Pay Grade: 31E

Context of the Job:

Under the limited direction of the Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety, manages and administers the Chemical Hygiene program at the University to assure compliance with 29CFR1910.1450 and other applicable guidelines (OHSA, EPA, DNREC, ASHRAE, ACGIH, NFPA, ANSI, IFC, IBC) to achieve the optimal control of the reduction of hazards and exposures which are detrimental to people and 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 benefit 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 lab safety and occupational health. 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:

• Coordinate Chemical Hygiene activities as outlined in the OSHA Laboratory Standard 29CFR 1910.1450 and the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. Maintain and implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Coordinate activities of 30+ departmental chemical hygiene officers.
• Organize and lead the University Chemical Hygiene Committee.
• Manage the Laboratory Safety Program and coordinate the activities of the lab inspection group, conduct laboratory audits, investigate chemical exposures, and conduct industrial hygiene evaluations. Recommend actions to ensure compliance with all applicable standards and regulations. Manage and review all Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Job Hazard Analysis requests and review research protocols.
• Manage the Chemical Hazard Communication program. Plan and implement programs to train faculty, staff, and students on a wide variety of topics related to chemical hygiene, regulatory compliance, safe work practices, and hazardous materials management in accordance with the Laboratory Standard and the Hazardous Chemical Information Act.
• Manage ChemInventory program implementation and upkeep, including chemical inventory reporting. Actively ensures compliance with all applicable agencies.
• Directly supervise one exempt staff member (Laboratory Safety Specialist.
• Respond to and investigate Environmental Health and Safety emergencies.
• Review plans and design specifications in all new construction and renovations to existing facilities that contain laboratories. Make recommendations that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state and local safety, health, and fire safety regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures as well as maintain budgetary constraints.
• Develop, maintain, review, evaluate, update and/or recommend environmental and occupational safety and health related programs, manuals, guidelines and associated web pages.
• Attend safety committees regularly for University Departments that have laboratory operations.
• 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.
• Prepare reports and represent the University at local, regional, and national conferences and continuing education classes. Represent EHS on a variety of departmental and/or University committees.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Hygiene or a related field and four years of directly related environmental health & safety experience in an academic or research and development setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD degree with a strong emphasis in chemistry preferred.
• 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.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a background check. 
• Must be able to pass hazmat physical examination in order 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 in order 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.