• Job Type: Officer of Administration --
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range:

Position Summary

Reporting to the Environmental Health and Safety Manager or Associate Manager of the Research Safety Program the Safety Advisor will, along with a team of health and safety professionals, proactively build relationships with University and University affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University???s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. The Safety Advisor will maintain a client focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with Environmental Health and Safety colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, the Safety Advisor will ensure effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.  

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements.Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

- Conduct surveys for laboratory safety, hazardous materials and hazardous waste management and research protocol compliance, including primary interface with Principal Investigators and senior laboratory staff, and follow up to closure visits for corrective actions. Perform quarterly laboratory audits for radioactive materials use and inventory verification.

- Perform chemical and nonchemical exposure assessments and monitoring of various laboratory and non laboratory activities and assist in making appropriate recommendations for exposure minimization (product substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment) and perform follow up to ensure recommendations have been implemented and are effective.

- Support the University???s laboratory sustainability program through departmental workgroups and laboratory based activities, including educating research personnel regarding waste reduction and proper waste segregation and recycling and monitoring their practices.

- Perform chemical fume hood face velocity measurement and certification in accordance with the chemical fume hood certification schedule, as well as upon request and following maintenance or repair, and enter certification data into Environmental Health and Safety database.

- Respond and participate in emergency responses in laboratories and administrative buildings (hazardous materials, indoor air quality, water intrusion and mold assessments) both during and outside standard business hours. Assist in proactively communicating ongoing status, resolution and detailed reports to all affected parties.

- Support the Academic Machine Shop and Respiratory Protection programs.

- Assist with vendor based hazardous waste activities as needed by ensuring transfer, storage and disposal of laboratory wastes comply with University policies and government regulations.

- Contribute to the development and presentation of training, data and outreach materials to inform University research community, Facilities and Public Safety of relevant safety programs and conditions to advance University safety culture. Inclusive of, but not limited to, regular monthly trainings and specialized topics and sessions for University groups.

- Support inspection readiness program for assigned laboratories, including development of internal laboratory profiles and electronic database recordkeeping.

- Perform accident and incident investigations related to research operations.

- Assist in documentation and recordkeeping for various Environmental Health and Safety programs.

- Conduct hazardous materials clearances in laboratories and support Environmental Health and Safety Fire Safety, Facilities Operations, and Capital Project Management, throughout a project???s lifecycle, as needed.

- Assist in the inventory, management and maintenance of university industrial hygiene equipment, including scheduling and training of applicable staff in proper use.

- Develop professional contacts at peer institutions with staff performing similar activities. Be able to expand skill set to assist other program areas of Biological and Radiation, while providing cross coverage in these areas, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree required in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Sciences preferred. 2 or more years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field is required, preferably in a laboratory environment. An appropriate combination of education and experience, meeting Columbia University criteria, may be considered in lieu of 2 or more years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as a member of a team.  Ability to facilitate effective operational integration, collaboration and teamwork within Environmental Health and Safety and Columbia University.  Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks and exercise good judgment in managing time.  Establish and maintain professional, collaborative, service oriented, cooperative and effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, unions, Customers, the public, regulatory agencies and Co Workers through practical and positive communication.  Ability to operate industrial hygiene and environmental equipment and information technologies, including advanced database, spreadsheet, presentation design software and word processing editing features.  Ability to understand, interpret and convey measurements, data, standards and hazardous materials information, strong written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and actively on complex topics and to convey risks effectively.  Ability to simplify guidance for students and staff, and to prepare thoroughly documented technical reports, excellent oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare professional quality presentations, speak clearly and engagingly about complex issues before small and large groups of diverse audiences, ability to stand, walk, and negotiate occasional awkward work locations and paths of travel, ability to work in a variety of physical environments, including outdoors and inclement weather and temperatures. Ability to periodically perform short duration physical exertions, including light to medium weight lifting, pushing and pulling, stair or ladder climbing, in support of a safety investigation, area or operations surveys, decommissioning or emergency response. Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.

Other Requirements

Knowledge of the structure of occupational and environmental health and safety activities related to biomedical or academic research is desired. Safety training experience preferred. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 40 hour and Hazardous Waste Operations certification preferred.  Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Department of Transportation certifications are a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.