Safety & Chemical Manager

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Job description

Position Function:

To manage all of the Safety and Chemical Hygiene activities in the Department of Chemistry. Provide safety training and certification programs for the faculty, staff, and students in the department and insure that the department provides a safe work environment.

Salary Grade: 15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Chemistry is housed in the Hand Laboratory Building, is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The department has approximately 80 graduate students and 120 undergraduate chemistry majors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals in the department with records to include date of purchase, storage location, and PI (or lab course) designation. Manage the ordering of all chemicals for use in both the research and teaching laboratories. Continue the development of a chemical inventory management system, bar code labeling and virtual stockroom capabilities.

2. Manage and coordinate a comprehensive safety training program including: the OSHA 10 Hour course, MDEQ Waste Disposal course, hands on Fire Extinguisher training; and a general laboratory safety course. These courses will be offered to new faculty and graduate students each fall. Maintain records of the persons completing these required courses.

3. Develop an enhanced safety training class for all chemistry TA's, TA's, graduate and undergraduate students working in research labs. This class will be required before anyone can begin working in a research lab.

4. Develop an online safety-training course for students enrolled in the freshman and organic teaching laboratories. Periodically review and revise these courses and maintain records of all persons who have completed these courses.

5. Perform laboratory and safety equipment inspections for the teaching and research labs on a regular basis. Inspections to include a review of the appropriate use of PPE as well as the testing/inspection of fire extinguishers, safety showers, eye wash fountains, first aid kits, and any other safety equipment that may be present.

6. Oversee the maintenance of the offsite Chemistry Solvent Storage Facility. Manage the storage of bulk solvents and/or other hazardous materials at the facility and arrange for the dispensing and safe delivery of these materials to the department teaching or research labs.

7. Develop a Chemical Hygiene plan for the department. Safety training, emergency preparedness, chemical inventory management, and procedures for the cleanup of spills or other accidents in a manner to minimize exposure of personnel to potential health risks will be plan components.

8. Promote a culture of safety and responsibility in the department. Develop programs to improve laboratory housekeeping and organization in concert with Environmental, Health, & Safety. Oversee the disposal of all surplus (or out of date) chemicals and accumulated hazardous waste in a timely and economical manner.

9. Assist the department in addressing infrastructure needs related to safety and chemical hygiene.

10. Serve the department in the capacity of Building Operator.

11. Serve as the Chair of the Departmental Safety Committee.

12. Secure and maintain chain of custody of all chemicals from receipt from the carrier to delivery to the labs, and especially, for thermally sensitive reagents, insuring prompt delivery.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry focus
* 5 years in an academic or industrial chemical laboratory, and completion of basic safety and chemical hygiene training.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience working in a chemistry laboratory and experience/training in safety and chemical hygiene management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
* Strong interpersonal skills combined with strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
* Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards
* Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications
* Ability to multitask
* Must have a working knowledge of regulations pertinent to several related areas including, but not limited to EPA, MDEQ, and OSHA

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

* Exposure to laboratory facilities, radiation environments, and areas where chemicals are used and stored is expected.
* Work involves exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
* Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
* Requires lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects 50+ pounds.
* After hours responses may be required, occasionally.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at . The applicant should send a cover letter, vita, and at least 3 references (with email addresses) to

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.