Chemical Hygiene Officer

Job Summary

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) will provide program leadership in four critical areas : 1) participate with all levels of the campus organization to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene programs, policies, and practices;

2) assess, formulate, and evaluate the campus Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazard Communication Plan and ensure compliance with University policies and federal, state and local regulations pertaining to chemical management and chemical hygiene on campus, including Title 8 California Code of Regulations Section 5191, 5194, and 3) provide subject matter expertise in chemical hygiene and environmental health and safety (EHS) to educate and protect faculty, staff, and students and protect the environment.

4) Have direct oversight over the Occupational Safety and Health processes. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism within the organization.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of federal regulations such as OSHA’s Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard (29 CFR 1910.

120), as well as state-specific regulations, including California’s Title 8, Section 5191 (Cal / OSHA Laboratory Standard) and Oregon’s equivalent regulations.

• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements related to laboratory safety, chemical handling, hazardous waste management, and emergency response, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations in California, Oregon, and at the federal level.
• Experience in developing and implementing chemical safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to conduct safety training sessions for faculty, staff, and students.
• Proficiency in performing audits and safety inspections of laboratories and chemical handling facilities.
• Familiarity with hazardous waste management and disposal procedures
• Skill in managing chemical inventory systems and tracking hazardous materials.
• Capability to interface with university researchers and represent environmental health and safety on committees and task forces.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols and procedures
• Understanding of current legal requirements concerning regulated substances
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across campus and supporting critical roles in various EHS programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Occupational Health & Safety , or related field with additional chemistry background.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Environmental Health and Safety with experience in chemical hygiene involving study, analysis, and / or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

An understanding of fundamental chemistry and EHS is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Advanced degree in environmental health or related field

Essential Job Duties Key Responsabilities Program Development and Implementation :

• Develop and implement chemical safety programs, policies, and procedures in collaboration with university researchers and department heads.
• Develop EHS inspection protocols for laboratory safety, chemical management, and hazardous waste management.
• Manage the chemical inventory system, including tracking, labeling, monitoring procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals.

Key Responsabilities Training and Education :

• Conduct regular safety training sessions for faculty, staff, and students on proper chemical handling practices and emergency response protocols.
• Evaluate and make recommendations to improve various EHS training programs.

Key Responsabilities Compliance and Regulatory Oversight :

• Perform comprehensive audits and safety inspections of laboratories, storage areas, and chemical handling facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Understand current legal requirements concerning regulated substances and serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and employees.

Key Responsabilities Collaboration and Communication :

• Interface with university researchers and represent EHS on appropriate research and compliance-related committees.
• Collaborate with other EHS staff, lab managers, and other key personnel to address safety concerns and enhance safety culture across campus.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe use of chemicals in collaboration with university researchers and chemical users.

Key Responsabilities Incident Response and Emergency Planning :

• Participate in the incident response process, including responding to after-hours incidents that require cooperation between multiple units.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans specific to chemical spills, leaks, or other incidents.

Key Responsabilities Documentation and Record-Keeping :

Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping as required by Federal, State, and local laws and campus policies.

Key Responsabilities Continuous Improvement and Community Outreach :

• Monitor and report on chemical exposure levels and incidents, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Engage with the campus community through outreach initiatives and communication campaigns to raise awareness about chemical safety practices.

Posting Details Continued Work Schedule Standard 8 to 5. Off-hours as necessary. Working at WesternU

We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and / or family needs.

We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,

• Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
• Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
• Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
• As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
• WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

Expected Pay Scale Minimum $90,000.00 Maximum $99,100.00