Laboratory Safety Technician

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee seeks a Laboratory Safety Assistant to help run daily campus lab operations and occupational safety programs. Responsibilities include fume hood testing, updating training records, chemical inventory support, and signage management.

Responsibilities also cover compliance activities, drills, and data entry. The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in lab environments with safety protocols in place.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory science or research operations.
• Ability to use computers, databases, and Microsoft Office programs (MS Excel/ MS Access).
• Ability to write clear and accurate technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform fume hood testing across campus labs using instrumentation and record findings.
• Update training database and create training certificates.
• Assist with chemical inventory data gathering and laboratory signage.
• Assist with annual drills, in-person trainings, and industrial hygiene monitoring.
• Support miscellaneous risk management and compliance activities.

Skills

Laboratory safety knowledge

MS Excel

MS Access

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Tools

MS Excel

MS Access

Job description

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

Panther Edge Competencies

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.).