Hyperbaric Safety Officer

Hyperbaric Safety Officer

The Hyperbaric Safety Officer is a primarily patient-facing, technician role that serves as the shift lead for daily hyperbaric operations. While not a formal management position with direct subordinates, this role utilizes prior knowledge to make critical shift-level decisions and acts as the designated safety authority delegate during assigned shifts. As the lead technician to all other technical staff on shift, this role ensures compliance with NFPA 99, UHMS, FDA IND, and IRB standards by directing emergency preparedness and enforcing institutional safety policies. The Hyperbaric Safety Officer maintains USF values for supervisory roles by actively supporting and uplifting shift employees and fostering a positive working environment. They collaborate with the Hyperbaric Safety Director to maintain compliance, optimize workflows, and support the Center's mission in research, education, and patient care.

Grant-Funded. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Patient Care & Shift-Level Safety Oversight: Independently operate and oversee hyperbaric chambers for both clinical care and complex research protocols as a primary patient-facing technician. Serve as the safety authority on duty, making shift-level decisions by applying NFPA 99, UHMS, FDA IND, and IRB standards to ensure safe chamber operations and protect patients, research participants, and staff. Adjust pressurization/decompression rates to patient tolerance, and manage multiple chamber operations simultaneously when needed.

Shift Leadership & Mentorship: Act as the lead tech to all other technicians on shift. Maintain USF values by actively supporting and uplifting shift employees, fostering a good working environment. Mentor Technicians I-III in chamber operations, enforce safety policies, and evaluate performance in real time. Train staff in advanced safety protocols and ensure team readiness.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response: Direct emergency procedures during adverse events, including patient evacuation, stabilization, and chamber shutdown. Lead and evaluate shift-level safety drills and act as incident commander during real emergencies.

Safety Audits and Compliance Monitoring: Conduct shift-level audits of treatment records, safety logs, and equipment checklists. Identify deficiencies and enforce immediate corrective actions, escalating systemic issues to the Safety Director.

Equipment Oversight: Conduct shift-level preventive maintenance checks, verify oxygen system integrity, and ensure fire suppression systems are operational. Coordinate with the Safety Director and vendors for complex repairs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Demonstrates advanced expertise in hyperbaric chamber safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness.

Working Conditions Environment: Typical indoor environment/office setting.

Physical Requirements: Climbing, standing, stooping, and/or typing; Ability to lift up to 20lbs as needed.

Travel: Ability to travel to other USF campuses and/or other locations as requested.

Bachelor's degree health/technical.

CHT/CHS, completion of a UHMS-approved Hyperbaric Safety Director Training Course, BLS/ACLS certification CHT, CHS credential (required).

Completion of UHMS-approved Hyperbaric Safety Director course.

Minimum 2 years of hyperbaric experience.

BLS/ACLS certification (preferred).

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.

Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.

Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.