Laboratory Safety Technician

POSITION SUMMARY 

This position will assist with the daily operations of the campus laboratory and occupational safety programs.  Specific responsibilities are to perform and support the fume hood testing, laboratory sign, online training, and compliance programs.   

GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES: 

Laboratory Safety Activities (75%) 

Perform fume hood testing in labs throughout campus. Use instrumentation to calculate the face velocity, “smoke” test for visual verification of capture dynamics, record condition of the fume hoods, and manage database of all findings  

Update training database and create training certificates 

Assist with chemical inventory data gathering  

Assist with laboratory signage  

Occupational Safety Activities (15%)   

Manage information in online training software program and generate reports 

Update training database and create training certificates 

Assist with annual fire and tornado drills, in-person trainings, industrial hygiene monitoring, and respiratory fit testing.    

Risk Management and Other Compliance Activities (5%) 

Miscellaneous duties to support Risk Management and other compliance duties within University Safety and Assurances  

Other Activities (5%) 

Miscellaneous duties as assigned  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge of laboratory science or research and their operations 

Knowledge and ability to use computers, databases, and Microsoft Office programs, in particular MS Excel and MS Access 

Ability to write clear and accurate technical reports 

Ability to work independently and use good time management skills 

Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds 

This position requires a criminal record review at the finalist stage. UWM is an AA/EEO Employer.   

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Work will be performed in laboratory environments and will include potential exposure to various chemical, biological, and radioactive materials.  Work may involve heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), involve holding instruments or hand tools at eye level for short periods of time, and stand/walking for long periods of time. Work will also be performed in office setting. 

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Computers, thermal anemometer (for testing fume hood), laboratory carts, and fit testing and industrial hygiene monitoring equipment 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety eye wear, and lab coat 

Our department Budget allows for 168 hours student worker total 

Panther Edge Competencies  

1) Communication  

The student will practice written, verbal, and nonverbal communication as they work with our department and many other departments performing hood testing. They will need to communicate with lab staff, PIs and Safety personnel.  Write and send out hood testing findings to each department.   

2) Critical Thinking  

The student will need to perform situational analysis, decision making, problem solving when entering the laboratories in order to test the fume hoods and work with those using the lab fume hoods.   

3) Equity & Inclusion  

The student will work with a variety of individuals from different cultures when entering labs framing discussions, so all lab workers feel respected and included in the information attained with the hood testing.  

4) Professionalism

Hood testing is a compliance need, and the student will learn to perform hood testing to ethically determine the compliance of the laboratory tools.  

5) Tech Savviness 

The student will learn how to use equipment such as an anemometer and our hood testing software, they will also be expected to use Microsoft office (Excel, word etc.).