, campus, and environmental safety.
  • Operates powered industrial equipment (e.g., forklifts) or uses hand trucks to move, transport, or position shipments between receiving, storage, and operational areas.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Must be able to assist with workplace emergency preparation/drills and response actions.
  • Must be able to be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment.
  • Required – Extensive walking, sustained standing, occasional climbing (ladders/stairs), occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Work Notice
  • Must have State of Texas Driver’s License and acceptable driving record and be able to drive a state vehicle.
  • Work will be performed on-site and in person.
What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Tuition Benefits
  • BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Plan Options
  • Long and short-term disability
  • TRS Retirement Plan
  • Fertility Benefits
  • Paid time off
All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
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