Penn State University

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Penn State University$86K — $129K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, or a related field
  • 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong knowledge of chemical safety regulations and procedures
  • Experience in developing and implementing safety programs
  • Proven capability in conducting hazard evaluations and managing chemical safety controls
  • Ability to train and educate faculty and staff on chemical safety practices

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the principal expert and leader for the university's chemical safety program
  • Manage the University Chemical Hygiene Program effectively
  • Oversee the Hazard Communications program to ensure compliance and safety
  • Develop policies and procedures for the safe use of chemicals
  • Conduct hazard evaluations collaboratively with the university community
  • Manage chemical inventory and ensure proper storage and labeling
  • Lead incident response efforts involving hazardous chemicals and materials
  • Support sustainability and green chemistry initiatives within the university

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members
  • Support for professional development and continued education opportunities
Full Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .


 

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is looking for an energetic, motivated professional with broad knowledge and experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline to serve as the scientific safety officer for the university’s chemical safety program.

The Chemical Hygiene Officer serves within the Laboratory and Research Safety Division of EHS and has a pivotal role in the optimization of chemical and laboratory safety in university operations and research.

This position is located at the University Park campus and oversees chemical safety programs at all University locations (including all Commonwealth campuses and research locations), except for the Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine.  This position leverages the EHS safety coordinator team to support day-to-day management and support of program expectations as directed by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as functional leader and technical expert for the chemical safety program

  • Manage the University Chemical Hygiene Program

  • Oversee management of the University Hazard Communications program

  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs governing the safe use of chemicals across the university

  • Conduct hazard evaluations and work collaboratively with the university community to ensure optimal safety controls are in place and operating as intended

  • Oversee chemical inventory management

  • Provide functional and operational leadership for work involving highly hazardous chemicals and operations, including shock-sensitive, reactive, pyrophoric, and acutely toxic chemicals and materials that pose an acute health hazard

  • Manage the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program

  • Serve as primary responder to laboratory incidents, accidents, and emergencies involving chemicals and hazardous materials

  • Oversee the development and implementation of chemical safety curriculum for the university and serve as lead trainer for chemical safety programs

  • Support green chemistry and related sustainability principles in teaching and research in coordination with the Sustainability Institute.

  • Oversee continual assessment of current programs to identify new performance goals, strategies, and metrics.

Preferred Education:

A master’s degree in an advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, or a related field is preferred.

 

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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