This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Under general supervision, develops, oversees, and manages strategic planning for research and chemical safety, developing and implementing laboratory and research safety policies, procedures, and systems to achieve strategic goals while monitoring and ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and sound safety and health practices. Ensures compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED). Performs technical measurements of potential chemical or physical hazards, research and evaluation of university research safety; conducts related educational and training presentations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manages, develops, implements, and monitors strategic planning and goals for research safety.
Develops, implements, and maintains programs and guidance documents including compliance with the OSHA lab safety standards, specific OSHA chemical standards, ANSI Laser standards, and field safety.
Serves as primary liaison with the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) Hazardous Waste Bureau. Develops, implements, and monitors the hazardous waste disposal program and compliance with applicable RCRA and EPA regulations.
Performs technical measurements and monitoring of occupational contaminants; uses industry standards and best practices to evaluate controls and notifies users and management of findings and recommendations.
Collaborates with laboratory staff conducting innovative and cutting-edge experiments to assess potential hazards and risks associated with novel research and develop hazard mitigation strategies to protect students, faculty, and staff.
Provides guidance and training to laboratory teams on proper safety procedures for novel research activities, ensuring all personnel are aware of and prepared for potential hazards in experiments.
Oversees the supervision of assigned personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
Manages, coordinates and conducts inspections for all university laboratories to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements as well as industry best practices.
Develops recommendations to minimize potential chemical use waste production and implement improvements; conducts related training and educational programs.
Serves as the primary contact for and responds to reports of leaks, spills, and any other releases of potential environmental pollutants; investigates and ensures appropriate corrective action.
Provides general supervision to technician level employees.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree; at least 6 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
Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.
Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Ability to develop, implement, and enforce safety programs and protocols.
Skill in evaluating existing facilities and building renovation/remodel for compliance with laboratory best practices.
Skill in performing various industrial hygiene measurements.
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.
Excellent chemical safety technical credentials.
Ability to document work in progress.
Records maintenance skills.
Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
Skill in developing and conducting employee information/orientation sessions.
Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
Understanding of academic research laboratory structure and function.
Ability to operate, test and/or repair monitoring, sampling and/or analytical equipment and instruments.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
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.
Specific personnel training is required for employees working with hazardous materials and hazardous waste including HAZWOPER and RCRA training required by 40 CRF Part 262.
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.
