Lab Safety Specialist (7146U) - 67572 About Berkeley
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The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , our Principles of Community , and our Strategic Plan .
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Departmental Overview
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety's (EH&S) mission is to provide guidance and services to the campus community that promote health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
EH&S is a highly dynamic, fast paced, committed organization focused on promoting workplace safety and environmental protection for the campus community. We are comprised of many scientific, technical, and administrative professionals, working in an evolving, learning, and sometimes challenging environment with a unified goal of supporting the University's mission of teaching, research and public service. EH&S strives to be an inclusive, service oriented, and operationally excellent organization and is seeking highly motivated individuals who want to learn, be creative, seek continuous competency development, and contribute to our mission.
For more information, visit http://ehs.berkeley.edu .
Position Summary
The Lab Safety Specialist will monitor compliance by conducting initial and follow-up on-site inspections of laboratory research facilities.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 04/23/2024.
Responsibilities
Monitors compliance by conducting routine initial and follow-up on-site inspections in lab facilities of campus Principal Investigators (PIs). Provides on-site consultation to Principal Investigators, Laboratory Managers, and other laboratory personnel on laboratory a specific issues of concern relating to EH&S programs.
Organizes, schedules, and conducts inspections: Interacting with department, laboratory, and shop personnel. Establishes necessary corrective actions and procedural changes with laboratory personnel, including Principal Investigators in addressing environment, health, and safety deficiencies. When appropriate, assists campus departments in correcting environmental, health and safety non-compliance issues (e.g. chemical storage, hazardous waste fume hood use, earthquake safety securing, chemical inventory, chemical hygiene plans, electrical/energy safety). Uses various tracking tools and systems to assure timely reporting of inspection results, and resolution of any findings. Notifies appropriate faculty and department safety personnel of inspection results and planned risk reduction activities. Independently interprets regulations and campus policies to provide guidance and direction. Fully implements the Enforcement of Safety Standards in Academic Environments policy. Works closely with research groups to develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Mentor, train and collaborate with other EHS Specialists/Technicians to support overall research safety program and inspections.
Provides safety consultation and workplace hazard assessment based on need by campus clients; investigates incidents, complaints, and assists with follow-up action items
Consults with researchers in their labs, and involves EH&S SMEs as needed to reduce hazards and support safer research operations. Designs new and/or recommends improvements to existing processes and procedures. Adjusts methodologies to meet changing regulatory and scientific environment. May provide support to other EHS programs, including Respiratory Protection Program and any others per business needs.
Designs new and/or recommends improvements to existing processes and procedures
Generates standard operating procedures (SOP), job safety analysis (JSA), and other documentation based on safety program requirements and client needs, including use of relevant scientific data. Works with EH&S IT, UCOP Risk and Safety Solutions (RSS) staff to maintain and improve, as necessary, management of inspection and program data.
Performs outreach and communication to campus within relevant field; provides consultation with research community.
Drafts reports and other documentation, including use of relevant scientific data. Review, update and collaborate with Communications to ensure all associated program documentation is up-to-date and current (websites, program documents, inspection checklists).
Within specific field
Maintains knowledge/expertise on existing/proposed changes in all regulations; interprets and applies relevant laws, regulations, codes and standards, including making recommendations for work environment changes based on interpretations and principles of professional practices. Completes and maintains compliance on campus/systemwide training requirements, as well as any training necessary per role.
Staff development:
Works on professional committees and assignments, participates in professional training and attends relevant conferences, and/or is mentored or coached on a formal or informal basis.
Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
Member of Designated Spill Response Team (Regular rotation, 24/7, up to every 6-8 weeks or more frequently as needed). Provide technical support to the Dedicated Spill Response Team (DSRT) program by serving as a "Designated Responder". Must be accessible via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill) during business hours. Will perform directly or coordinate any necessary field activities to evaluate and mitigate a hazard. Provide technical support to the DSRT program by serving as the "Lead Off-Hours Responder". Must be accessible by UCPD via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to emergencies (e.g., a chemical spill) during non-business hours. Must be within one hour of campus and may not engage in activity that will affect the ability to respond. To serve as a designated responder, incumbent must meet the specific requirements of the DSRT program as outlined in the EH&S DSRT Program Guidelines. At the request of campus management (EH&S Director, VC Research/Administration, UCPD Chief, or designated alternate), serve in a designate role within the EH&S Emergency Support Function and be on call to the campus Emergency Operations Center in a campus designated disaster or campus hazardous material release/threatened release. Provide appropriate emergency response role based upon expertise and, where applicable, designated departmental role.
Required Qualifications
Broad knowledge and understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations. Demonstrated experience and skill in interpreting and applying local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the workload within time and resource constraints. Skills to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required. Thorough written, and verbal communication skills, effective facilitation, interpersonal, conflict resolution skills, and political acumen to communicate workplace hazard mitigation to a diverse audience. Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior research or professional safety experience, and familiarity with academic organizational and research environments. Working knowledge of application of environmental, health, and safety regulations relevant to UC Berkeley facilities and research activities.
**Governing Laws and Regulations***
Incumbent's responsibilities are guided by a significant number of federal, State, and local laws and regulations as well as campus policy. There are municipal, regional, county, State, and federal regulators that have jurisdiction, often overlapping, over those campus programs and activities being audited. The following environmental, health and safety subject areas each have multiple laws and regulations that may apply to UC Berkeley:
Worker Health and Safety Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Air Quality Management Water Quality Protection
Specific laws and regulations are too numerous to list.
Salary & Benefits
This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) exempt career position, which is paid monthly and eligible for UC Benefits.
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $77,600.00 -$100,000.00, commensurate with experience.