The University of Virginia’s Facilities Management department is looking for a skilled Environmental Compliance Specialist to play a key role in ensuring the safe and environmentally responsible operation of our heating plant. As part of the broader Energy & Utilities organization, you will support environmental compliance and safety programs, assisting with critical systems like our Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, and promoting eco-friendly initiatives across the facility. Your ability to guide compliance efforts and implement sustainable strategies will help us maintain high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.
The Environmental Compliance Specialist must possess positive communication and interpersonal skills, with adaptability to interact with employees and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
The incumbent must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment, with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in environmental regulations, safety management, and/or risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities-
Environmental Compliance:
Monitor and support adherence to local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Analyze environmental data, conduct audits, and prepare reports for regulatory agencies.
Develop and implement strategies to reduce emissions, waste, and environmental impact.
Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Maintain compliance documentation, including the SPCC plan, SDS manuals, and Title V operating permits.
Safety Management:
Create and enforce safety policies to protect staff and contractors.
Lead safety training on hazardous materials handling, emergency procedures, and equipment safety.
Investigate accidents and incidents, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation:
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards to personnel, property, and the environment.
Collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement safety improvements and reduce risks.
Stay current on environmental health and safety regulations and best practices.
Emergency Preparedness:
Develop and maintain emergency response plans for incidents such as chemical spills, fires, and natural disasters.
Coordinate drills and exercises to test and improve emergency readiness.
Act as the point of contact with local emergency response agencies during incidents.
More about the organization:
Facilities Management supports the University of Virginia's wide range of academic, research, and patient care programs. With nearly 1,200 employees, Facilities Management incorporates the values of respect, integrity, stewardship, and collaboration into its service operations and internal programs. The organization is dedicated to service excellence and is responsible the day-to-day operation, repair, and maintenance of UVA's buildings, infrastructure, and grounds as well as other University-owned and leased properties.
Built on a district energy model managed by Energy and Utilities within Facilities Management (FM), UVA has one main heat plant, three combined heating/cooling plants, nine chiller plants, hundreds of miles of piping distribution, and an internal medium voltage electrical distribution grid anchored by three 35kV to 13kV substations. E&U serves over 18 million gross square feet of learning, research, residential, and support space across a geographically dispersed 1175 acres.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in related field
Experience: At least one year of experience in environmental science related fields. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
5 or more years of experience in compliance, safety and record keeping.
Demonstrated ability to uphold regulatory compliance and safety standards in an industrial environment
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
Anticipated Compensation: $30 - $36 per hour. Candidates who meet or exceed preferred qualifications may be eligible for additional compensation, commensurate with experience and skills.
This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:
22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
Parental and Community Service Leave
Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
Tuition and professional development benefits
Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.
For the position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks.
Application Process:
Please apply online and search for R0067014. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Complete an application online with the following documents:
Resume/Work History
Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, js9rk@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.