Safety Manager and Facilities Coordinator (EHS SPEC 4)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Paid time off

CE allowance

Job summary

University of California - Davis is seeking a highly autonomous safety leader to serve as Safety Manager, Select Agent Registration Manager/RO and High-Containment (BSL-3) Laboratory Manager. The role oversees safety programs for CAHFS, trains staff, and coordinates emergency responses nationwide across Davis and other statewide locations.

The position emphasizes facilities oversight, compliance with federal/state regulations, and close collaboration with safety committees, branch chiefs, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, public health or a related field and/or equivalent experience and training in biosafety or a related safety field.
• Professional experience in managing programs for and training employees on health and safety, injury and illness prevention, laboratory safety, hazardous materials and waste management, and emergency action plans.
• Experience in risk management; coordinating audits; resolving safety-related problems and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience achieving regulatory compliance.
• Experience in facilities operations and maintenance management.

Responsibilities

• 50% – Safety Manager
• 30% – Select Agent Registration Manager/RO/BSL-3 Laboratory Manager
• 20% – Facilities Oversight and Management

Skills

Safety program management

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Training and instruction

Emergency response coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Biosafety cabinets

Autoclaves

Laboratory equipment management

Job description

With a high degree of autonomy, serves as CAHFS Systemwide Safety Manager, Select Agent Program Responsible Official (RO), High Containment (BSL-3) Laboratory Manager, and Facilities Coordinator. Develop, implement, and monitor environmental, health and safety policies and programs for CAHFS four statewide locations for approx. 200 employees, working closely with Branch Chiefs, Section Leaders and Safety Committee representatives to ensure compliance with federal, state, county, and University regulations. Conduct regular on-site trainings and audits and remediate findings. Oversee system-wide facilities policy development and compliance and provide direct oversight of facilities management for the Davis laboratory and backup support for the Davis Facilities Manager, including building maintenance and repair, security systems, chemical and equipment management. Assume on-site command of emergency situations/direct emergency response activities as required and serve as primary or backup after-hours emergency contact and departmental liaison for Police, Fire, EH&S, county, state and federal agencies, and for environmental/equipment alarms.

Apply By Date October 7, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

Minimum Qualifications

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, public health or a related field and/or equivalent experience and training in biosafety or a related safety field.
• Professional experience in managing programs for and training employees on health and safety, injury and illness prevention, laboratory safety, hazardous materials and waste management, and emergency action plans.
• Experience in risk management; conducting, coordinating, and reporting accident investigations and internal audits; resolving safety-related problems and achieving corrective actions in a timely manner; and implementing preventative strategies.
• Experience achieving regulatory compliance.
• Experience in applying principles and practices of facilities operations and maintenance management.
• Advanced technical knowledge and understanding of federal, state, local and University of California health and safety and environmental regulations which pertain to occupational safety and to the infrastructure, building systems and operational practices of a diagnostic laboratory.
• Advanced technical knowledge of biosafety and containment principles concepts and practices pertaining to BSL2 and BSL3 facilities (BMBL 5th Ed) and chemical and biological waste regulations.
• Advanced analytical skills to review, interpret, evaluate and implement necessary regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, technical documents and proposals, facility designs and fiscal requirements and excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and political acumen to communicate effectively in a diverse environment; prepare and deliver trainings; and write reports, instruction manuals, laboratory policies, protocols and informational memos.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification as a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) through the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA).
• Master's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, public health or a related field.
• Knowledge of and experience working with CDC and USDA select agents and toxins regulations and requirements, and skills in monitoring and ensuring compliance with those requirements.
• Experience working in a laboratory or hospital.
• Knowledge of American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, ISO 17025 or similar regulations and standards for accreditation.
• In depth understanding of facility systems such as HVAC, electrical, building automation/controls, boilers/chillers, environmental or life monitoring systems, and specialized laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and incinerators.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Safety Manager
• 30% - Select Agent Registration Manager/Responsible Official (RO)/High-Containment (BSL-3) Laboratory Manager
• 20% - Facilities Oversight and Management

Department Overview

CAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. CAHFS' physical plant consists of approximately 200,000 gsf, including complex diagnostic laboratory space, animal necropsy and holding facilities, three large-scale cremators, administrative space, and a BSL3 suite in Davis. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. An additional program, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, is funded through a contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $97,500/annually - $182,700/annually - Please note: This position is subject to a departmental budgeted salary range of: $97,500/yr. - $140,100/yr.; commensurate with education and relevant work experience.
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: EHS SPEC 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional 3 to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

This position is subject to UCD's Vaccination Program (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2), prophylactic vaccination for rabies, and Medical/Health Surveillance Program/Procedures/Review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. This position is not eligible for remote work, due to the nature of the essential responsibilities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm (Work schedule might be slightly different during the training period). Work flexible schedule to meet business needs, including restricted/limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.). Provide after-hours coverage as needed to respond to safety/BSL 3 security incidents and emergencies. Valid California Driver's License required. This position is subject to fingerprinting and incumbent must obtain approval to participate in the USDA/CDC Select Agent Registration Program. Work in area where there is constant noise from equipment operation. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential. Per the terms and agreements of the department's contracts and grants, the position requires signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information. All CAHFS employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Must tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and handle/dispose of infectious materials. May, at times, work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers and other chemicals.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement.

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks