Associate Chemical Hygiene Officer (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 full salary range for this position is $67,800 - $122,800.  The budgeted salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $79,649/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 27, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site. 

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university’s mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced’s evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Involves developing, implementing, monitoring, and measuring workplace safety in chemical research and teaching laboratories to demonstrate compliance with the UCM Laboratory Safety Plan and Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and provide a safe and hazard free workplace within UCM laboratories. This scope of work (SOW) includes compliance assurance and support for laboratory industrial and chemical hygiene, laser safety, controlled substances, radiation safety, employee ergonomic safety, and laboratory employee occupational health monitoring and measurement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs technical work related to the field(s) of expertise, including but not limited to conducting lab safety compliance inspections of laboratories/facilities to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures; prepare inspection finding reports, follow up with status and completion of lab preventive and corrective actions, escalates languishing preventive and corrective lab safety findings, and creates and adjusts methodologies to meet changing regulatory and scientific environment.
• Develops, implements, and monitors EH&S programs, procedures, and training in the following fields, including but not limited to industrial hygiene, laboratory safety, controlled substances, radiation safety, hazardous materials control, and hazardous waste management (may include shipping).
• Reviews and conducts laboratory incidents and accident investigations and reporting. Investigates and writes summary reports of findings for near-miss incidents and accident investigations. Recommends corrective action as needed.
• Designs new and/or recommends improvements to existing EH&S lab safety compliance programs, systems, and implements procedures including but not limited to developing metrics and efficiencies in performance monitoring and measurement and assisting with developing enhanced resources for EH&S website.
• Performs outreach and communication to laboratories within the relevant fields through training on various chemical safety and hygiene programs including accident/incident preventative strategies, compressed gas safety, controlled substances safety, general lab workplace safety, hazmat spill response (DOT Awareness) training, laser safety training, nanomaterials safety training, and radiation safety training.
• Helps coordinate and assist as needed with laboratory waste pick-ups, performs "lab packing" containerized chemical waste into approved USDOT containers as needed on an emergency basis, and may assist with packing and shipping hazardous chemicals (US DOT HMTRs and IATA DGRs).
• Assists with hazardous materials emergency response as required.
• Applies relevant laws, regulations, codes, and standards with refinements as necessary to procedure(s) as applicable. Conducts educational and awareness training as necessary and directed. Participates in workgroups, committees, and teams as necessary to further the mission of EH&S and the campus. Represents EH&S on campus, industry committees, and groups and provides formal and informal coaching and mentoring.
• Maintains and applies working knowledge/expertise on regulations and technical aspects of various regulatory requirements; interprets and applies relevant laws, regulations, codes, and standards, including making recommendations for changes based on interpretations and implementation of laboratory safety. Maintains licenses and certifications as required. 

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry or related field. (Preferred)
• Three years of directly related progressively responsible experience or seven years of equivalent experience/training.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge/understanding of specific EH&S field(s), including related laws and regulations, and general knowledge/understanding of all EH&S fields.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines.
• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skills to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.
• Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy . UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu .

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7       Referrals                         

How did you hear about the job? (select) “other”

Additional information? (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee 

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.