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 salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $81,300/yr - $90,000/yr.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around October 27, 2025.

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 one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

This position will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and measuring workplace safety in 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 workplace within UCM laboratories. This scope of work (SOW) includes support for laboratory industrial and chemical hygiene, laser safety, controlled substances, radiation safety, employee ergonomic safety, and laboratory employee training.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, implement, and monitors the campus Chemical Hygiene Plan and support UC Merced's safety culture. Implement strategies and systems to promote and facilitate laboratory compliance with regulatory and campus policy requirements.

• 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; prepares inspection finding reports. Follow up with status and completion of lab preventive and corrective actions, escalate languishing preventive and corrective lab safety findings, and create and adjust methodologies to meet changing regulatory and scientific environments. Develop, implement, and maintain a lab safety coordinator program.

• Assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer with, or serves as a proxy to the Chemical Hygiene Officer on, complex and technical program development to meet regulatory compliance. Represent EH&S on campus and system-wide working groups.

• Conducts periodic reviews of existing EH&S lab safety compliance programs to design new and/or recommend improvements to existing processes and procedures.

• Participates in EH&S strategic planning and contributes to EH&S initiatives as appropriate.

• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

• Review and conducts laboratory incidents and accident investigations and report them. Investigates and writes summary reports of findings for near-miss incidents and accident investigations.

• Recommends corrective action as needed.

• Serves as an emergency response resource for regular and off-hour emergencies as required.

• Informs and advises Incident Commanders of chemical hazards in particular laboratories and proper response to emergency calls and spills when chemical hazards exist.

• Inspects investigates incidents and complaints and recommends corrective action as needed.

• Interact and be a resource to faculty, Safety Officers, Lab Managers, and others in the Campus Community, providing technical information to assure safe conduct of research involving chemical hazards.

• Designs and develops training material, informational flyers, and manuals covering chemical and laboratory safety topics. Assists with developing enhanced resources for the 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.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field. (Required)

• Advanced degree in Chemistry or related field.. (Preferred)

• Three years of directly related progressively responsible experience. (Required)

• Seven years of equivalent experience/training in lieu of degree. (Required)

• Professional certification. (Preferred)

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 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 ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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/