Job Details

Safety Specialist I - Assistant Biosafety Officer

Position Number: 6558962
Location: El Paso, TX
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Safety Specialist I - Assistant Biosafety Officer

Job ID: 14057
Location: El Paso, TX
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About UTEP

About the University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

The University of Texas at El Paso is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 172 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

About VP Business Affairs

The Division of Business Affairs oversees many elements of doing business at UTEP, including human resources, the budget office, and accounting and financial services. In addition, the VPBA Office manages business contracts and agreements, institutional memberships, the University's risk management/insurance program, and the open records process. Our goal is to support the University's teaching, research and public service mission by providing superior services to the campus community.

Environmental Health and Safety

The Environmental Health & Safety Office was established to develop, promote and maintain a safe, healthy learning and working environment for the students, faculty, staff and visitors at the University of Texas at El Paso.

This is accomplished by identifying and evaluating health and safety risks on campus and recommending methods that will eliminate or abate those risks, assuring University compliance with applicable laws and regulations while also demonstrating UTEP's commitment to its stewardship responsibilities to the surrounding environment and population of the international border region it serves.

The energies of the Environmental Health and Safety staff are therefore focused on health and safety issues facing UTEP and meeting the compliance responsibilities of the campus.

Position Information

Hiring Department: Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)

Posting End Date: Open until filled.

Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00 pm, limited flexibility required on evenings and weekends

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Earliest Start Date: As soon as possible.

Salary: $42,000 annually.

Required Application Materials:

Resume
Cover Letter
List of three references

Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Purpose of Position

Summary: Under the direction of management, incumbent will be responsible for providing technical assistance associated with biological safety, chemical safety, general laboratory safety, respiratory protection, hazardous waste, medical waste, and occupational health program projects. The individual will work with campus researchers, academic programs, and external regulators to ensure a safe and compliant environment.

The Assistant Biosafety Officer (ABSO) serves as a technical associate to the University's Biosafety Officer (BSO), ensuring the safe use of biological agents, recombinant DNA and biohazards in accordance with NIH Guidelines and other applicable regulations. The ABSO is responsible for reviewing research and instructional protocols, including submissions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), to ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical safety standards, as well as all applicable federal, state, and university regulations and policies.

The ABSO also monitors compliance by conducting initial and follow-up on-site inspections of laboratory research facilities that conduct biosafety research; and provides support to other research and laboratory safety programs.

Note: The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed below. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as a technical associate to the University's Biosafety Officer, ensuring the safe use of campus biological agents and biohazards via development of program improvements to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.

Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of programs and procedures for laboratory inspections, safety equipment inspections, hazardous waste handling, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, and occupational health.

Develops, implements, and monitors biosafety compliance of biological research laboratories across campus, including, but not limited to, those working with toxins; human or nonhuman blood, body fluids, tissues, cell or cells lines; recombinant DNA; and plant, animal and human pathogens.

Conducts safety assessments and inspection of campus offices, classrooms, laboratories and mechanical rooms. Performs inspections of areas and spaces to identify hazards. Proposes methods to manage hazards and reduce risk. Recommending to BSO appropriate corrective actions and elevating as needed.

Works with faculty, staff, and students to promote awareness of biological and laboratory safety, respiratory protection, hearing conservation and occupational health hazards.

Investigates biological and/or laboratory incidents, which may result in writing regulatory incident reports, root cause analysis, and devising recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Provides guidance to researchers in the field or laboratory regarding safe work practice alternatives, such as safe sharp implementation or workflow design changes.

Designs and delivers the safety training programs through in-person and on-line training systems to educate laboratory personnel, building occupants, and service personnel in biological safety, laboratory safety, , respiratory protection, and hearing conservation.. Maintains training records.

Investigates biological and/or laboratory incidents, which may result in writing regulatory incident reports, root cause analysis, and devising recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Provides guidance to researchers in the field or laboratory regarding safe work practice alternatives, such as safe sharp implementation or workflow design changes.

Assists with the packaging, pick-up, transport and disposal of hazardous chemical waste, radioactive waste, and biological waste.

Conducts hazardous material shipments for the university.

