Environmental Health & Safety Officer
This position is located in the State Environmental Laboratory Services Division - Accreditation & Quality Assurance Section in Oklahoma City.
All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorships for those on a H-1B visa.
Application Requirements
All applicants must upload a resume, transcript, cover letter and three professional references to be considered for this position.
Basic Purpose
This position is critical to maintenance and support of the safety program of the Oklahoma DEQ State Environmental Laboratory Services Division (SELSD). This position serves to ensure the regulatory compliance and safe working conditions of the SELSD, and to protect the ability of the laboratory to reliably produce data of known quality in support of public and environmental health.
Typical Functions
Maintain, manage, and advance the laboratory chemical hygiene plan and safety manual and associated policies, procedures, and documentation.
Plan, perform, and manage safety-related inspections and risk assessments for the laboratory and the division.
Support and facilitate external safety-related inquiries and evaluations.
Manage, categorize, inventory, and facilitate removal of hazardous waste in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
Coordinate the laboratory Safety Team to manage and prioritize safety-related tasks, projects, and monitor and evaluate safety-related suggestions.
Maintain, manage, and advance the laboratory chemical hygiene plan and safety manual and associated policies, procedures, and documentation.
Plan, perform, and manage safety-related inspections and risk assessments for the laboratory and the division.
Support and facilitate external safety-related inquiries and evaluations.
Manage, categorize, inventory, and facilitate removal of hazardous waste in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
Coordinate the laboratory Safety Team to manage and prioritize safety-related tasks, projects, and monitor and evaluate safety-related suggestions.
Develop, maintain, and present safety trainings to the division.
Manage and maintain robust, transparent, and readily retrievable program records, communications, and deliverables.
Collaborate and communicate with external and internal bodies regarding safety, chemical hygiene operations, and requirements.
Research, interpret, and communicate regulatory requirements, specifically from the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma State Statutes and Codes, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, and the American National Standards Institute.
Develop and track safety program metrics and inventories, such as personal protective equipment and chemicals.
Participate in programmatic planning, improvement activities, and tracking.
Respond to workplace incidents, including documentation, assistance, investigations, corrections, and emergency response.
Travel Requirements
Infrequent; one to four times a year.
Education and Experience
Level I - bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological or environmental science.
Level II - those identified in level I plus one year of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a master’s degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science.
Level III - those identified in level I plus two years of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a master’s degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science and one year of professional experience in a laboratory.
To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.
Additional Considerations/Preferences (These cannot eliminate a candidate)
Applicants with experience or training in management of a laboratory safety program, hazardous waste procedures, and environmental regulatory compliance are preferred.
Physical Requirements
Applicant must be able to:
Operate a computer for several hours per day.
Stand for several hours per day.
Perform repetitive tasks.
Have sufficient visual acuity to perform routine laboratory tasks, such as reading narrow thermometer graduations, distinguishing between colors and solvent layers, reading printed standards and regulations, and review written records.
Wear and perform in various types of personal protective equipment including lab coats, protective eye wear, face shields, and gloves.
Climb stairs, sit-down, and walk across both even and uneven terrain without substantial impairment.
Lift 30 pounds independently.
Special Requirements
Applicant must have excellent communication skills, including face-to-face interactions, verbal communication, professional written correspondence, and customer service skills. They must also be adept at time management, critical problem-solving, research, and both independent and collaborative work and decision-making. Candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Suite products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Other Information not included above
Applicant is expected and required to complete ethics and data integrity training annually and upon starting work. This includes a sworn statement to conduct work behavior in accordance with outlined policies and procedures. Also, upon starting work, the applicant is expected and required to complete a disclosure statement specifying any personal or financial interest in any business subject to regulation by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Benefits
Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually.
A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
Not all applicants will receive an interview. If you are selected to be interviewed, you will be notified by email.