Senior Safety and Compliance Officer

Position Summary The Senior Safety and Compliance Officer (SSCO) is a leadership position responsible for staff supervision and overseeing all related programs in the Office of Research Safety-Chemical (ORSC). The ORSC resides within the Office of Research Safety (ORS) and is led by the SSCO. The SSCO oversees all related chemical and laboratory safety programs, including laboratory inspections, support of the Research Safety Committee, CampusOptics Operations, chemical inventory, lab closings and openings, emergency response, maintenance of the Chemical Safety Manual, website information, development and updates of safety policy and guidance documents, and serves on a variety of working groups involving the Environmental Safety Division, Facilities Management, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Office of University Architects, Office of Research Integrity, Campus Police, and Athens Clarke County Fire and Life Safety. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Proven professionalism and integrity in representing safety and compliance offices or programs Leadership aptitude including clear focus on customer service as well as safety and compliance; ability to work within a strong and effective team Experience in active consensus-building and safety initiatives; ability to grasp needs and concerns in varied areas of safety and compliance Work independently with minimal supervision on multiple simultaneous projects Takes initiative to perform recurring tasks dictated by established procedures and performs newly assigned tasks as needed Professional oral and written communication skills Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations Ability to implement continuous quality improvement through the use of relevant qualitative and quantitative metrics Working knowledge of state and federal environmental health and safety regulations as well as nationally accepted standards, guidelines, and other related conventions on safety and compliance Ability to respond to critical safety and compliance situations appropriately in academic, research and clinical settings Be able to assist with in-service training and education programs in applicable programmatic areas Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, due to the diversity of safety and compliance services, and the wide range of potential work locations on campus Proficient in the performance and documentation of chemical and laboratory safety assessments Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access and other established tools Use of standard business office computer equipment and software Physical Demands Work in a variety of physical environments, including weather extremes, chemical/biological/radiological laboratories, animal care and use facilities, etc. Wearing personal protective equipment such as respirator Climbing stairs, lifting, twisting, kneeling, turning, and occasionally lifting of 50lbs. Stand, walk and negotiate occasionally awkward work locations and paths of travel Pass physical fitness medical evaluation Operation Management of the Chemical Safety Group Direct short-range and long-range program goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures Monitor and evaluate effectiveness and implement changes required for service improvement Analyze the work processes within the ORSC programs and investigate possible improvements to the quality and/or efficiency of work Identifying and addressing the need for new policies and programs or modifying or updating existing policies and programs ORSC online and customized training for main and extended campuses Planning and coordinating efforts to develop, review, update and deliver appropriate chemical laboratory safety training based on regulations, university policy and nationally accepted best practices Assess and identify appropriate resources and equipment necessary to fully support program objectives Supervise, lead, and work side by side with ORSC team members assigned to the audit, consultation and inspection program Promote professional development of staff and serve as the authority on work assignments and disciplinary decisions within the work unit Direct and review the activities and operations of the program Initiate and refine job descriptions and annual work plans in collaboration with ORS Director Effectively communicate on a routine basis with staff and offer regular progress reviews and annual performance evaluations Counsel staff on issues related to policy/procedure, federal/state/local regulations, and training Develop and implement best practice and policies for staff ORS Representation Work collaboratively and cooperatively with specialized members of the Office of Research Integrity and Safety, Environmental Safety Division, Facilities Management and other stakeholders to ensure excellent customer service and seamless support for all areas Communicate with UGA research faculty and be the working arm of the Research Safety Committee to develop, review, update and deliver safety and compliance support that meets the needs and expectations of the research enterprise Provide ORS representation at campus meetings as a professional EH&S resource and liaison for successful safety program development, planning and implementation Advise on safety considerations involving the planning, construction, and renovation of lab space Communicate and interact with the UGA community to promote and project a positive safety culture Management Support and Business Continuity Work with the ORS Director and the AVP in designing, establishing and maintaining effective organizational structure, budgeting, and staffing to accomplish the organization's goals and objectives Participate and collaborate with other team members to develop and implement strategic, financial and personnel, operational, and other decisions that facilitate the achievement of ORS, Office of Research and University goals Lead staff cross-training efforts Coordinator of PREHS Team/On-Call After-Hours Rotation and Spill Response Member of the hazardous materials spill response team (on-call team) Lead coordinator of the On-Call Emergency Response Team known as PREHS, responsibility includes but not limited to on-call rotation scheduling, spill response training, spill response team member, hazard communications, and maintenance of the PREHS operations manual Participates in an incident response team, responding to releases and spills of hazardous chemicals Position involves being part of the spill response team and assignment for afterhours, weekend and holiday emergency response Communicates and coordinates with Campus Police and County Fire and Emergency Services in emergency events Key mentor for HAZWOPER and provides special hazards training to staff on how to analyze chemical classes, perform risk assessments, select and wear personal protective equipment and drill on procedure guidelines Other Assignments Perform other short or long-term duties assigned by the ORS Director and AVP of the Office of Research EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at View email address on click.appcast.io. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Candidates may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr