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.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time
Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, additional hours may be required when on call
Advertised Salary
$73,000-$78,000
Posting Date
05/13/2026
Open until filled
Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date
07/01/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy
Athens Area
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 ([email protected]).
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.
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 Compliance Officer ( SSCO ) is a position of leadership with the responsibility of staff supervision and oversees all related programs in the Office of Research Safety-Chemical ( ORSC ). The ORSC resides within the Office of Research Safety ( ORS ) and is lead by the Senior Safety and Compliance Officer.
Oversight of all related chemical and laboratory safety programs, such as but not limited to, Laboratory Inspections, Support of the Research Safety Committee, CampusOptics Operations, Chemical Inventory, Lab Closings and Openings, Emergency Response, Maintenance of the Chemical Safety Manual, Website Information, development/updates of Safety Policy/Guidance Documents as well as serving on a variety of working groups involving: Environmental Safety Division, Facilities Management, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Office of University Architects, Office of Research Integrity, Campus Police and Athens Clarke County Fire and Life Safety.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Proven professionalism and integrity in representing safety and compliance offices or programs
Leadership aptitude including clear focus on customer service as well as safety and compliance; ability to work within a strong and effective team
Experience in active consensus-building and safety initiatives; ability to grasp needs and concerns in varied areas of safety and compliance.
Work independently with minimal supervision on multiple simultaneous projects.
Takes initiative to perform recurring tasks dictated by established procedures and performs newly assigned tasks as needed.
Professional oral and written communication skills
Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to implement continuous quality improvement through the use of relevant qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Working knowledge of State and Federal environmental health and safety regulations as well as nationally accepted standards, guidelines, and other related conventions on safety and compliance.
Ability to respond to critical safety and compliance situations appropriately in academic, research and clinical settings.
Be able to assist with in-service training and education programs in applicable programmatic areas.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, due to the diversity of safety and compliance services, and the wide range of potential work locations on campus.
Proficient in the performance and documentation of chemical and laboratory safety assessments.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access and other established tools
Use of standard business office computer equipment and software.
Physical Demands
Work in a variety of physical environments, including weather extremes, chemical/biological/radiological laboratories, animal care and use facilities, etc.
Wearing personal protective equipment such as respirator
Climbing stairs, lifting, twisting, kneeling, turning, and occasionally lifting of 50lbs.
Stand, walk and negotiate occasionally awkward work locations and paths of travel
Pass physical fitness medical evaluation
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
Duties/Responsibilities
Operation Management of the Chemical Safety Group
Management of the daily operations of the Office of Research Safety including:
Direct short-range and long-range program goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures.
Monitor and evaluate effectiveness and implement changes required for service improvement.
Analyze the work processes within the ORSC programs and investigate possible improvements to the quality and/or efficiency of work.
Identifying and addressing the need for new policies and programs or modifying or updating existing policies and programs.
ORSC online and customized training for main and extended campuses.
Planning and coordinating efforts to develop, review, update and deliver appropriate chemical laboratory safety training based on regulations, university policy and nationally accepted best practices
Assess and identify appropriate resources and equipment necessary to fully support program objectives.
Supervise, lead, and work side by side with ORSC team members assigned to the audit, consultation and inspection program.
Promote professional development of staff and serve as the authority on work assignments and disciplinary decisions within the work unit.
Direct and review the activities and operations of the program.
Initiate and refine job descriptions and annual work plans in collaboration with ORS Director.
Effectively communicate on a routine basis with staff and offer regular progress reviews and annual performance evaluations.
Counsel staff on issues related to policy/procedure, federal/state/local regulations, and training.
Develop and implement best practice and policies for staff.
Percentage of time
70
Duties/Responsibilities
ORS Representation
Work collaboratively and cooperatively with specialized members of the Office of Research Integrity and Safety, Environmental Safety Division, Facilities Management and other stakeholders to ensure excellent customer service and seamless support for all areas.
Communicate with UGA research faculty and be the working arm of the Research Safety Committee to develop, review, update and deliver safety and compliance support that meets the needs and expectations of the research enterprise.
Provide ORS representation at campus meetings as a professional EH&S resource and liaison for successful safety program development, planning and implementation.
Advise on safety considerations involving the planning, construction, and renovation of lab space.
Communicate and interact with the UGA community to promote and project a positive safety culture.
Percentage of time
15
Duties/Responsibilities
Management Support and Business Continuity
Work with the ORS Director and the AVP in designing, establishing and maintaining effective organizational structure, budgeting, and staffing to accomplish the organization's goals and objectives.
Participate and collaborate with other team members to develop and implement strategic, financial and personnel, operational, and other decisions that facilitate the achievement of ORS , Office of Research and University goals.
Lead staff cross-training efforts
Percentage of time
5
Duties/Responsibilities
Coordinator of PREHS Team/On-Call After-Hours Rotation and Spill Response
Member of the hazardous materials spill response team (on-call team).
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.
Participates in an incident response team, responding to releases and spills of hazardous chemicals.
Position involves being part of the spill response team and assignment for afterhours, weekend and holiday emergency response.
Communicates and coordinates with Campus Police and County Fire and Emergency Services in emergency events.
Key mentor for HAZWOPER and provides special hazards training to staff on how to analyze chemical classes, perform risk assessments, select and wear personal protective equipment and drill on procedure guidelines.
Percentage of time
5
Duties/Responsibilities
Other Assignments
Perform other short or long-term duties assigned by the ORS Director and AVP of the Office of Research.
Percentage of time
5
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
