Laboratory & Chemical Safety Officer

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a nationally ranked four-year public liberal arts college located in the mountains of southwestern Virginia.  The College is committed to serving students and to excellence in teaching.  The Department of Natural Sciences within The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is currently inviting applications for a Laboratory & Chemical Safety Officer. The position is for a full time 12-month staff employee. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in one of the physical sciences or an Associate’s degree with job experience specifically related to laboratory and chemical safety. The primary responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Helping Natural Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Computer Science maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations pertaining to health and safety;
• Ensuring faculty, staff, students and student workers receive required safety training (e.g., Chemical and Laboratory Safety Training);
• Conducting periodic laboratory safety inspections;
• Developing, monitoring and maintaining chemical, biological, and safety-related department policies, procedures and other documents;
• Maintaining an up-to-date chemical inventory;
• Managing the department’s chemical and biological waste disposal, including the capacity to physically handle the on-site transport of waste and the ability to perform clean up related to minor chemical and biological contaminations;
• Maintaining current Hazard Communication door signs for laboratories and other spaces that use and store hazardous materials;
• Performing annual chemical fume hood (CFH) certification with oversight and review provided by UVA Environmental Health & Safety;
• Serving as the liaison with the UVA Office of Environmental Health & Safety for technical support and to align institutional policies and programs in an efficient, effective and compliant manner. 

To apply, please visit https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and complete the online application process, attaching a letter of interest and a current resume with contact information for three references.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security.  The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR.  A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.

In accordance with Executive Directive #18 issued by Governor Ralph Northam on August 5, 2021, employees who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control are require to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing as a condition of employment.

COVID Vaccination Requirement:  The University of Virginia expects all current and new employees (UVA Health System and Academic), to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  If hired to work within the University Health System, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the vaccination. Employees may request a medical or religious exemption from vaccination.  If hired to work on the Academic side of the University, excluding the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, UPG, and the Health Systems Library, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to submit to mandatory, weekly prevalence testing. Employees that are working 100% remotely will not be subject to weekly prevalence testing; however, if the employee works on UVA Grounds (including the Medical Center) even intermittently, then they are required to be tested for COVID-19 once per week on an indefinite basis and follow masking mandates.   NOTE: Some medical and safety-sensitive positions require vaccination and are not eligible for an exemption.  For more information on how the vaccination and testing requirements will apply to you at your work location, see the UVA New Hire Vaccination Requirements webpage.  

Employee fulfills duties as a “responsible employee” under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  A Responsible employee includes any employee:  who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

For more information contact our web page at http://www.uvawise.edu.  The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, military status, and family medical or genetic information.