Safety Advisor

* Job Type: Officer of Administration

* Bargaining Unit:

* Regular/Temporary:
Regular

* End Date if Temporary:

* Hours Per Week: 35

* Standard

Work Schedule:

Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

* Building:

* Salary Range: $67,300 - $75,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Columbia University Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is seeking a motivated candidate to join our team of safety professionals as a Safety Advisor in providing services to a world-class research community. The ideal candidate will be self-driven, knowledgeable in basic health, safety and environmental regulations, a strong written and verbal communicator, and a capable problem solver.

The research environment at Columbia University is dynamic and fast-paced, and the EH&S Team is likewise an exciting place to work. There are truly new and evolving challenges each day and an unlimited amount of opportunity to learn and grow as a safety professional. Our team offers the ability to participate in programming ranging from technical industrial hygiene assessments to Level-C hazardous materials response, and from job hazard analysis to special projects in hazardous materials and occupational safety

The Safety Advisor reports to the EH&S Manager or Associate Manager of Research Safety Programs, and alongside a team of health and safety professionals, proactively builds 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 EH&S 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/closure visits for corrective actions. Perform quarterly laboratory audits for radioactive materials use and inventory verification.

* Escort New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Laboratory Inspection Unit personnel during laboratory permit inspection visits. Assist laboratories in achieving and maintaining compliance with FDNY and other relevant laboratory safety standards in advance of FDNY permit inspections. Assist laboratories in responding to corrective actions identified by FDNY.

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

* 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 EH&S 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 and partners (e.g. Facilities, Public Safety, etc.) of relevant safety programs and conditions to advance University safety culture. Inclusive of, but not limited to, regular monthly trainings and specialized topics…