Laboratory Safety Officer - #123165

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Paid community service leave

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, invites applications for Laboratory Safety Officer – #123165. The role ensures laboratory safety compliance, manages safety programs, and supports researchers and staff.

Requirements include CHO and RBP certifications within the first year; a bachelor’s degree in physical or environmental sciences; strong communication and project management skills; and the ability to work with diverse university stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education operations and laboratory safety, regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, NCDEQ, IACUC).
• Ability to develop written plans, policies, and procedures; manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills for collaboration with researchers, university personnel, trades staff, management and external constituents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, pivot tables, Adobe, LMS, website management and other relevant software tools.

Skills

Lab safety

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical/biological/environmental science or related

Tools

Pivot tables

Adobe

Learning Management Systems

Website management

Job description

Laboratory Safety Officer - #123165

Posting Details

• Posting Number: SHRA1695P
• Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34896
• Classification Title: Env, Hlth & Safety Professional
• Competency Level: Journey
• Working Title: Laboratory Safety Officer - #123165
• Department: Facilities Management

About WCU

• Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). A valid driver's license is required.

Certification Requirements

Position requires Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) and Registered Biological Safety Professional (RBP) certifications. If certifications are not already held; must obtain them within the first year of employment.

Physical Requirements

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, handling objects, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Knowledge of higher education operations and applicable laboratory safety, environmental, health, and research compliance requirements, including OSHA, EPA, NCDEQ, IACUC, and related regulations.
• Ability to develop written plans, policies, and procedures; set priorities; and manage multiple projects, activities, and deadlines with limited administrative support.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with researchers, university personnel, trades staff, management, and external constituents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, pivot tables, Adobe, learning management systems, website management, and other relevant software tools.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$68,185

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

40

Number of Months per Year

12

Salary Band Range

$35,557 - $103,768

Salary Grade

72

Posting Dates

• Open Date: 08/10/2026
• Close Date: 08/24/2026
• Open Until Filled: No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.