DESCRIPTION

The Associate Biosafety Officer applies professional knowledge or expertise in one or more specialty areas within EH&S and serves as lead person on one or more program(s) within a single discipline. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure predetermined objectives are adequately met and that application of professional / technical judgment is sound. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides regulatory interpretation and technical advice. Decision-making is based on established procedures; relevant laws; regulations and organizational policy; professional best practices; relevant science methodology; impact on other EH&S programs, and senior management approvals as required. Decisions may impact individual work, other EH&S programs, other departments and / or segments of the organization.

The incumbent serves as a technical expert, coordinating a broad variety of safety programs and assures the Biosafety program is implemented across the UC San Diego Campus. Develops and serves as lead for one or more of the following safety programs: Bloodborne Pathogens, Aerosol Transmissible Disease, Institutional Biosafety Policy and Operations and other Research compliance, Institutional Review Entity and Dual Use Research of Concern, Select Agents and Toxins, Medical Surveillance, Training, Biohazardous/Medical Waste, Animal Research Safety, Arthropod Research Safety, Shipping and Permits for Dangerous Goods, Regulatory Agency liaison, Program Document Management and Incident/Injury Response and Investigation. Perform special assignments provided by the Biosafety Officer or their designee.

As a technical associate to the Biosafety Officer (BSO), incumbent designs, develops, implements, and maintains a significant portion of a comprehensive biosafety program within a major research university setting having a School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and two hospitals. The incumbent conducts independent reviews of research protocols that use biohazards; performs comprehensive biohazard laboratory safety surveys/audits; and consults with laboratory directors, researchers, and staff to implement biosafety practices and procedures. The incumbent maintains and updates biosafety policies; actively facilitates research and teaching that is safe and complies with UC San Diego policies and procedures and Federal, State, and local regulations/guidelines. As a member of the UC San Diego Institutional Biosafety Committee and Institutional Review Entity, this position is charged with advising the committee, management and staff of successful strategies for regulatory compliance. The incumbent responds to and assists with the mitigation of emergencies and spills involving biohazardous materials; and designs, develops and provides formal and informal training (including interactive web training modules) to individuals and groups.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field and progressive years of professional experience in a comprehensive environmental health and safety program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Thorough knowledge / understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge / understanding of all EH&S fields. Knowledge and understanding of bio-safety and bio-security principles, policies, and procedures; knowledge and experience with local, state, and federal regulations governing health and safety; examples include select agents, infectious bio-materials; import/export of bio-materials; bio-safety level containment and regulations governing animal welfare.

• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Ability to provide unique and innovative content to the design, development and implementation of a biosafety program in a university research environment. Professional knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations pertaining to Center of Disease Control Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for biosafety as they apply to infectious agents, recombinant DNA and bloodborne pathogens Demonstrated ability to apply the concepts of biosafety including criteria for establishing biosafety containment levels to various research and laboratory applications.

• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill to communicate effectively in a diverse environment. Demonstrated knowledge in the design, development and presentation of biosafety training programs to individuals as well as groups.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate honestly, effectively and easily with senior research staff and principal investigators. Ability to develop a strong rapport with academic personnel to thoroughly evaluate research projects and develop creative solutions to unique and often complex problems. Demonstrated strong communication skills necessary to impart health and safety information to a variety of workers of differing backgrounds.

• Demonstrated strong ability and experience to effectively communicate health and safety principles and practices in writing. Demonstrated sound ability for interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications including those willing to accept occupational health and safety ideas as well as those opposed. Demonstrated ability to write clear and concise technical reports.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.

• Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.

• Knowledgeable in recognition, evaluation, and control of biohazardous materials, including handling, identification, facility requirements, storage, transportation, and disposal.

• Skill in interacting diplomatically with persons of various educational, social and cultural backgrounds in a demanding, dynamic and stressful environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage and prioritize multiple tasks, and to work with shifting priorities and schedules.

• Advanced knowledge of risk mitigation, industrial hygiene principles, biological safety controls, exposure evaluation, exposure monitoring, and occupational health processes.

• Ability to be available on-call and return to campus on short notice as necessary during non-work hours for EHS related concerns / incidents. Knowledge and expertise in all subject areas across the EHS discipline. Knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to execute incident management activities safely and effectively. Ability to analyze situations, evaluate the need for additional EHS resources and/or activation of the EHS response team, and assume responsibility for incident management. Ability to provide leadership during incident management until a transfer of responsibility takes place or the incident has been resolved. Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations specific to general safety, occupational health and safety, chemical safety, biosafety, radiation safety, fire / life safety, emergency management, and environmental protection.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• DOJ/FBI/DMV background checks and clearances required prior to employment.

• Must possess and maintain a valid CA Driver License and participate in the DMV "Pull Notice System" as required for daily operation of departmental cars/light trucks.

• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators, and respond to health and safety emergencies.

• Serves as EHS Duty Officer. Must be available on-call 2-4 times per year for one-week shifts to respond to UCSD in the event of an after-hours, weekend or holiday incident involving hazardous materials or requests for services that are regularly provided by the EHS department. May be requested to respond back to campus throughout the year to respond to EHS-related incidents and/or for services provided within the employee’s subject area of expertise.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.