Laboratory Safety Program Manager
About The Position
The Laboratory Safety Program Manager serves as the University’s Chemical Hygiene Officer and works with instructional, research, laboratory, shop, and facilities personnel to implement and oversee laboratory safety programs that promote regulatory compliance and safe operations. The position provides expert safety guidance, manages the implementation and operational success of a safety program, and leads day-to-day activities of a health and safety work unit. The role assists departments with Chemical Hygiene Plans and departmental safety plans; develops templates and procedures; trains users to prepare standard operating procedures; and audits plans and procedures. It supports department safety committees, self-audits, and training programs, and designs and presents laboratory and shop safety training for faculty, staff, students, teaching assistants, and other personnel. The manager conducts hazard assessments and recommends controls for laboratories, shops, and other research or instructional spaces; evaluates controls, including through fume-hood testing and exposure monitoring; and reviews and approves SOPs. The position interprets applicable regulations, develops compliance programs and documentation, responds to chemical emergencies and spills, investigates incidents and near misses, evaluates corrective actions, and tracks program metrics. It also collaborates with safety professionals and provides customer service in a professional manner. The position is in the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Division of Finance and Administrative Affairs, within Facilities, Planning and Management. The division supports university operations and aims to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least 2 years of research safety experience, such as chemical, biological, or radiological safety.
- Experience providing education and training to laboratory staff in chemical or research safety, proper laboratory practices, or safe handling of research materials and equipment.
- Detailed knowledge of federal and state health and safety regulations and codes relating to laboratories.
- Experience conducting inspections or investigations.
- Experience writing reports or prescribing hazard mitigation techniques and controls.
- Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or another valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and ability to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire; the position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, another science-related discipline, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field.
- Four or more years of chemical or research safety experience.
- Experience as a Chemical Hygiene Officer.
- Experience in a university or higher education setting.
- Experience as a Biological Safety Officer or Laser Safety Officer.
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification.
- 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training.
- Experience creating or updating websites.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the University’s Chemical Hygiene Officer.
- Assist departments with developing and updating Chemical Hygiene Plans and departmental health and safety plans.
- Develop and revise Chemical Hygiene Plan and standard operating procedure templates; train groups to develop SOPs for hazardous operations.
- Audit safety plans and SOPs, provide feedback, and help departments improve safety programs.
- Help departments and groups establish and maintain safety committees, conduct self-audits, and develop training programs; attend committee meetings and participate in self-audits as needed.
- Develop, design, and present laboratory and shop safety training for faculty, staff, students, teaching assistants, and other laboratory-related personnel.
- Provide written hazard assessments and recommend controls for laboratories, shops, and other non-traditional student and research spaces.
- Evaluate control effectiveness, including testing fume hoods and conducting exposure monitoring; review and approve department-, unit-, or group-level SOPs.
- Interpret federal, state, and local rules and regulations and develop written programs, procedures, or policies to support compliance.
- Collect and organize data, prepare reports, and provide documentation for internal and external auditors or inspectors.
- Assist during chemical emergencies and provide advice or assistance with chemical spill cleanup.
- Investigate incidents and near misses, document investigations, evaluate corrective actions, and recommend ways to prevent recurrence.
- Provide professional customer service and collaborate with internal and external laboratory and facility safety professionals.
- Track and maintain measurable program metrics and perform other duties as assigned.
- Provide expert safety guidance to stakeholders, document violations and regulatory changes, communicate findings to appropriate authorities, and review industry updates.
- Manage safety program logistics and implementation and lead day-to-day activities of a health and safety work unit.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
