Summary

Develops, plans, coordinates, and monitors the institutional chemical safety, research safety, and hazardous materials programs, including the management and implementation of inventory, handling, transport, and disposal programs to ensure the safety of the University environment for employees, students, and visitors. Ensures compliance with all applicable University policies and local, state, and federal regulations relating to chemical and hazardous waste.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops, manages and implements a variety of research and chemical safety programs relating to regulatory compliance as required by local, state, and federal agencies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
2. Manages the implementation and coordination of the University chemical and hazardous waste handling, transport, characterization, inventory, and disposal programs.
3. Coordinates the inspection of laboratories and other facilities and the response to and investigation of reports of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions; reviews recommendations and/or takes appropriate action in order to mitigate potential safety, health, and environmental risks.
4. Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for the programs; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvements.
5. Represents the department to various institutional divisions/departments and externally to governmental agencies.
6. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
7. Manages the development and presentation of chemical and hazardous materials safety training programs.
8. Serves on designated committees and advisory boards to maintain open communications with faculty, staff, and other constituent groups; may serve on University planning and policy-making committees.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to perform effective safety inspections and ensure compliance with OSHA safety standards.
• Knowledge of use, storage, transport, disposal, and emergency response procedures for a wide variety of hazardous materials, including toxic gases, infectious agents, asbestos containing materials, and PCBs.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.
• Ability to formulate policy and develop and implement new strategies and procedures consistent with the goals and objectives of chemical safety.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Excellent chemical safety technical credentials.
• Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Ability to develop and implement chemical safety programs and protocols.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Light to moderate physical effort. Requires handling of above average-weight objects up to 40 pounds and some standing, walking and use of ladders.
• Work involves moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes and chemical vapors, biohazards, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 06/30/2021