DESCRIPTION

The University of California, San Diego, Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Chemical Safety/Industrial Hygiene Specialist works under general supervision of the Research Safety Manager. The primary emphasis of the job is the prevention and/or mitigation of occupational injuries or illnesses from chemical risks in the laboratory environment. The incumbent will provide consultation services to Principal Investigators (PI) and researchers on the policies, practices and procedures for the safe use of hazardous materials. The incumbent will frequently consult with faculty and staff as well as support and maintenance personnel to improve practices, procedures and control measures.

The incumbent will evaluate workplaces to identify, analyze, monitor, and control chemical health hazards for elimination or reduction of illness and injuries. The incumbent will facilitate loss prevention initiatives to protect employees from occupational exposures to hazardous materials, chemicals, microbials, noise, and physical agents. The incumbent will develop strategies and systems for compliance with campus, federal and state policies, guidelines and laws relating to the research environment.

The EH&S Chemical Safety Specialist will use applicable EH&S concepts to implement a single-function program or multi-specialty programs applicable to a variety of organization infrastructures and departments. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment and for following the defined policies and procedures. Apply professional level knowledge of subject, including complete knowledge of a specialty area within single academic/occupational discipline. Decision-making takes into account established procedures, relevant laws, regulations and organization policy, communication/outreach, and impact on other EH&S programs.

• Serve as an EHS Response Team member. May be requested to respond back to campus to support the EHS Duty Officer in the event of an after-hours, weekend, or holiday incident involving hazardous materials and/or for services provided within the employee's subject area of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in science-related field and progressive professional years of experience in an environmental health and safety program or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Solid, comprehensive working knowledge and understanding of a specific EH&S field including related laws and regulations, and general understanding of all EH&S fields.

• Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and implement research safety programs. Ability to provide unique and innovative content.

• Extensive familiarity with the implementation of a Chemical Hygiene Program. Hazards including, but are not limited to compressed gases, carcinogens, reproductive hazards, flammables, highly toxic materials, cryogens, corrosives etc.

• Experience in a research laboratory environment. Experience with the understanding of the building and lab systems: HVAC, fume hoods, gas cabinets, laminar flow hoods, toxic gas monitoring systems, gas piping, chemical safety, as well as a basic level of understanding of building codes.

• Proven knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations pertaining to health and safety issues in University research areas including laboratory safety and chemical safety occupational hazards.

• Demonstrated ability to apply the concepts of chemical control banding, including criteria for establishing safety containment levels to various research and laboratory applications.

• Proven ability to evaluate workplace situations for safe handling, storage, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.

• Knowledge and experience in evaluating health hazards based on risk and decision logic for exposure assessments of occupational related to chemicals, physical and or biological hazards.

• Proven knowledge in the selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ability to wear the required appropriate level of PPE including respiratory.

• Proven ability and willingness to respond to emergency situations, as well as ability to analyze situations and provide necessary leadership on behalf of the department.

• Working skills in t