Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Kim Southworth, Kim.southworth@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$56,000 - $76,000

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by 2025-12-15 to ensure full consideration.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references. One of the professional references must be from your current supervisor.

About this Position

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) manages the university's chemical hygiene and chemical safety programs as required under OSHA, DOT, federal, state, and local regulations and is responsible for laboratory surveys and the OSHA Laboratory Standard Chemical Hygiene Plan program. The CHO coordinates or assists in the coordination of Environmental Health & Safety training programs, including bloodborne pathogen, managing chemicals in the workplace, hazardous materials, and chemical shipping programs. The position will serve on the Institutional Biological and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC). The position will also be the chemical/industrial hygiene/toxicology specialist and will do protocol chemical risk assessments. The CHO will manage the chemical inventory database system. The position also provides support to the Occupational Safety Program, Environmental Compliance Program, and Occupational Health Program.

Additional areas of responsibility:

• Manage all activities related to the use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories to ensure they are conducted in a safe manner as well as in compliance with OSHA regulations as specified in 29 CFR Part 1910.1450.
• Manage laboratory surveys and actions to remedy faults and remediate.
• Manage testing of fume hoods, safety showers, eye washes, and other safety devices.
• Work with principal investigator's (PI's) to develop, review and approve Job Hazard Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures and Chemical Hygiene Plans detailing all aspects of proposed research activities that involve hazardous materials.
• Work with the PI's on the approval process for the purchase of highly toxic, reactive, carcinogenic or other inherently hazardous materials.
• Investigate and complete a report for chemical related incidents and exposures in their departments.
• Provide guidance with personal protective equipment selection based on the findings in the job hazard analysis.
• Disseminate chemical safety information throughout the university via emails, posting, and other forms of communication.
• Provide general chemical safety guidance to university staff, students and faculty.
• Maintain the university's Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Maintain a current template for the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Standard Operating Procedure. Provide training for all laboratory workers in the university.
• Oversee the university's bloodborne pathogen program.
• Assist with ergonomic assessments and indoor air quality issues.

Due to communication expectations of the position, the employee will be required to carry a department-issued cell phone while performing assigned duties.

Position will work anywhere from clean to dirty atmospheres and under all types of conditions and weather.

Position handles all types of hazardous materials, including, but not limited to, flammables, acids, caustics, carcinogens, pesticides, teratogens, explosives, etc. Also, obtains and analyzes samples of dangerous chemicals and substances. Performs chemical spill cleanups and assists with waste chemical pickups.Must pass post-offer physical exam and annually thereafter.

Must be able to pass a respiratory fit test, be able to work while wearing a respirator, and comply with OSHA requirements. Regular exposure to physically demanding and hazardous tasks, including walking for long periods of time, bending, stooping, lifting, standing, reaching, and climbing stairs/ladders. Must be able to lift in excess of 30 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Three years of safety and regulatory compliance experience in a laboratory or industrial setting.

  Experience with of knowledge of preparing technical reports.

  Experience in issue analysis and creative problem solving, along with the ability to provide strategic options and recommendations.

  Experience with different types of training media, such as online and PowerPoint. 

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  Valid Driver's License. A valid driver's license must be maintained for the operation of an OSU vehicle, which is required in the performance of job duties as assigned.

  Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) Certification within a year of hire.

  Certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED. If needed, certifications will be provided by the department within six months of employment. Additional recertifications will be provided throughout employment as required to remain up to date.

  24-hour HAZWOPER training. If needed, certifications will be provided by the department within six months of employment. Additional recertifications will be provided throughout employment as required to remain up to date.

• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  Ability to communicate well (verbally and written) with good report writing skills.

  Must be detail-oriented and able to interact well and work with people.

  Must have working knowledge of laboratory related OSHA regulations, industrial standards, and best work practices.

  Ability to work with a variety of backgrounds at all levels within the University.

  Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

  Computer skills to include operation and utilization of various software programs to include MS office.

  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express ideas effectively through public speaking.

  Strong time management, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field
• More than three years of related experience in a college or university setting. Experience creating and delivering chemical hygiene, laboratory risk management, and regulatory compliance training programs for diverse groups. HAZWOPER training (24-hour).
• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).

  Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).