Job Description

Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Biological, Laser, and Radiation Safety Officer facilitates safe operation of University programs in biological, laser, and radiation safety. This position works with faculty, staff, students, and external parties, including regulatory and advisory agencies, under the general direction of EH&S Associate Director.

Specific responsibilities include:
Provide guidance and support for safe usage and handling of biological materials in teaching, research, and operational areas.
Grow, develop, and maintain continuity of a structured biosafety program and university-level committee.
Coordination of the bloodborne pathogens program.
Assist users in development and maintenance of safe laser operations.
Serve as Radiation Safety Officer for a limited-scale program, including primary responsibility for the Radiation Safety Committee and the Annual Program Review.
Maintain the university’s Radioactive Materials License and X-Ray Registrations for materials and equipment used in teaching and research.
Maintain technical expertise in DOT and IATA shipping requirements as needed to facilitate material transfers.

Duties relate to all aspects of these functions including program development and administration; risk and hazard assessment; guidance; inspections; interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements and guidelines; coordination of committees; training for the university community; and safe collection, handling, and disposal of wastes.

This is a mandatory position and must respond during emergencies.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; and three years of progressive work experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Ability to attain Radiation Safety Officer designation from NC DHHS Radiation Protection Section within 120 days of hire. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Master’s degree in relevant field and/or professional certification in biosafety, industrial hygiene, safety, or health physics.
4+ years progressive work experience in the environmental, health and safety field with prior work experience in higher education.
Demonstrated knowledge of, experience with, and application of biosafety principles, practices, guidelines, and standards as applicable to a university classroom, research laboratory, or field setting.
Firm understandingof radiation and laser safety principles, with the ability to apply regulatory requirements in a research and educational environment, and the expertise necessary to maintain required institutional licenses and registrations.
Ability to exercise sound judgement in interpreting and applying policy, procedure, guidance, and regulation; in risk assessment; and in the development of proposed practices. Strong communication, relationship building, and problem-solving skills are essential; and the ability to organize multiple programs and coordinate committees is required.
Verbal and written communication skills to clearly and concisely articulate program content.
Advanced knowledge and skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite is expected and the ability to gain proficiency in the use of relevant instrumentation is a necessity.
Prior work experience in higher education.
Required Certifications or Licensures
Valid NC Driver’s License
Ability to attain Radiation Safety Officer designation from NC DHHS Radiation Protection Section within 120 days of hire.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Environmental Health & Safety Department serves to support and maintain a safe and healthy environment for the UNCW community and strives to limit the University’s exposure to risks, including personal, financial, property, and reputational. EH&S provides the internal framework for compliance with federal, state, and local safety, health and environmental regulations, as well as the development of emergency preparedness and response initiatives. The department’s strong customer service focus fosters partnerships throughout the campus community, which in turn help faculty, staff, and students recognize and reduce risks.
College/School Information
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.