Chemical Hygiene Officer

Position Summary Information

Position Title: Environmental and Chemical Safety Oversight Specialist
Location: Athens State University, Athens, Alabama
Salary Band: P420 ($21.645/hr – $32.47/hr)
Employment Status: Open until filled

Duties

Position Summary:

Provide oversight of the university’s main campus and ASIM/AMSTI regarding environmental and chemical safety regulations and enforcement.

Essential Functions:

• Stay up-to-date with legal requirements concerning regulated substances, including the handling and disposal of reagents and chemicals.
• Ensure compliance with governing bodies such as the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Participate in yearly training sessions, including HAZWoper, HAZcom, and OSHA, or their equivalents as needed.
• Serve as a member of the University Risk Management and Safety Committee.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, implementing, and enforcing Risk Management and Environmental Safety Policies, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).
• Conduct annual inspections of university buildings to identify potential risks and hazards, taking appropriate actions to minimize and reduce hazards.
• Develop and implement a schedule for regular formal housekeeping inspections of laboratory facilities, including emergency equipment checks.
• Submit yearly inspection reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; report violations requiring interdepartmental cooperation.
• Ensure compliance with national, state, and local safety regulations related to chemical and environmental safety.
• Maintain employee exposure records.
• Develop and provide CHP safety training to new personnel, including those in lab and facilities positions.
• Maintain a list of CHP-trained individuals authorized for specific lab access levels.
• Oversee the university’s Chemical Satellite Accumulation Site (SAA), managing the storage and disposal of chemicals from the main campus and ASIM/AMSTI.
• Post and maintain emergency contact information.
• Comply with all university policies.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to evolving work tasks.
• Foster cooperative relationships with peers and faculty/staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve work practices and suggest viable solutions.
• Engage in proactive problem-solving related to assigned tasks.
• Regularly assess performance and self-monitor for continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Training in HAZWoper, HAZcom, and OSHA, or equivalent certifications.
• Experience with chemical storage procedures and waste disposal.
• Familiarity with maintaining lab safety equipment.
• Experience in emergency response procedures for chemical spills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Salary Schedule

• Salary Band: P420 ($21.645/hr – $32.47/hr)
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• For salary schedules, visit: Athens State University Salary Schedule Tables

University Information

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework for community college graduates and transfer students. Approximately 3,000 students enroll each semester, with over 50 majors and degree programs offered. Around 95% of students take at least one online course. The university recently earned recognition as the “Most Affordable College in Alabama” by The Best Schools and was named a “Great College to Work For” by ModernThink in 2024.

Athens is home to events such as the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, which are recognized among the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.

EEO Statement

Athens State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and complies with federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256-233-8175.

Background Check Statement

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Unofficial transcripts must be submitted from the college or university verifying minimum qualifications.
• Upon an employment offer, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended must be submitted.
• Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of all required transcripts.
• Provide contact information for three professional references, including accurate email addresses if available.
• Athens State University participates in the E-verify System to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees.

Application Process

To apply or view details, visit: Athens State University Job Portal
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For assistance, contact the Human Resources Office at 256-216-3333 or email employment@athens.edu.