Chemical Hygiene Officer

Job Details

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 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 the Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine. The 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.

• 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

Position requires an advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree with at least six years of experience may be accepted as a substitute for an advanced degree, depending on the type and extent of experience.