Principal Scientist / Chemical Safety Officer - CL493

Commonwealth of Virginia; Richmond; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A state government agency in Richmond is seeking a Principal Scientist (Chemical Safety Officer) to oversee safety programs and ensure compliance with regulations for hazardous materials. Responsibilities include training staff, managing hazardous waste, and consulting on safety practices. The position requires certifications in OSHA and DOT regulations, with a competitive hiring range of $86,000 - $99,000.

Benefits

Health benefits

Paid life insurance

State retirement plan

Qualifications

• Experience in hazardous materials storage and transportation.
• Experience in monitoring safe work practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee chemical and general safety practices.
• Consult with lab staff on safety practices.
• Manage hazardous waste in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of hazardous materials laws

Safety decision making

Communication skills

Education

OSHA 24 Hour HAZWOPER certification

DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation certification

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced scientist with experience in chemical safety program requirements? Do you have experience with the storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste in compliance with state and federal regulations? Come join DGS as a Chemical Safety Officer!

Title : Principal Scientist (Chemical Safety Officer) - CL493

State Role Title : Scientist II

Hiring Range : $86,000 - $99,000

Pay Band : 5

Agency : Department of General Services

Location : Richmond, VA

Agency Website :

Recruitment Type : General Public – G

Responsibilities

The position is a Scientist II functioning as a Principal Scientist / Chemical Safety Officer. This role is responsible for implementing safety programs, which include training, consultation, documentation, inspection, and emergency response related to general and chemical safety with emphasis on state and federal regulations for hazardous material compliance.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) supports three critical laboratory functions. The Quality Assurance section defines and implements processes to monitor, assess, and improve service quality within DCLS.

Within DCLS, the Chemical Safety Officer oversees the chemical safety and hygiene plan, including safety training, consultation, documentation, risk assessment, inspection, emergency incident response, laboratory decontamination, and safety plan revision to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal safety and waste management regulations. This position will supervise safety training for over 200 internal staff to ensure safe practices in chemical and biological (Biosafety Level 2) laboratories regarding hazardous materials use and disposal at DCLS.

Job duties include, but are not limited to :

• Independently oversee the chemical and general safety practices for DCLS
• Provide consultation to division users, program managers, laboratory staff and physicians on proper safety practices
• Work with Biological Safety Officers to provide annual summary report of biological and chemical related accident/incident data for the year, showing trends
• Ensure the proper management of hazardous waste in accordance with regulatory requirements

This position will be located in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

Benefits

We’ve got great benefits!

DGS offers health benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, holidays, vacation and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with tax-deferred retirement savings options including employer matching. Supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available. DGS is a qualifying employer for the program described in the state benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the theory and application of current laws and regulations relative to hazardous materials.
• Experience with the storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Comprehensive experience of laboratory general safety and chemical safety program requirements.
• Experience monitoring for safe work practices and making critical safety decisions independently based on risk assessments.
• Experience planning, organizing and conducting formal technical training for internal and external professionals in the field of expertise.
• Experience documenting and investigating lab accidents, incidents and near misses; independently perform root cause analyses and implement corrective actions based on findings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to provide consultation to staff and customers pertaining to hazardous material issues and general safety.

Sponsorship : Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

Other Requirements: The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Experience independently performing internal safety audits.
• Experience developing critical elements of a chemical safety training program for highly skilled chemists at DCLS and partner facilities.
• Experience developing and implementing safety drills and exercises to test training effectiveness.
• OSHA 24 Hour HAZWOPER and DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation certification.
• Specialized training and experience in occupational safety and health regulations.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please ensure that all relevant qualifications and considerations are addressed in your submitted application.

Application Process : Online applications should be submitted via the online portal.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office at 804-786-3910.

You will receive confirmation of receipt when your application is successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is reached, but this position may be closed at any time after SEPTEMBER 22, 2025. Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status. Applicants needing accommodation during the application/interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

Additional notes: DGS is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other national service experience.

Contact Information:

Name : DGS Human Resources

Phone : [phone]

Email :