A signing bonus is available according to department guidelines.
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: 46162
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Laser Safety Officer! This role will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive laser safety program for all laser operations that may represent potential injury or visual interference hazards. This includes safety programs for Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems across campus in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the Safe Use of Lasers. The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) will work to establish and maintain a Laser Safety Campus Community to align laser safety efforts across campus and between institutes/departments. The position also provides expertise for non-research use of lasers and laser applications and serves as the staff authority to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards. Additionally, the LSO may provide guidance and respond to hazards involving other sources of non-ionizing radiation, such as radiofrequency and electromagnetic fields.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides comprehensive safety oversight, training, compliance assurance and hazardous material management/disposal services to all campus operations (research, general fund operations, auxiliary operations, events, etc.). We coordinate with University Risk Management regarding campus safety liabilities/risks and develop programs to proactively address issues; develop and implement occupational safety programs that work to reduce risk management liabilities and claims, and coordinate responses to critical campus incidents and ensure appropriate hazard mitigation and remediation for hazardous materials incidents in full compliance with applicable state, federal, and/or local regulations.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Laser Safety Program
Develop and implement a comprehensive Laser Safety Program for the CU-Boulder campus. Develop standard operating procedures, protocols and guidance for laboratories and research facilities that meets compliance with ANSI standards. Includes the development/maintenance of an inventory of all laser applications, including class 3B and class 4 laser systems used on campus. This position will receive support from NIST and other internal CU Boulder departments in achieving this goal.
Create and provide laser safety training for applicable researchers and personnel, including ongoing updates and relevant changes based on industry standards, past incidents, etc.
Ensure the implementation of appropriate laser safety program elements, either by performing them independently or supporting others in performance of the tasks. Examples include: perform risk assessments/hazard evaluations and recommend and facilitate the implementation of appropriate control measures to ensure the safe, secure, and environmentally responsible use and management of laser systems; conduct periodic audits and inspections of laboratories and facilities using lasers, including tracking/reporting of relevant data and collaborating with research personnel to ensure corrections and improvements are implemented as appropriate; provide guidance and oversight for appropriate use of laser protective eyewear for research use; be responsible for and ensure appropriate hazard communication elements related to laser safety, such as signage, indicator lights, etc.; assess the need for improvements related to infrastructure (i.e. access control, blocking of windows, installation of beam containment, etc.), and provide relevant recommendations to researchers, building personnel, and Facilities Management.
Collaborate with research personnel regarding the safe start-up of laser use activities. Develop plans for responding to potentially harmful laser radiation exposures, including provisions for medical assistance, reporting incidents, investigating reported laser accidents, and recommending appropriate preventative strategies alongside campus laser users.
Maintain records and supporting data for the tracking of laser systems and accidents involving lasers on campus, in conjunction with the EH&S Occupational Health & Safety program and University Risk Management. Stay abreast of current and proposed changes in federal, state, local and industry regulations, standards, and recommendations pertaining to lasers.
Coordinate with partner institutions (NIST, NREL, etc.) in the implementation of the CU Laser Safety Program, to ensure an appropriate, coordinated effort on behalf of researchers and CU. Act as the primary university representative regarding laser safety issues and evaluate the program to assure effectiveness and compliance with the relevant ANSI standards.
Laser Safety Campus Community
Establish rapport with and act as a liaison between EH&S and laser users on campus, with the intent of establishing a peer-supported network of research personnel as an active laser safety campus community.
Identify and apply existing researchers with laser safety expertise to implement efficient, pragmatic laser safety protocols and guidance across departments/institutes. Collect, organize, and share laser safety program elements and resources from across campus. Assist individual departments/institutes with efforts to make program improvements.
Track and share incidents and “close calls” involving lasers to allow for collective learning opportunities. Support opportunities that use peer review of laser safety elements between researchers. Participate with institute/departmental protocol review of proposed research involving the use of class 3B and 4 lasers.
Emergency Response
Serve as 24-hour emergency response for incidents involving hazardous (biological, chemical, radiological, asbestos, etc.) materials at any time. On call 24 hours per day approximately 4 weeks per year. May be involved at any time on any day depending upon the nature of the incident.
This position requires in-house training (technical and professional development) and ability to drive a university vehicle. Ensure continuity of campus business operations while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.
What You Should Know
All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to follow the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.
This will be a largely in person position, though there is potential for a hybrid work modality after the training period is over.
This position is designated as Essential Services. A designation of Essential Services means that the employee is required to report to work at times when the campus is closed due to fire, explosion, inclement weather or other emergency situations.
This position will participate in the EH&S after-hours emergency response program to mitigate hazardous materials incidents on a rotating, intermittent basis.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $92,500 annually.
A signing bonus is available according to department guidelines.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
What We Require
Bachelor’s degree in natural science such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc., OR an equivalent combination of experience or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Three (3) years of experience overseeing a laser safety program or relevant non-ionizing radiation or industrial hygiene experience.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Ability to pass a pre-placement physical within 30 days of start date.
Must live within 1 hour of driving time of campus in order to best respond in the case of an emergency.
Our 31,000+ students learn, live, work and play on campus. In many ways, the CU Boulder campus is a city of its own. Our positions meet the academic, research, student-life and administrative needs of our campus and community.
