UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking a Chemical Health and Safety Manager to lead the Chemical Health and Safety and Regulated Waste Management teams at the Storrs and regional campuses, except UConn Health. The role will serve as the University’s Chemical Hygiene Officer and develop policies and procedures to protect faculty, staff, students and visitors from the health and physical hazards associated with hazardous and other regulated chemicals, substances, and wastes. The Chemical Health and Safety Manager will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and nationally recognized standards and develop and administer the University Chemical Hygiene Plan, Controlled Substance Policy, Laboratory Inspection Program, Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program, Fume Hood Inspection Program, regulated waste management programs, and other related policies, programs, and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the work of the Chemical Safety and Regulated Waste Management teams, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Develops and implements policies, programs, and procedures regarding chemical safety and regulated waste management that combine elements of training, consultation, risk assessment, hazard control, and inspection.
• Designated as the OSHA-mandated Chemical Hygiene Officer for the University and provides expert technical consultation to University faculty, staff, and students regarding chemical health and safety matters.
• Develops, implements, administers, and updates in-person and online training programs for faculty, staff, and students to protect workers and comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serves as the lead liaison on behalf of the University in interactions with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies regarding chemical safety, controlled substances, and regulated waste management.
• Investigates accidents or injuries involving chemicals or wastes in laboratories with the Chemical Safety and Regulated Waste teams and collaborates with the EHS Director to develop and submit reports with corrective actions to regulatory agencies or UConn supervisory staff.
• Communicates new and/or updated policies and procedures to the EHS Director, other EHS Managers, the Chemical Hygiene Committee, department heads, faculty, and the research community to notify, solicit feedback, and ensure modifications are specific, consistent, and achievable.
• Establishes policies, plans, goals, and objectives regarding chemical health and safety matters in agreement with division leadership to protect workers and minimize the direct and indirect costs associated with accidents.
• Collaborates with other University departments (e.g., Facilities Operations, University Planning, Design and Construction, etc.) and outside contractors to address equipment, ventilation, safety, and other laboratory design inquiries during new construction or renovation projects.
• Develops policies and procedures regarding the usage, management, and disposal of controlled substances and coordinates inspections and disposals with federal and/or state regulatory agencies.
• Consults with principal investigators, faculty, staff, and students to determine if planned experiments, research activities, maintenance, repair, or other University-sanctioned work activities comply with University chemical health and safety standards.
• Evaluates protocols for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance regarding the usage, management and disposal of chemicals involved with animal research.
• Works to develop a safety culture through establishing clear safety policies and procedures, providing adequate training, fostering a workplace culture of mutual respect, providing excellent customer service, implementing corrective actions, and continually evaluating chemical safety programs for areas of improvement.
• Manages the Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program involved in the purchasing, delivery, management, and disposal of laboratory chemicals at the UConn Storrs and Depot campuses.
• Oversees the Regulated Waste group involved with the procurement, reception, management, and shipping of regulated wastes departing from the University.
• Responds on-site to emergencies involving chemicals in laboratories upon request by emergency responders and provides guidance as needed.
• Inspects and/or manages the inspections of University laboratories and equipment for compliance with federal and state regulations with regards to laboratory safety and regulated waste management.
• Works with multiple departments to develop innovative solutions to address emerging topics and/or equipment in research.
• Plans and determines how to achieve team goals set by the department's division leadership.
• Prepares chemical health and safety status reports on current issues and activities.
• Develops and maintains program budget for administration and management of chemical health and safety programs.
• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety, chemistry, or a related science field with seven years of related experience. One year of experience must be: (1) overseeing large projects or a complex program OR (2) in a supervisory capacity managing employees in a small group. OR Master’s degree in environmental health and safety, chemistry, or a related field with five years of related experience. One year of experience must be: (1) overseeing large projects or a complex program OR (2) in a supervisory capacity managing employees in a small group.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations (i.e., OSHA, EPA, DEEP, DEA, etc.) and nationally recognized consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, CGA, etc.) regarding employee safety, chemical safety, and waste management. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse community of University faculty, staff, and students. 
• Experience developing and implementing safety policies and procedures.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and organize multiple tasks and work assignments with staff.
• Ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff, and contracted vendors.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in health and safety at a college or university.
• Maintains a current safety and health certification (CIH, CSP, CHMM, etc.).
• Experience communicating and collaborating with regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated leadership working with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students.
• Experience providing training before large and small groups.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month position (35 hours per week) with the potential to work a hybrid work schedule, subject to authorization and University Policy. The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498491 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Only candidates who submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references will be considered.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 18, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.