Research & Environmental Compliance Officer
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Job No: 499804
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Public Safety, Security, & Emergency Services, Full Time
Pay Grade: 31E
Context of the Job:
Under the limited direction of the Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety, assists with the administration of the Chemical Hygiene/Lab Safety/Chemical Waste programs at the University to assure compliance with 29CFR1910.1450 and other applicable guidelines (OSHA, EPA, DNREC, ASHRAE, ACGIH, NFPA, ANSI, IBC, IFC) to achieve the optimal control of the reduction of hazards and exposures which are detrimental to people and/or property. Work is performed under general direction and employee arranges own tasks; direction is infrequently provided by supervisor, must be able to apply standard policy or procedure to routine problems or duties without the benefits of specific guidelines; determines actions to be taken without immediate direction of supervisor in all but unusual cases; creates new procedures for resolving non-routine matters having a moderate to high potential for generating conflict. University policy, government regulations, institutional precedents, professional standards and accepted practices govern independent action. Incumbent routinely interacts with students, faculty, unit administrators, and regulatory agencies, and functions as an internal consultant to all levels of the University in matters of chemical waste, lab safety and occupational health. Incumbent directly oversees daily activities of one exempt staff member and two non-exempt technical assistants. Failure to perform job duties properly or any attempt to deliberately perform tasks below standards may result in liability, property damage, injury or fatality, regulatory noncompliance, or fines.
This position is designated Essential Personnel for specific University operations.
Major Responsibilities:
- Manages, develops, and implements policies and procedures for the Hazardous Material Compliance Program for the University which entails the following: supervision of the Chemical Waste team (Env. Health & Chem. Specialist and 2EHS Safety Tech II’s,), oversight of chemical waste training for the University, chemical waste pick-ups, consolidation of compatible waste, arranging for environmentally sound disposal methods with outside UD approved contractors, develop and implement waste minimization activities, develop innovative techniques to safely manage and dispose of unknown/reactive chemicals, develop/designs database management programs to improve efficiencies and enhance regulatory compliance of the chemical waste programs, and maintain the required regulatory documentation.
- Manages all University material management sites, compliance documentation, and training records for hazardous waste team, and provides advanced chemical response training for EHS emergency response team.
- Develops and manages RFPs and term contracts for chemical waste disposal and emergency response vendors.
- Manages chemical shipments (IATA/DOT) program, prepares and maintains regulatory records. Conducts chemical shipments for the University community in accordance with current DOT and IATA regulations. Provides DOT/IATA training to individuals in the University community. Organizes and prepares regulatory reports related to chemical waste and shipment of dangerous goods.
- Serves as one of the primary points of contact with regard to interfacing with EPA/DNREC, DOT/FAA regulators as it pertains to chemical waste and chemical shipments.
- Manages and leads University-wide Laboratory and Building Manager Committee to maintain regulatory compliance for all University laboratories, with a focus on improving research safety and compliance, and reducing the environmental impact of chemical use and disposal.
- Manages and executes laboratory ventilation compliance program.
- Responds to and investigates environmental health and safety emergencies.
- Assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer with activities as outlined in the OSHA Laboratory Standard 29CFR 1910.1450 and the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. Assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer with coordination activities of department chemical hygiene officers, conducts laboratory audits, and aids in the review of research protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Investigates chemical exposures as well as conducts exposure assessments/evaluations, and trains University personnel in accordance with the Laboratory Standard and the Hazardous Chemical Information Act. Recommends actions to assure compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
- Assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer in developing, maintaining, reviewing, evaluating, updating and / or recommending environmental and occupational safety and health-related programs, manuals, guidelines, and associated web pages regarding emphasis on safe use and disposal of chemicals.
- Supports the Chemical Hygiene Officer in the review of plans, design specifications, etc. in all new facilities and renovations to existing facilities that contain laboratories. Makes recommendations regarding chemical waste generation that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state and local safety/ health/fire safety regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures while maintaining budgetary constraints.
- Attends safety committees regularly for University departments that have laboratory operations.
- Assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer with, and at times may be expected to organize, attend and conduct administrative duties for the University Chemical Hygiene Committee.
- Conduct lab inspections with timely issuance of reports and follow-up to verify deficiencies are corrected.
- Represents the University at local, regional, and national conferences and continuing education classes. Represents EHS on a variety of departmental and/or University committees.
- Performs job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field and six years of directly related experience in an academic or research and development setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- CHO, CSP, CIH, or CHMM certification desired.
- Ability to develop, implement and enforce safety programs and protocols. Working knowledge of applicable regulations and standards (EPA, DNREC, NFPA, OSHA, ANSI, ACGIH, BOCA, IFC, and DOT/IATA).
- Ability to multi-task effectively and respond to demands in a timely manner. Effective human relations, communications, and computer skills.
- Must have current 40-hour HAZWOPER and DOT Certifications or be able to obtain within six months of hire.
Special Requirements:
- Employee must be able to pass a background check.
- Employee must be able to pass hazmat physical examination to qualify the individual for emergency response involving all levels of respiratory protection.
- Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. With or without assistance, requires the ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly. Without assistance must be able to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 55-gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds.
- Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, walk, and stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, be able to work above and below ground level, work in cramped or confined spaces and work outside in various environmental conditions which include but are not limited to cold temperatures, hot temperatures, windy conditions and inclement weather.
- Individual must have a valid driver’s license to maneuver throughout Newark and Wilmington campuses and other UD locations when operationally necessary.
- Must have access to reliable private means of transportation and preferably live within 30-minute travel time to the University for emergency response purposes.
- Must be able to safely handle chemical containers of varying sizes and shapes without endangering themselves or those working in the vicinity.
- Must be able to work with and handle shock and friction sensitive, air and water reactive and explosive compounds and containers.
- Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
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