Research Safety Professional

Research Safety Professional
Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS)
University of Minnesota

Description of Position

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Campus Operations Specialist or Manager in the Departmental of Environmental Health and Safety, will work in collaboration with the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the Radiation Protection Officer, the Biosafety Officer, and other Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM) staff to provide training, consultation, and support to university departments and laboratories in the areas of research safety, occupational safety, and environmental health. The incumbent will also work closely with departmental safety resources such as Associate Deans, Department Managers and Supervisors, Departmental Safety Officers (DSOs), principal investigators, student groups, and other stakeholders across the University to help the institution maintain compliance and advance safety culture in laboratories.
Responsibilities

60% Serve as a primary point of contact and provide consultation and technical support to research and operations groups, colleges, and local safety committees in the area of risk assessment, job hazard assessments, and other technical issues related to research safety. Activities will include facilitating risk assessments, inspecting labs and work areas, making recommendations to improve safety, ensuring hazard analyses of critical activities are conducted, reviewing and making recommendations on safe operating procedures, and recommending work activities that may need to be shut down or curtailed because of imminent danger or non-response to safety recommendations. Make referrals and facilitate client access to technical specialists in the areas of biological and radiation safety, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, disabilities services, and risk management.

25% Coordinate and lead efforts at the college/department level to review, update, develop, and deliver cutting edge research safety training based on regulations, university policy, and current best practices. Work with collegiate resources and other HSRM staff to promote and monitor compliance with requirements for required safety training.

10% Perform other duties related to safety and/or environmental health as assigned including, but not limited to: recommending exposure monitoring of staff who work with hazardous materials, assisting departments to prepare reports on safety progress on metrics. Also, participation in the on-call emergency response program.

5% Assist work area supervisors with investigation and follow-up of accidents and near miss incidents.

Working Conditions

Work environment may include office, research laboratory, and agricultural settings across the University of Minnesota System. Routine exposures to hazardous materials or harsh physical conditions are not expected. This position will be part of a rotating, on-call, emergency response program that may be activated during regular hours or after hours, weekends, and holidays. The incumbent will be officed on the Duluth campus, but occasional travel to other campus locations will be required.

Classification #:8424HS
Salary Range: DOQ

Minimum Qualifications

* BA/BS in safety, industrial hygiene, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline plus at least five years of experience OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least nine years.
* Practical experience working in a laboratory or performing risk-assessments of chemical hazards and laboratory procedure hazards.
* Working knowledge of research safety principles and practices including, but not limited to, knowledge of the OSHA and laboratory safety standards, general chemical hazards and methods to prevent exposure.
* Experience interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and/or university policies, procedures, and standards
* Proficiency in use of word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge and understanding of safety aspects of research activities at the University of Minnesota ranging from working with chemicals, laboratory-scale processes and their physical hazards, electrical, machine guarding, shop safety, etc.
* Knowledge and understanding of mechanical and industrial safety, risk assessment procedures, hazard analysis, and laboratory accident prevention.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to convey information about laboratory and workplace safety risks.
* Ability to present information in group settings while considering multiple perspectives and competing interests.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills and a record of establishing effective working relationships.
* Demonstrated understanding of the nature and purpose of health and safety functions within a higher education institution.
* Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and good customer service.
* Ability to work with exposure monitoring equipment.
* Ability to negotiate and resolve complex work related problems
* Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).