FirstBank Jobs

Employment Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Vacancy ID: NF0007979

Salary Range: $45,000 - $52,000

Position Summary/Description:

The primary purpose of the Chemical Safety Specialist I, is to serve as a chemical laboratory safety specialist and maintain the university’s laboratory chemical inventory program. The individual in this position must have knowledge of research safety with an emphasis on chemical safety in the laboratory work environment. The individual in this position must be able to deliver routine training with campus staff, faculty, researchers and students on corrective actions, regulations and requirements of regulatory agencies. In addition, the individual will perform laboratory safety inspections in order to maintain compliance at all UNC laboratories on campus and off-campus with regard to federal ( OSHA , ANSI , EPA and NFPA ), state ( NCOSHA , NCDENR ) and university regulations and standards. The primary goal of the position is to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the faculty, staff, students and visitors at all UNC facilities.

The employee in this position is a member of the EHS Emergency Response/HazMat Team. This responsibility involves assessment of incidents involving physical agents, radiation sources, hazardous chemicals, biological and infectious agents. This requires on-call responsibilities throughout the standard 8-hour workday (8am – 5pm). Formal First Responder Training and medical surveillance is required by the OSHA Hazwoper standard. Industrial hygiene and radiological instruments are used for detection and cleanup of spills depending on the nature of the incident. Investigation, interaction and consultation with university staff, faculty and students is required to appropriately assess an incident, proceed with facility recovery and further preventive action.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Entry-level experience in the Environment, Health & Safety profession preferred. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate using written, oral and multimedia modalities. Demonstrated strong organization skills.

Essential Skills:

A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is necessary since illnesses/injury incidents and compliance are reported to and used by various groups in the university community. University compliance with the various regulatory agencies is dependent on the results of recordkeeping, reports, and surveys, along with the quality of the training provided to faculty, staff and students on health and safety principles, practices, policies, and procedures. Multiple regulatory agencies thoroughly scrutinize academic institutions and the performance of their safety programs. Accurate recordkeeping and compliance notifications are an essential and integral part of program management to ensure University compliance.

Inaccurate recordkeeping/compliance notifications can result in unsafe working conditions for faculty, staff, students, and compliance problems for the university. Inaccurate program management can allow unsafe, potentially dangerous, or injurious situations to persist. Failures in conforming to regulatory safety requirement may occur. Consequently, errors can lead to expensive, unnecessary regulatory fines.

Must be able to frequently walk, bend, and stand. Ability to enter laboratory animal research areas required.

The employee is exposed to animal, biological, radiation, physical and chemical hazards daily in the support areas. Work may require entering tight spaces and personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, SCBA , respirators, shoe covers, coveralls, etc.) and training on proper use is required. Knowledge and understanding of the principal characteristics of these hazardous agents and the accurate measurements and observation of the hazards is essential. Work environments can be affected by extreme weather conditions. The employee may be called to emergency response duty during severe weather episodes.

This position is an Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Position. The employee in this position is designated as a Mandatory Employee. As such, it is expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.

This position is considered Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary. As such, the position performs functions that are essential to the continuation of core University operations, including utilities, during a potential health emergency.

AA/EEO Statement:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.