Laboratory Safety Program Manager

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

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 leads the day-to-day activities of a health and safety work unit and manages the logistics, implementation, and operational success of the laboratory safety program. It provides specialized safety expertise and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including leadership, and collaborates with laboratory and facility safety professionals to improve UWM’s programs. The role supports the Division of Finance and Administrative Affairs and Facilities, Planning and Management. The division provides services that support university resources and operations, while Facilities, Planning and Management works to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment for learning, research, work, living, and recreation. The position develops and supports Chemical Hygiene Plans, standard operating procedures, department-level safety programs, and laboratory and shop safety training. It conducts hazard assessments, reviews controls and procedures, supports regulatory compliance and audit documentation, and assists with chemical emergencies, spill response, and incident investigations. The role also tracks program metrics, provides professional customer service, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the position.
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 University’s minimum requirements for driving on state business.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire; the position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Successful completion of the required vehicle use review and criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, another science-related field, 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 working 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; help departments develop and update Chemical Hygiene Plans and departmental health and safety plans.
Develop and revise Chemical Hygiene Plan and standard operating procedure templates; train group members to develop SOPs for hazardous operations; audit plans and procedures and provide constructive feedback.
Help departments and groups establish and maintain safety committees, conduct safety self-audits, and develop training programs; attend committee meetings and participate in self-audits as needed.
Design, develop, and present laboratory and shop safety training for faculty, staff, students, teaching assistants, and other lab-related personnel, including training on chemical and physical hazards and hazardous operations.
Provide written hazard assessments and recommend controls for laboratories, shops, and other non-traditional student and research labs; evaluate control effectiveness, including through fume hood testing and exposure monitoring.
Review and approve department-, unit-, or group-level standard operating procedures.
Interpret federal, state, and local regulations; create and implement written programs, procedures, and policies to support regulatory compliance.
Collect and organize data, prepare reports, and provide documentation for internal and external auditors or inspectors; document regulatory changes and violations and communicate findings to appropriate authorities.
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 expert safety guidance to stakeholders, including leadership, in specialized areas such as chemical safety, hazardous materials, biosafety, radiation, and OSHA-related safety.
Review industry updates and direct the development of safety communications and associated staff.
Manage program logistics and implementation, lead day-to-day health and safety work-unit activities, and track and maintain measurable program metrics.
Provide professional customer service, represent UWM and the division, collaborate with internal and external safety professionals, and perform other duties as assigned.