Assistant Safety Officer

University of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

The position of Assistant Chemical Hygiene Officer (ACHO) is needed to mitigate risk, ensure compliance with OSHA’s Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), and support growing laboratory operations. This position acts as a necessary safeguard to maintain a safe working environment and protect the institution from liability. OSHA requires a qualified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) to develop and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). An ACHO ensures these extensive duties are not bottlenecked by a single person and provides the necessary boots-on-the-ground to ensure no lab goes unmonitored.

Having dedicated safety oversight significantly reduces institutional liability and the risk of costly regulatory fines. In the event of a chemical spill or exposure, having an additional trained professional ensures rapid containment and minimizes exposure. As the institution continuously modifies scope of existing laboratory spaces (500+) or adds new laboratories this will result in an increased use of hazardous substances (currently track 35,000+ substances) as well as an increased generation of hazardous waste which a single CHO can no longer safely cover all shifts and spaces. An ACHO ensures that critical safety operations continue without interruption during the primary CHO’s vacations, conferences, or leaves of absence.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree plus 5 years' experience in occupational health and safety, chemical waste processes and regulatory compliance, various environmental permit regulatory compliance or related experience
• OSHA’s Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response standard (HAZWOPER); 40 Hour initial training with eight (8) hours annual refresher. Will be provided within the first year if candidate does not have it.
• CPR/AED Certified. Will be provided within the first year if candidate does not have it.
• Ability to follow oral instructions, read and write.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste and laboratory safety regulations, standards, and ability to utilize and make appropriate decisions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of practical experience working in a professional laboratory environment
• Two (2) years of experience of technical writing.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements.

Responsibilities

• performing laboratory inspections
• performing hazard assessments
• providing proactive oversight of engineering controls—like fume hoods and emergency eyewash stations
• performing various equipment checks
• managing chemical inventory tracking
• implementing waste minimization strategies
• managing safety orientations
• managing hazardous waste handling
• managing PPE protocols for incoming students, researchers, and staff

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level