Senior Safety and Chemical Inventory Officer

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Safety and Chemical Inventory Officer at the University of Georgia leads chemical safety and inventory programs, oversees inspections, and ensures regulatory compliance across campus laboratories and satellite facilities.

Reporting to the Research Safety Director, this role supervises staff, delivers safety training, maintains the Chemical Safety Manual, and coordinates emergency response activities to promote a culture of safety and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of science or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety and compliance programs.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating safety initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and training.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and chemical hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations of chemical safety and inventory programs.
• Oversee the university's chemical inventory system for data integrity.
• Direct laboratory inspections and safety assessments.
• Develop program goals, policies, and strategic priorities with the Research Safety Director.
• Coordinate CampusOptics operations and emergency response activities.
• Provide leadership on policy implementation and regulatory compliance.
• Support training and educational programs in chemical safety.

Skills

Safety leadership

Staff supervision

Chemical safety

Inventory management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Policy development

Training delivery

Emergency response

Data integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field of science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15839P

Working Title: Senior Safety and Chemical Inventory Officer

Department: VPR-Research Safety

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Advertised Salary: $77,500 - $82,500; Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 10/14/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Safety Officer II

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field of science or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Summary: The Senior Safety and Chemical Inventory Officer (SSCIO) is a leadership position within the Office of Research Safety-Chemical (ORSC) with responsibility for staff supervision and oversight of chemical safety, laboratory safety, and chemical inventory management programs. The SSCIO provides strategic direction, operational management, and quality assurance for the University's chemical inventory system, laboratory inspection program, chemical safety training, emergency response activities, and related compliance initiatives. The SSCIO oversees the maintenance and quality control of the University's comprehensive chemical inventory program, including hazardous chemicals maintained at satellite campuses. The position works closely with research faculty, laboratory staff, University stakeholders, and regulatory partners to promote regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and a strong culture of safety. Responsibilities include oversight of laboratory inspections, chemical inventory management, chemical safety training, support of the Research Safety Committee, CampusOptics operations, laboratory openings and closings, emergency response, maintenance of the Chemical Safety Manual, website content management, policy development, and representation on various University safety and compliance working groups.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/ or Competencies:

• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and leadership in representing safety and compliance programs, with a strong commitment to customer service and teamwork.
• Ability to build consensus and advance safety initiatives while addressing diverse safety and compliance needs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, take initiative, and manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and actionable reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to implement continuous quality improvement using qualitative and quantitative performance metrics.
• Working knowledge of state and federal environmental health and safety regulations, nationally recognized standards, and related compliance requirements.
• Ability to respond effectively to critical safety and compliance situations in academic, research, and clinical environments.
• Knowledge of and ability to support and deliver safety and compliance training and educational programs.
• Proficiency in conducting and documenting chemical and laboratory safety assessments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard business office technology and software.

Physical Demands:

• Work in a variety of physical environments, including weather extremes, chemical/biological/radiological laboratories, animal care and use facilities, etc.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, twisting, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Chemical Safety and Inventory Program Management

• Lead and manage daily operations of chemical safety and chemical inventory programs.
• Oversee the University's chemical inventory system, including quality assurance and data integrity.
• Direct routine chemical reconciliations and inventory management activities across all campus and satellite laboratory facilities.
• Assist Research Safety Director with the establishment of program goals, policies, procedures, and strategic priorities.
• Monitor program performance and implement continuous improvements.
• Identify operational needs and develop new or revised policies and procedures under the direction of the Research Safety Director.
• Manage CampusOptics chemical inventory operations and related systems.
• Assess resources necessary to support program objectives and effectively communicate those needs to the Director of Research Safety and Office of Research Administration.
• Provide leadership on policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and program effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements.

Percentage of time: 30

Staff Leadership, Supervision, and Program Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Develop annual goals, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Coordinate staff training and cross-training initiatives.
• Review and refine job duties and operational processes.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
• Conduct or oversee laboratory inspections and safety assessments as needed to support the team, especially during staffing shortages.

Percentage of time: 30

Training, Inspections, and Compliance Support

• Develop and deliver chemical safety and inventory management training to the research community as needed.
• Assist with the development and management of unit-specific online training and transcripts through UGA's Professional Education Portal (PEP).
• Support corrective action efforts and compliance improvement initiatives.
• Assist with development and maintenance of training materials, guidance documents, and safety resources.

Percentage of time: 20

University Representation and Research Support

• Serve as the primary administrative lead for the Research Safety Committee.
• Serve as a safety and compliance resource to faculty, researchers, and University administration.
• Represent ORS on committees, working groups, and planning initiatives.
• Promote a positive culture of safety and compliance throughout the research enterprise.

Percentage of time: 10

Emergency Response and Business Continuity

• Serve as the lead coordinator of the On-Call Emergency Response Team known as PREHS, responsibility includes but not limited to on-call rotation scheduling, spill response training, spill response team member, hazard communications, and maintenance of the PREHS operations manual.
• Coordinate or support after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergency response activities.

Percentage of time: 5

Other Assignments

• Perform other as duties assigned by the ORS Director and AVP of the Office of Research.

Percentage of time: 5