Safety Officer

Job Summary

The College of Science (CoS) is seeking a Safety Officer to lead and manage comprehensive safety programs across teaching, research, and laboratory environments within the College of Science. Working independently under general supervision, this position oversees chemical, biological, equipment, fire, and laboratory safety programs while supporting emergency response, compliance, and risk mitigation. The CoS Safety Officer serves as a key technical advisor to college and university leadership, collaborates closely with Environmental Health & Safety, University Police, and compliance committees, and promotes a strong culture of safety through training, inspections, and program oversight.

• Oversee and implement College of Science safety programs, including chemical, biological, laboratory, equipment, and fire safety.
• Manage chemical receiving, inventory, storage, labeling, and hazardous waste processes.
• Conduct safety inspections of teaching and research laboratories and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts, including serving as Building Emergency Coordinator and leading spill response and emergency teams.
• Develop and coordinate safety training programs and assist departments with standard operating procedures.
• Serve as liaison with campus safety partners and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
• Supervise College of Science safety staff and central shop personnel.
• Coordinate facilities-related safety issues in collaboration with Facilities Development and Operations.

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.
• Thorough knowledge of best practices in responding to hazardous materials emergency situations, incidents or accidents.
• Thorough knowledge of the appropriate procedures and protocols for handling hazardous waste.
• Extensive knowledge of chemical inventorying, labeling, storage, and waste disposal processes.
• Knowledge of chemical hazard assessment, proper chemical storage environments and segregation strategies is essential, particularly in the laboratory environment.
• Knowledge and expertise with the activities and functions of science instructional and research laboratories.
• Working knowledge of computer as a tool, including ability to utilize database, spreadsheet, work‑processing, project planning, and presentation software.
• Ability to wear a respirator and pass annual physical examination.
• Ability to appropriately handle communications with managers and co‑workers.
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic unit. Good interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of industrial hygiene and occupational safety regulations and practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow and promote the University’s Mission Statement, Quality Policy and Core Values.
• Ability to communicate and conduct self in a professional manner.
• Knowledge of “Sterile Technique” is desirable but not essential.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to maintain and improve inventory reports, experimental protocols and documentation mandated by regulatory requirements.
• Working knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database management.
• Organize and plan work and projects within the scheduling demands and requirements of major College departments, while providing consistent waste management support for all College departments.
• Strong oral communication skills needed to effectively interact with others in the unit, faculty submitting schedules and protocols for laboratory needs, and employees in other units who obtain material and service.
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to use considerable judgment and discretion in performing duties required to successfully complete work assignments.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience. Additional experience demonstrating acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced…