Safety Advisor

Safety Advisor

Columbia University Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is seeking a motivated candidate to join our team of safety professionals as a Safety Advisor in providing services to a world-class research community. The ideal candidate will be self-driven, knowledgeable in basic health, safety and environmental regulations, a strong written and verbal communicator, and a capable problem solver.

The research environment at Columbia University is dynamic and fast-paced, and the EH&S Team is likewise an exciting place to work. There are truly new and evolving challenges each day and an unlimited amount of opportunity to learn and grow as a safety professional. Our team offers the ability to participate in programming ranging from technical industrial hygiene assessments to Level-C hazardous materials response, and from job hazard analysis to special projects in hazardous materials and occupational safety.

The Safety Advisor reports to the EH&S Manager or Associate Manager of Research Safety Programs, and alongside a team of health and safety professionals, proactively builds relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University's expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. The Safety Advisor will maintain a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, the Safety Advisor will ensure effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

SUBJECT TO BUSINESS NEEDS, WE MAY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS. OPTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys for laboratory safety, hazardous materials and hazardous waste management and research protocol compliance, including primary interface with Principal Investigators and senior laboratory staff, and follow-up/closure visits for corrective actions. Perform quarterly laboratory audits for radioactive materials use and inventory verification.
• Escort New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Laboratory Inspection Unit personnel during laboratory permit inspection visits. Assist laboratories in achieving and maintaining compliance with FDNY and other relevant laboratory safety standards in advance of FDNY permit inspections. Assist laboratories in responding to corrective actions identified by FDNY.
• Perform chemical and non-chemical hazard assessments of various laboratory and non-laboratory activities and assist in making appropriate recommendations for exposure minimization (i.e., product substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, etc.) and perform follow-up to ensure recommendations have been implemented and are effective.
• Perform chemical fume hood face velocity measurement and certification in accordance with the chemical fume hood certification schedule, as well as upon request and following maintenance or repair, and enter certification data into EH&S database.
• Respond and participate in emergency responses in laboratories and administrative buildings (hazardous materials, indoor air quality, water intrusion and mold assessments) both during and outside standard business hours. Assist in proactively communicating ongoing status, resolution and detailed reports to all affected parties.
• Support the Academic Machine Shop and Respiratory Protection programs.
• Assist with vendor-based hazardous waste activities as needed by ensuring transfer, storage and disposal of laboratory wastes comply with University policies and government regulations.
• Contribute to the development and presentation of training, data and outreach materials to inform University research community and partners (e.g. Facilities, Public Safety, etc.) of relevant safety programs and conditions to advance University safety culture. Inclusive of, but not limited to, regular monthly trainings and specialized topics and sessions for University groups.
• Support inspection readiness program for assigned laboratories, including development of internal laboratory profiles and electronic database record-keeping.
• Support the University's laboratory sustainability program through departmental workgroups and laboratory-based activities, including educating research personnel regarding waste reduction and proper waste segregation and recycling, as well as monitoring performance.
• Perform accident/incident investigations related to research operations.
• Assist in documentation and recordkeeping for various EH&S programs.
• Conduct hazardous materials clearances in laboratories and support EH&S Fire Safety, Facilities Operations, and Capital Project Management, throughout a project's lifecycle, as needed.
• Assist in the inventory, management and maintenance of university industrial hygiene equipment, including scheduling and training of applicable staff in proper use.
• Develop professional contacts at peer institutions with staff performing similar activities. Be able to expand skill set to assist other program areas (Biological/Radiation) and provide cross-coverage in these areas, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required (scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Sciences preferred). 2 or more years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field is required, preferably in a laboratory environment. An appropriate combination of education and experience, meeting Columbia University criteria, may be considered in lieu of 2 or more years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as a member of a team; ability to facilitate effective operational integration, collaboration and teamwork within EH&S and Columbia University; ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks and exercise good judgment in managing time; ability to establish and maintain professional, collaborative, service-oriented, cooperative and effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, unions, customers, the public, regulatory agencies and co-workers through practical and positive communication; ability to operate industrial hygiene/environmental equipment and information technologies, including advanced database, spreadsheet, presentation design software and word processing editing features; ability to understand, interpret and convey measurements, data, standards and hazardous materials information; strong written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and actively on complex topics and to convey risks effectively; ability to simplify guidance for students and staff, and to prepare thoroughly documented technical reports, excellent oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare professional-quality presentations, speak clearly and engagingly about complex issues before small and large groups of diverse audiences; ability to stand, walk, and negotiate occasional awkward work locations and paths of travel; ability to work in a variety of physical environments, including outdoors and inclement weather/temperature; ability to periodically perform short duration physical exertions, including light-medium weight lifting, pushing/pulling, stair or ladder climbing, etc. in support of a safety investigation, area or operations surveys, decommissioning or emergency response; ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.

Other Requirements

Knowledge of the structure of occupational and environmental health and safety activities related to biomedical or academic research is desired. Safety training experience preferred. OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification preferred; RCRA and DOT certifications a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.