Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, Biosafety

Job Summary

The Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, Biosafety administers environmental health and safety programs, serves as the Assistant Biosafety Officer, and formulates policies and procedures to effectively administer such programs.

FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Ensures the biological safety of working environments and/or research projects through environmental monitoring, surveying, and the inspection of University buildings and research facilities. Collaborates with the Biological Safety Officer in ensuring that all delegated areas of responsibility remain in full compliance with federal and state regulations, rules, guidelines, as well as University and other local policies. Assists with review of research protocols.

• Performs inspections, investigations, sampling, and data analysis to confirm or ascertain the level of safety and protection that exists in university work areas, surrounding environments, and research projects. Utilizes these results to determine and then implement necessary control measures to ensure that any associated risks are adequately addressed consistent with industry standards.

• Confirms the inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and testing of research autoclaves. Coordinates campus-wide biohazardous waste pick up, assists with Hazardous Materials and advisor for other department programs relating to biological safety including assists with procedures for animal vertebrate research and IACUC protocols.

• Assists in the development and delivery of formal and on-the-job training, as needed, to ensure regulatory compliance and continued professional development. Provides response, oversight, or training to deal with unplanned occurrences such as hazardous spills, safety system failures, fires, or air quality complaints. Maintains competency in the use of all specialized instrumentation, computer programs, and databases required to effectively administer program components.

• Partners with other University personnel in order to apply relevant expert knowledge and specialized resources effectively in addressing campus safety and health concerns. Assists with planning and presenting biological safety programs to educate the University community on environmental health and safety issues.

• Assists with the management of regulated materials and accountability programs. Ensures proper storage and disposal of these materials. Must be able to lift items that weigh up to 50 pounds and be able to move heavier materials using handling equipment or assistance. Completes appropriate inspection reports, interprets results and maintains records.

• Assists the EH&S Director in serving as liaison between the University and associated regulatory agencies on environmental or health and safety issues in the Director's absence, as required.

• Remains constantly vigilant to changes or advances that may have an impact on EH&S-associated programs through proactive methods such as audits, research, interactions with colleagues at related institutions, and by attending relevant professional courses or society meetings. Immediately reports any findings that may affect University programs to supervisors and assists in determining and implementing necessary policy changes to ensure best practices are realized.

• Provides assistance as required by FGCU administration during emergency conditions and incidents.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either nine years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.

• Relevant full-time experience.

• Experience with hazardous waste management techniques.

• Completion of the 24 or 40 hour HAZWOPER training or ability to obtain within three months of employment.

• Experience operating personal computers and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

• Possession or eligibility to pursue professional Biosafety credentials (Registered or Certified Biosafety Professional) within two years.

• Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Health and Safety or closely related field.

• 4 Years Professional full-time experience in managing research compliance and working with research compliance committees (e.g., Institutional Review Board-IRB, Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee-IACUC, export controls, etc.).

• 2 Years Professional full-time experience working in a laboratory environment.

• Experience working with research compliance committees, assessing compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

• Experience working in a higher education setting, research organization, or federal agency.

• Experience with Workday or Ellucian Banner enterprise application.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statues, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.

• Knowledge of administrative and regulatory operations of compliance committees.

• Knowledge of Chemistry and Biological science and experimental protocols.

• Knowledge of occupational safety principles in the use of personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and chemical labeling.

• Knowledge of chemical waste management techniques and hazardous waste handling and storage procedures.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects when numerous and diverse demands are involved.

• Ability to gather data, maintain records, and prepare reports and other written materials.

• Ability to think critically and make clear, well-reasoned, and timely decisions.

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently.

• Ability to facilitate and coordinate meetings.

• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.

Pay Grade: 17