"Chemical Safety Officer"

Chemical Safety Officer

Job ID: 294176
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Summary

Responsible for protecting faculty, staff, students, and visitors from hazards associated with the procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals in all teaching and research spaces. Oversees the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), hazardous waste management, and serves as KSU's technical expert on chemical safety. Works closely with principal investigators, lab managers, facility design teams, and the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team to develop and implement programs that support chemical safety across the institution.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads and manages the university's chemical safety and hazardous waste management programs to ensure safety and compliance with applicable regulations
2. Manages and mentors technical personnel including specialists and technicians
3. Maintains and updates the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and other chemical safety programs and standard operating procedures (SOP) annually to ensure compliance with Laboratory Standards, governing regulations, and best practices
4. Develops, implements, and enforces chemical safety policies and serves as the designated Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)
5. Serves on the appropriate safety committees for reviewing hazardous material use requests, developing policies, and recommending safety improvements
6. Advises on controlled substances and particularly hazardous substances, including carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and highly toxic chemicals
7. Ensures compliance with DEA requirements and KSU's controlled substances program
8. Provides expert guidance to laboratories, conducts risk assessments, and recommends engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls
9. Develops and delivers chemical safety training for faculty, staff, students, and laboratory workers, maintains training records, and ensures refresher courses are offered
10. Manages chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and oversees chemical procurement, chemical purchase approvals, distribution, and disposal
11. Conducts audits and inspections of laboratories to ensure compliance and develops corrective action plans and report findings
12. Investigates incidents, spills, and near misses and implements corrective actions and emergency response procedures
13. Supports lab design and facility projects by reviewing plans and advising on engineering controls
14. Monitors changes in OSHA, EPA, DHS, NIH, CDC, state, and other governing regulations then integrates new requirements into KSU policies and procedures
15. Prepares reports and maintains records, including exposure, and incident documentation, and communicates to regulatory authorities according to established guidelines
16. Ensures proper shipment of hazardous materials from the university
17. Plays a key role in the University's emergency response, organizing and participating in drills, hands-on training, and real-time hazard mitigation

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial hygiene, environmental health, or related science.

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Five (5) years of experience in laboratory or industrial chemical safety, including at least three years of program management.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Relevant certifications e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH); Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Safety Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Preferred Experience
Previous progressive work experience in chemical safety
Experience working in a higher education environment

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $73,000 to $83,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to build and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with PIs, Department Heads, staff, students, state agencies, and other stakeholders
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
In-depth understanding of relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, industry standards, and emerging trends in laboratory safety and chemical safety
Knowledge of health and safety principles, including hazard recognition, evaluation, and control, to accurately assess risks
Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects concurrently, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, EHS enterprise software)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time