Chemical Safety Officer - Lab Manager

  • Full-time

Job Description

Summary: The Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science invites applications for a unique position combining campus chemical/environmental safety regulation with biomaterials research management at Queens’ newly-formed incubator facility. This position supports Queens’ department of Chemistry and Environmental Science as well as Department of Public Safety. As Chemical Safety Officer, primary responsibilities include maintaining a chemical inventory for the campus using Environmental Management System (EMS) software, training campus staff and student lab assistants in EPA and OSHA best practices, conducting regular safety inspections and citing violations. In the role of Chemistry Lab Manager, this position supports undergraduate laboratory preparation and biomaterials research at Queens’ newly-formed incubator facility. This position is not exempt from provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible to earn overtime pay for hours worked above 40 in a single work week. 

Position will remain open until filled, with guaranteed consideration for applications received by Friday, June 22, 2018.Competitive salary and benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 
•    It is anticipated this position will spend the first 3-4 months updating the EMS software, receiving any necessary training, and establishing a training protocol for campus employees. Once procedures and protocols are developed by the candidate, more time will be dedicated to the role of Lab Manager
•    Directs, develops, oversees, and coordinates Queens’ chemical safety policies and procedures. Ensures the university is in compliance with EPA, OSHA and other federal, state, local, or industry specific regulations
•    Conducts periodic safety and compliance audits
•    Develops and implements programs that ensure a safe workplace including safety orientations, skill training, emergency preparedness, hazardous material disposal procedures, controlled substance procedures, and the use of protective equipment
•    Maintains a chemical inventory for the campus using Environmental Management System (EMS) software
•    Calibrate and operate instrumentation (i.e. HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, etc.) and procure research/teaching supplies and equipment as needed, being mindful of budget  
•    Attend annual EPA and OSHA training to maintain and build upon current knowledge base
•    Train campus staff, vendors and student lab assistants in EPA and OSHA best practices
•    Conduct regular and thorough chemical and hazardous material safety inspections and cite and follow-through on violations
•    Implement initiatives to reduce and prevent accidents, occupational illnesses, and exposure to long-term health hazards
•    Inspects workplaces, and minimizes or eliminates hazards, such as incorrect working methods and materials, and exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. 

Non-Essential Duties
•    Collaborate with, cross-train and provide support for members of various support teams.  
•    Special projects and other duties may be assigned to achieve department / University goals.
 

Qualifications

Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required
•    Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and demonstrated chemistry lab experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree in Chemistry is strongly preferred.
•    Proven experience demonstrating significant competence in chemical safety and lab management.
•    Experience maintaining a chemical inventory using Environmental Management System (EMS) software; familiarity with HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, et al
•    In-depth knowledge of and skill in training staff and student lab assistants in EPA and OSHA best practices
•    Experience conducting safety inspections and identifying and resolving violations.
•    Strong Microsoft Office software skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point); 
•    Some leadership experience and ability to influence and provide training and coaching to non-reporting team members
•    Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to quickly establish and maintain strong rapport with campus constituents
•    Solid problem-solving skills, critical thinking and the ability to analyze components and arrive at a logical course of action while knowing when to ask for assistance or direction
•    Demonstrated organization and follow-up and follow-through skills to ensure completion of goals and objectives in specified timeframe
•    Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands.
•    Proven ability to quickly learn and apply new technology, software, processes, and procedures.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    High level of energy and initiative, and willing and able to work with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a cooperative, high-functioning team
•    Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality of privileged information and perform duties that require tact, independent judgment, diplomacy, and discretion

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
•    Visual Abilities: Read reports, create presentations and use a computer system – 75‐100% of the time
•    Hearing: Hear well enough to communicate with co‐workers, vendors and students – 75‐100% of the time.
•    Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems – 75‐100% of the time.
•    Mobility: Kneel for physical inspection of storage areas; Open files and operate office machines; move between departments and attend meetings across campus – 75‐100% of the time.
•    Talking: Frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly – 75‐100% of the time.
•    Lifting, Pulling, Pushing: Exert up to 40 pounds for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects – 50‐75% of the time.
•    Cognitive/Emotional: Ability to critically think and concentrate. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in conditions – 75‐100% of the time.
Work Conditions
•    Work in classroom, laboratory and office environment, involving contact with students, faculty, staff, service providers and vendors.
•    Work has deadlines, multiple interruptions, high volume and may be stressful at times.
•    May be exposed to potentially toxic chemicals.

Additional Information

Queens is a private, co‐ed, Presbyterian‐affiliated University with 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. It operates the College of Arts and Sciences, the McColl School of Business, the Wayland H. Cato Jr. School of Education, the James L. Knight School of Communication, and the Andrew Blair College of Health, and the Presbyterian School of Nursing.

Queens offers medical, dental and vision insurance, domestic partner benefits, defined contribution retirement plan and supplemental retirement plan, vacation and paid holidays, tuition remission, Queens‐paid life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, Health Savings Account), sick leave and long‐term disability leave, paid Parental Leave and FMLA leave upon eligibility, reduced cost meals at Morrison Dining Hall, employee assistance program (EAP), free fitness center access.

Queens University of Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to supporting and celebrating all forms of diversity. Queens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex (including pregnancy, child birth and conditions related to pregnancy or child birth), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, national origin, disability, political beliefs, veteran status, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, employment and hiring policies, or other University-administered programs.

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