"Chemical Hygiene Officer"

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the university’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to ensure a safe and compliant laboratory and operational environment. The CHO works closely with faculty, staff, and students to promote chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and best practices in handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals and materials. This position plays a critical role in fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility across campus.

Responsibilities and Results

• Develop, Implement and Maintain the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and Chemical Inventory Management: Create, update, enforce and maintain the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to comply with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.1450), EPA and university policies. Conduct risk assessments and chemical safety audits across teaching, research, and operational facilities. Work with faculty and lab personnel to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe chemical use. Maintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all chemicals on campus, ensuring proper labeling, tracking, and storage. Oversee Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management and ensure accessibility for all hazardous materials. Work with procurement teams to establish safe chemical purchasing and tracking procedures. Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 35%
• Training, Education, Collaboration and Policy Development: Develop and deliver training for faculty, staff, and students on safe handling and storage of chemicals, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures for chemical spills and exposures. Maintain training records and ensure all personnel meet compliance requirements. Work closely with faculty, facilities management, research departments, and regulatory agencies to ensure chemical safety policies align with university needs. Provide guidance on integrating chemical safety practices into teaching, research, and maintenance activities. Assist in developing university-wide policies and standard operating procedures related to hazardous materials and chemical management. Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 20%
• Safety Inspections, Risk Mitigation, Emergency Response and Preparedness: Perform regular safety inspections of laboratories, storage areas, and operational spaces where chemicals are used. Perform inspections at required intervals of applicable safety equipment. Identify potential hazards and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks. Work closely with the Environmental Health Safety (EHS) team to implement best practices for chemical safety. Coordinate and communicate with Safety Administrator and Director of Safety, Risk and Emergency Management and Parking for management and prioritization of duties and daily activities. Develop and implement emergency response plans for chemical spills and hazardous incidents, in coordination with SCSU emergency action plan. Train faculty, lab personnel, and facilities staff on spill response and emergency procedures. Serve as a primary contact for chemical-related emergency situations on campus. Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 15%
• Regulatory Compliance, Documentation, Incident Investigation and Reporting: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, NFPA, DOT, and state hazardous materials management laws. Investigate chemical spills, accidents, and near-miss incidents; document findings and recommend corrective actions. Maintain detailed compliance records and prepare reports for regulatory agencies as needed. Maintain detailed records of safety inspections, incident investigations, training sessions, and chemical inventories. Prepare reports for regulatory agencies, university leadership, and EHS committees. Ensure chemical safety documentation is up to date and accessible to relevant personnel. Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 15%
• Safe Storage Disposal: Oversee proper storage protocols for all regulated waste. Develop and implement disposal protocols for life cycle of all waste streams in accordance with EPA and state environmental regulations. Coordinate safe disposal and recycling of expired, excess, or hazardous materials. Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 10%
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner. Priority: Secondary Percent of Time: 5%

Minimum Qualifications

One year of experience working in chemical safety, laboratory safety, hazardous materials management, or a closely related field. A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or a closely related field, may substitute for one year of experience and an associate’s degree may substitute for 6 months of experience. Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) including Safety Data Sheet compliance and hazard classifications, EPA hazardous waste regulations, strong knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and other relevant federal/state laws. Communication Leadership Skills: Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and documentation skills, including the ability to work independently while collaborating with multiple stakeholders. Strong ability to train, educate, and engage campus stakeholders on chemical safety protocols. Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualification

Master’s degree in a closely related field as listed above. 3-5 years of experience preferred in chemical safety, laboratory safety, hazardous materials management, or a closely related field. Experience working in a higher education environment or research laboratories. Familiarity with NFPA, ANSI, DOT hazardous materials transportation regulations, and state safety codes. Experience with Radiation and Laser safety.

Work Shift

8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

About

The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State University’s commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU’s It’s Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system’s Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community.