Prepares hazardous materials for ground and air transport. Trains laboratory personnel in hazardous materials shipping.

Assists in developing and implementing comprehensive spill prevention procedures. Reviews laboratory plans for spill prevention.

Responds on behalf of Environmental Health and Safety to hazardous materials spills, fire alarm activations and other campus emergencies. Prepares and submits incident reports and accident investigations to management.

Inspects safety equipment in laboratories; eye wash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, chemical fume hoods and performs annual testing to ensure safe operation. Submits work orders when necessary for repairs.

Coordinates calibration of monitoring equipment.

Conducts indoor air-quality evaluation of offices and buildings. Prepares evaluation report for management review and presents findings to stakeholders.

Maintains working knowledge of OSHA, CDC, USDA, NIH, EPA, TCEQ, NFPA and other government regulations.

Knowledge in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, NIH/CDC Guidelines "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories," OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and Texas Department of State Health Services, Contaminated Sharps Injuries Regulations.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional data management systems.

Complies with all State and University Policies

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Associate's Degree.

and

Experience: Two years of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in science or engineering field.
Two years of safety experience.
Two years of laboratory research experience in related field.

Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Additional Information

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6558962&targetURL=

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as a technical associate to the University's Biosafety Officer, ensuring the safe use of campus biological agents and biohazards via development of program improvements to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.

Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of programs and procedures for laboratory inspections, safety equipment inspections, hazardous waste handling, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, and occupational health.

Develops, implements, and monitors biosafety compliance of biological research laboratories across campus, including, but not limited to, those working with toxins; human or nonhuman blood, body fluids, tissues, cell or cells lines; recombinant DNA; and plant, animal and human pathogens.

Conducts safety assessments and inspection of campus offices, classrooms, laboratories and mechanical rooms. Performs inspections of areas and spaces to identify hazards. Proposes methods to manage hazards and reduce risk. Recommending to BSO appropriate corrective actions and elevating as needed.

Works with faculty, staff, and students to promote awareness of biological and laboratory safety, respiratory protection, hearing conservation and occupational health hazards.

Investigates biological and/or laboratory incidents, which may result in writing regulatory incident reports, root cause analysis, and devising recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Provides guidance to researchers in the field or laboratory regarding safe work practice alternatives, such as safe sharp implementation or workflow design changes.

Designs and delivers the safety training programs through in-person and on-line training systems to educate laboratory personnel, building occupants, and service personnel in biological safety, laboratory safety, , respiratory protection, and hearing conservation.. Maintains training records.

Investigates biological and/or laboratory incidents, which may result in writing regulatory incident reports, root cause analysis, and devising recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Provides guidance to researchers in the field or laboratory regarding safe work practice alternatives, such as safe sharp implementation or workflow design changes.

Assists with the packaging, pick-up, transport and disposal of hazardous chemical waste, radioactive waste, and biological waste.

Conducts hazardous material shipments for the university.

Prepares hazardous materials for ground and air transport. Trains laboratory personnel in hazardous materials shipping.

Assists in developing and implementing comprehensive spill prevention procedures. Reviews laboratory plans for spill prevention.

Responds on behalf of Environmental Health and Safety to hazardous materials spills, fire alarm activations and other campus emergencies. Prepares and submits incident reports and accident investigations to management.

Inspects safety equipment in laboratories; eye wash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, chemical fume hoods and performs annual testing to ensure safe operation. Submits work orders when necessary for repairs.

Coordinates calibration of monitoring equipment.

Conducts indoor air-quality evaluation of offices and buildings. Prepares evaluation report for management review and presents findings to stakeholders.

Maintains working knowledge of OSHA, CDC, USDA, NIH, EPA, TCEQ, NFPA and other government regulations.

Knowledge in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, NIH/CDC Guidelines "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories," OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and Texas Department of State Health Services, Contaminated Sharps Injuries Regulations.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional data management systems.

Complies with all State and University Policies

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Associate's Degree.

and

Experience: Two years of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in science or engineering field.
Two years of safety experience.
Two years of laboratory research experience in related field.

Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Additional Information

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To apply, visit https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=14057&PostingSeq=1