What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Leader - Lab Safety - Environmental Health and Safety - UTK position at University of Tennessee - Knoxville?
The Environmental Health & Safety Department is seeking a Program Leader to manage, develop, and implement a comprehensive Laboratory Safety Program for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. The Laboratory Safety Program Leader is responsible for the supervision of professional staff who support the implementation of the Laboratory Safety programs. The Program Leader will oversee, develop, and implement safe use procedures, trainings programs, and work-space audits to support safety in research or academic instructional laboratory environments. The Program Leader will work within the university community to implement safety, health, and compliance oversight of laboratory operations which cover a wide range of requirements, risks, and hazards.
- Provide subject matter expertise and overall management of the laboratory safety programs.
- Provide technical safety reviews, risk assessments, and advise faculty and students on research/ laboratory protocols for safety and compliance.
- Oversee the implementation of comprehensive laboratory safety programs including inspections, hazard communication, risk identification, and the development of campus procedures supporting laboratory safety needs.
- Oversee the controlled substances compliance program.
- Oversee the implementation of academic teaching/instructional laboratory safety programs and field research programs.
- Provide leadership direction, mentorship, and supervision of the laboratory safety team.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: 3 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in administering and implementing health and safety programs. Professional experience in implementing laboratory or research safety programs. Experience in supervising professional employees.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant regulations or standards for laboratory safety.
- Knowledge of health and safety principles required for risk assessments including hazard recognition, evaluation, and control.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
- Ability to build and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with stakeholders.
- Able to manage multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines.
- Able to create and implement safety programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience: Preferred greater than 3 years professional experience in implementing or supporting health and safety programs. Preferred experience in higher education. Preferred experience in industrial hygiene.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of industrial hygiene
- Skills in safety program development.
- Skill and ability in leading the implementation of safety programs in higher education.
- Knowledge of applicable regulations, guidance documents and operations applicable to research operations including research practices, scientific methods, and how research is conducted.
Work Location:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR13
- Anticipated hiring range: $85,000 – $93,515
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, or 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 : $85,000 - $93,515
