Safety Engineer - Research Safety/Chemical Safety

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Job Summary

This position reports to the Director of Research Safety/Chemical Hygiene Officer, within the Research Safety Team. The position is responsible for implementing comprehensive environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) programs and procedures for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Institute community. With a strong background in the sciences, including bench experience, assists the Institute community by providing training, consultation, evaluations, and hazard assessments to reduce or eliminate laboratory and workplace conditions that may lead to injury or loss of Institute resources. Through regular laboratory reviews and incident investigations, identifies research safety and occupational health issues and formulates measures for mitigating hazards. May serve as Assistant Chemical Hygiene Officer and support the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan as assigned.

This is a Campus critical position. An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for disaster response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Under general direction, works on complex projects and implements programs, systems, and procedures necessary to ensure the overall safety and health of the campus and research community.
• Relies on expertise, strong problem-solving and outstanding customer service skills to conduct risk assessments and implement risk mitigation strategies in service of the research community.
• Applies specialized technical knowledge of procedures and equipment used in monitoring and evaluating campus workplace and research laboratories hazardous conditions (chemical, biological, physical hazards); recommends and follows-up on corrective actions to achieve risk mitigation.
• Performs complex investigative/technical work in a wide range of campus and research safety issues to maintain Institute safety and compliance with all internal and external EH&S protocols and requirements; works within one or more operational areas, including chemical and engineering research laboratory activities.
• Develops and/or delivers employee and researcher training, covering research safety topics (chemical, physical, and general safety) using a variety of platforms (online, hands-on, and written guidance).
• Maintains accountability of assigned areas and tracks performance metrics; issues regular reports to internal and external stakeholders on various EH&S and research safety metrics.
• Performs technical and administrative duties related to general safety and research safety (chemical safety), and in support of research compliance, emergency response, environmental and waste management.
• Conducts annual and periodic, comprehensive laboratory inspections to ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Advises Planning, Design and Construction operations in the design or renovation of laboratories.
• Assists the Institute Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) in implementing and maintaining the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Assists the CHO in chemical risk assessments and ongoing laboratory support and review, as assigned.
• Provides hazardous material shipping services to the campus according to DOT and IATA regulations.
• Serves as an incident responder to Institute incidents such as response to chemical or biological spills and exposure, disaster recovery efforts, including on-call rotations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant safety regulations, including OSHA standards, EPA guidelines, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Keeps current with EH&S practitioners and/or organizations to ensure regulatory interpretation, technical advice, and Institute policies comply.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant science discipline (Chemistry, Engineering), with at least 2 years of professional experience in a comprehensive environmental, health and safety program.
• Working knowledge of training development software (PowerPoint, Articulate 360, etc.).
• Physical Demands: The selected candidate must be able to stand and walk through campus for moderate periods of time; lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of tools and equipment on a regular basis.
• Must have the ability to wear a respirator and other protective equipment when working under hazardous conditions and as required.
• Environmental Conditions: The selected candidate will enter research laboratory settings replete with various hazardous materials, including biohazardous and radioactive material.
• Protective equipment qualified to use: Gloves, respirators (N95), lab coat, coveralls.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD degree in a relevant science field.
• Relevant experience preferably in a university setting.
• Working knowledge of synthetic chemistry techniques.
• HAZWOPER 40h certification.
• Working knowledge of EH&S management systems.

Required Documents

• Resume.

$121,200 - $133,900 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at