Career Center

Associate Chemical Hygiene Officer

Cornell University is widely admired as one of the world's most respected research and teaching institutions. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) provides comprehensive programs and services to support our world class researchers, staff, and university community. EHS assists the campus community with compliance and promotes health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

With general oversight from the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), the Associate Chemical Hygiene Officer will promote and support a comprehensive Laboratory and Chemical Safety program for Cornell's Ithaca campus and outlying facilities such as Cornell Tech, except Weill Cornell Medicine - NYC and Qatar. The Associate Chemical Safety Officer will support activities to prevent injury, illness, and exposure to chemical and physical agents in scientific research, clinical practice, and education. They will develop, and implement procedures and programs that promote a safe, responsible, healthful and compliant work environment and will assist the Cornell community in achieving safe practices that comply with applicable laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, and best professional practices. All programs under this position's function must be in a sustainable state of "in-control and capable" functionality.

The primary function of the position is to ensure compliance through management of programs related to regulated chemicals such as chemical inventory and Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ), OSHA regulated chemicals, DHS chemicals of interest (CFATS), toxic compounds, carcinogens, and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws. The incumbent will provide direction to the Chemical Inventory Specialist and assist campus partners in developing procedures for managing chemical inventories within MAQ allowances. They will conduct or participate in site inspections and assessments and provide recommendations for compliance and corrective actions.

The incumbent will support the CHO in maintaining and implementing the comprehensive campus laboratory safety program related to general lab safety, chemical hygiene/safety, process safety, high hazards, physical hazards, etc. As a technical expert, the incumbent conducts independent laboratory safety evaluations to identify and evaluate a wide variety of potential hazards in the workplace; prepares and submits timely reports; conducts timely follow-up to corrective actions through resolution; and develops, maintains and implements the lab safety program according to EHS departmental procedures. The incumbent will work with the CHO in developing criteria for using high hazard chemicals.

The position will have responsibilities that oversee and monitor programs, procedures, and policies such as:

• Comprehensive chemical risk assessments
• Injury and illness reduction, incident investigation and reporting
• PPE assessments, requirements
• Development and delivery of appropriate training
• EHS audits, inspections, self-assessments and risk analysis
• Support Safety Committees at all levels to implement EHS programs, policies and procedures
• Support College and Department Safety Representatives, faculty, staff, and students in teaching, research and clinical areas
• Participate in incident response for chemical incidents

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

We are a value-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

We require these qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, safety, industrial hygiene, physical sciences or closely related field.
• At least three years working experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated use of Microsoft Suite products, at a minimum, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Proven track record of completing work on time and within budget.
• Ability to work in a diverse culture.
• EHS management systems experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience in laboratory safety.
• Position requires advanced education and experience with a solid working knowledge of a wide range of health and safety regulations.
• Effective communication skills to develop written programs for compliance with regulations and to present health and safety training programs to university staff, students, and faculty.
• Requires use of good judgment in sensitive situations with employees at all levels within the University community.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and mentor colleagues.
• Ability to pass a background check as required by Cornell.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Driver's license and have a good driving record.
• Ability to be medically cleared for the use of respiratory and personal protective equipment and for hazardous materials emergency responder work.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in chemistry, safety, industrial hygiene, physical sciences or closely related field.
• Certification as CHO, CIH, CHMM, CSP or closely related field.
• EHS Audit experience.
• Experience with EHS management systems such as ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18000, ANZI Z10 or VPP.
• Strong knowledge and experience in hazardous materials response.
• Experience working directly with external agencies.

No visa sponsorship provided for this position.

Rewards & Benefits:

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day) and superior retirement contributions.

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Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.