The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Safety Specialist to support campus environmental health and safety operations. This position assists in conducting safety, environmental, and health audits, inspections, and training activities while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and university regulations. The Safety Specialist supports emergency preparedness and emergency management operations, maintains safety records and reporting requirements, and assists with safety program administration across campus.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety or a related field.

Experience:

• Two to four years of safety-related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of occupational safety and health regulations and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of chemical handling, hazardous materials management, and environmental safety principles.
• Ability to conduct inspections, investigations, and safety assessments.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office and web-based software systems.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a campus environment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, environmental sciences, safety management, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, toxicology, or related field.

Experience:

• Additional experience in environmental health and safety programs within higher education, research, laboratory, or industrial environments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of chemical and industrial hygiene practices.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal compliance regulations.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques for compliance activities.
• Knowledge of radiation and laser safety.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• ASP, CSP, OHST, HAZWOPER, or similar safety-related certifications.

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee
• Work Arrangement: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: MR08
• Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 29, 2026.

Required application materials:

• Resume

About The Campus

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is an aerospace and engineering research center of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. UTSI supports world-class research, education, and workforce development initiatives through partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions. The Safety Department supports the campus mission by promoting a safe and compliant working and learning environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

• Conduct workplace inspections and evaluations to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses, and health-related complaints and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain inspection records, reports, and follow-up documentation.
• Assist with OSHA logs, TDEC annual reports, hazardous waste documentation, and safety compliance reporting.
• Develop and maintain safety and occupational health programs including hearing conservation, respiratory protection, LOTO, ergonomics, indoor air quality, and hazardous materials programs.
• Coordinate hazardous chemical “right-to-know” programs and safety committee participation.
• Design, develop, and deliver safety and emergency management training programs for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Conduct emergency drills and assist with emergency preparedness planning and disaster response communication.
• Maintain the UTSI Safety webpage and related safety resources.
• Provide CPR/AED/BFA training as assigned.
• Maintain relationships with local emergency management agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.