What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Safety Specialist - Environmental Health and Safety - UTK position at University of Tennessee - Knoxville?
The Environmental Health & Safety Department is seeking a Laboratory Safety Specialist who will promote health and safety within the university by assisting with the review and implementation of occupational health and safety programs in research and teaching laboratories at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. The individual will review, inspect, and provide consultation on laboratory work environments and the associated experimental procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemicals, physical hazards, biological agents, or ergonomic factors. This position will liaise with faculty, staff, and students regarding needs to accomplish compliance or institutional procedure related to laboratory operations.
- Perform laboratory safety inspections in assigned academic departments, or for hazard-based specific purposes.
- Assess work operations, identify areas for correction, inform Principal Investigator of findings. Follow-up on items needing correction. Write inspection reports. Maintain inspection data.
- Serve as a liaison between the Environmental Health & Safety Department and the academic department regarding research safety operations and needs. Perform laboratory commissioning and decommissions.
- Provide technical assistance to academic departments on the development of chemical hygiene plans, lab-specific standard operating procedures, laboratory door signs, chemical inventory data, or other research operational needs.
- Perform annual testing of laboratory chemical fume hood airflow rates.
Required Qualifications
Education: B.S. degree in STEM, chemistry, biology, environmental science, environmental health, engineering, safety, or related field.
Experience: 1 year of safety-related professional experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of laboratory operations, laboratory safety, or workplace safety.
- Skilled in professional and technical writing. Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to assess risks and hazards in a workplace.
- Ability to wear basic personal protective equipment and physically capable of walking across campus to different laboratory locations.
Additional Requirements: Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience: Preferred experience in higher education, research, analytical, or other laboratory settings. Preferred experience in general safety, performing audits, or implementing workplace safety programs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Intermediate knowledge of laboratory operations or laboratory safety.
- Skills and knowledge of workplace auditing principles.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Work Location:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR08
- Anticipated hiring range: $49,770 – $58,065
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested material should be submitted on, before November 30, 2025.
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of three professional references.
About Environmental Health & Safety
The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Department partners with our campus community to ensure that the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is safe, healthful, and environmentally responsible. We support the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service by fostering a positive safety culture where people feel empowered, respected, and actively engaged.
Salary : $49,770 - $58,065
