Chemical Safety Officer- ELP

Texas Tech University•El Paso, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical Safety Officer directs, plans, coordinates, and supervises the operation and activities of a specialized unit or small department. The role develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks, sets priorities, and serves as a liaison with university personnel and the community. The position performs complex safety and health work with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The officer investigates laboratory incidents and hazards; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements for hazardous-material handling and use; documents program activities; and updates hazardous-material practices and policies. The role may dispose of hazardous waste and manages the collection, processing, and preparation of chemical and biological waste for disposal. It also responds to chemical and biological spills, providing advice, assistance, supervision, and resources to reduce, eliminate, or clean up hazards. The position assists with monitoring operations and maintenance of the Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratory. It coordinates, develops, presents, and evaluates safety training and programs in biological, chemical, and laboratory safety; provides required annual training; and develops additional presentations as needed. Acting as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, the role reviews assigned research protocols and provides research-safety updates to the IBC, IRB, and IACUC. It validates laboratory-worker credentials and supports keeping the laboratory-worker database current, with a goal of credentialing all laboratory workers. The Chemical Safety Officer reports on program implementation to the supervisor, committees, departments, and administration, and oversees Senior Safety Officers to support campus-wide compliance. The position is onsite at Texas Tech Health El Paso and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. Applicants who require employment-visa sponsorship are not being considered. The employee must maintain a valid Texas driver's license and meet applicable driver approval and motor-vehicle-record requirements. The position also requires maintaining current licenses, certifications, and mandatory training, following institutional policies, and demonstrating and promoting the institution’s stated values. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and three years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling at least seven years.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Multidisciplinary Studies or a closely related field is specified in the qualifications.
Experience in compliance programs such as hazardous materials or biosafety, including work with hazardous materials in a laboratory or safety environment.
Previous experience with chemical and biological regulatory compliance for research and clinical programs.
Thorough understanding of institutional policies and state and federal regulations concerning chemical, biological, and safety programs.
Ability to develop and deliver comprehensive safety and compliance training for users of chemical and biological hazards.
Excellent verbal and written communication and customer-service skills for a diverse stakeholder base.
Dependability, trustworthiness, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and coworkers.
Maintain a valid State of Texas driver’s license and be approved to drive under applicable Risk Management, insurance, and institutional requirements, including passing the required motor-vehicle-record check.
Remain current with required licenses, certifications, mandatory compliance requirements, and training.
Work onsite; remote and hybrid work are not available.
Applicants requiring employment-visa sponsorship are not considered.

Nice To Haves

Registered Biosafety Officer (RBO) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct, plan, coordinate, and supervise the operation and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develop policies and procedures, administer the budget, organize tasks, and set priorities.
Serve as a liaison with university personnel and the community.
Investigate reported laboratory incidents and hazards, including those referred through Health and Safety Reviews.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for hazardous-material handling and use, including biological and chemical materials and associated wastes.
Document program components and update hazardous-material practices and policies as needed.
Dispose of hazardous waste when necessary in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Assist with monitoring the operations and maintenance of the Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratory.
Coordinate, help develop, present, and evaluate safety training and programs in biological, chemical, and laboratory safety.
Provide required annual training and develop additional presentations based on user needs.
Act as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, review assigned research protocols, and provide research-safety updates to the IBC, IRB, and IACUC.
Validate laboratory-worker credentials and help maintain an up-to-date laboratory-worker database.
Report on program implementation to the supervisor, committees, departments, and administration as appropriate.
Oversee Senior Safety Officers to support compliance with safety programs across campus.
Manage the collection, processing, and preparation of chemical and biological waste for proper disposal.
Respond to chemical and biological spills and provide advice, assistance, supervision, and resources for spill mitigation and cleanup.
Maintain required licenses, certifications, and training; adhere to institutional policies and procedures; and demonstrate and promote Texas Tech Health El Paso’s values.
Perform other duties as assigned.