The role of the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) position is to facilitate the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Protocols and Procedures, support laboratories across campus and outlying facilities, and to serve as a technical resource to the campus laboratory community. This position oversees the Ivan Hilton chemical stockroom operations, Ivan Hilton equipment and lab operations and assists and supports the operation of teaching laboratories throughout campus and outlying facilities and coordinates the collection and disposal of all chemical waste according to state and federal laws. As safety standards, protocols and structures evolve, duties and responsibilities may change accordingly to this position as necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as a resource to review academic research protocols and standard operating procedures developed by Principal Investigators and department personnel for the use, disposal, spill cleanup, and decontamination of hazardous chemicals, and the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment.
- Develops and performs routine updating of the chemical hygiene plan and other related university policies and procedures that should address standard operating procedures (SOPs) for health and safety concerns when using hazardous chemicals, biological hazards, and physical hazards.
- Provides technical expertise to the laboratory community in the area of laboratory safety and health and serves as a point of contact to direct inquiries to other appropriate resources.
- Makes work related decisions independently (self-directed) within the context of the position and assigned duties.
- Coordinates the acquisition, testing, maintenance and compliance of fume hoods and emergency safety showers and eyewashes in all laboratories where hazardous chemicals, biological hazards, and/or physical hazards are used.
- Conducts laboratory safety training sessions for laboratory personnel and upon request, assists laboratory supervisors in developing and conducting hands-on training sessions with employees.
- Requests purchases for supplies and equipment as needed.
- Coordinates and oversees the disposal of chemical and biological waste both for Ivan Hilton and campus wide.
- Review reports for laboratory incidents, accidents, chemical spills, and near misses and recommend follow up actions where appropriate.
- Keep the senior administration informed of the progress of continued implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan and other relevant safety documents and bring campus-wide issues affecting laboratory safety to their attention.
- Ensure that guidelines are in place and communicated for hazardous substances regarding proper labeling, handling, use, and storage, selection of proper personal protective equipment, and facilitating the development of standard operating procedures for laboratories using these substances.
- Ensures chemical, biological, and physical safety equipment and protocols are current with state and federal regulations.
- Maintains training records and logbook of major equipment use.
- Supervises Chemical Stockroom Manager, Biology and Natural Resources Equipment and Lab Technician, and student workers.
- Serves as intermediary for general laboratory maintenance services such as vacuum, air, waterlines and HVAC.
- Maintains records of service to equipment and documentation of required inspections and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
- Conducts weekly inspections of all central accumulation areas and ensures all NMED, OSHA and other compliance entity requirements are being followed in regards to waste storage.
- Identify defective environmental conditions and take steps to address the issue.
- Stay informed of plans for renovations or new laboratory construction projects and serve as a resource in providing code citations and internal standards to assist with the design and construction process.
- Staying updated on new regulations and standards in the field of chemical, biological, and physical safety.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, safety or a related field. Experience may be used in substitution for education.
- Position is required to have a complete OSHA HAZWOPER training and hold certification or obtain certification within 3 months of hire. Position is required to maintain HAZWOPER certification yearly.
EXPERIENCE:
- Maintenance and repair of chemical instrumentation.
- Experience in academic research or teaching lab.
- Operation of a chemical stockroom.
- Training in OSHA safety guidelines and managing chemical waste collection and hazardous waste operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in one of the physical sciences or related environmental or safety field (completed coursework acceptable). Experience may be used in substitution for education.
- HAZWOPER Certification
Special Conditions for Eligibility Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience working in a lab environment
- Understanding of chemical hazards and safety procedures
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations
- Experience developing and implementing safety policies
- Excellent communication skills for providing safety training and reporting on safety issues
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of computer software.
- Ability to perform math calculations, solution preparations.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff and students.
- Ability to follow technical instructions, procedure manuals, and charts to solve practical problems; and/or compose routine or specialized reports or forms
- Ability to learn new skills and evolve to keep pace with new technologies.
Physical Demands
- Walk – Frequently
- Use hands to finger, handle, or feel – Frequently
- Reach with hands and arms – Frequently
- Taste or smell – Frequently
- Stand – Occasionally
- Sit – Occasionally
- Climb or balance – Occasionally
- Stoop – Occasionally
- Kneel – Occasionally
- Crouch or crawl – Occasionally
- Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds – Frequently
- Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds – Occasionally
Working Environment
- May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
- Frequently exposed to risk of chemical hazards, explosive hazards, burn hazards and electrical shock.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay Rate 70,000 Work Location/Campus Center Las Vegas, NM Campus EEO Statement
New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.
For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu
Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THELAW
Posting Detail Information
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/9412
