Lab Assistant / Environmental Health Coordinator

Title: Lab Assistant/Environmental Health Coordinator - 997248 Position Number: 997248 Unit/Department: Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) FTE: Full-time (12-month) Department Summary:
Drake University is very excited to launch this search for a combined role dividedbetween the Chemistry Department and the Environmental Health & Safety Department.
The mission of Drake University's ChemistryDepartment is to provide students with a scientific knowledge and experimental skills necessary for a career in chemistry or other relatedfields. In preparing students for a career, we encourage and promote personal interactions between students, faculty, and experiencedprofessionals through a variety of interactive courses, undergrad-research, and seminar presentations.
To learn more the ChemistryDepartment, visit: .
EnvironmentalHealth & Safety (EHS) supports Drake's commitment to maintaining a model EHS program for its students, faculty, staff, visitors, andsurrounding community. Drake strives to foster a strong safety culture and promote environmental responsibility among stakeholders acrossall University departments.
To learn more about the EHS department, visit: . Job Summary:
Drake is happy tolaunch this search for a newly envisioned role. The Lab Assistant/Environmental Health Coordinator will divide their time between EHS andthe Chemistry Department, making this an amazing opportunity for someone who enjoys variety. Every day will be different and there will beroom to grow.
For the lab assistant duties, we seek candidates who are knowledgeable and committed to providing a rigorous andengaging laboratory experience for students enrolled in biochemistry and organic chemistry courses. Responsibilities include teachingassigned laboratory sections, preparing teaching materials, and assessing student learning.
When supporting EHS efforts, the EHSCoordinator will work with the EHD Director and strategic partners across the University on safely handling chemicals, hazardous wastemanagement, workplace safety matters, OSHA compliance, and a number of other EHS tasks. In certain circumstances, emergency managementplanning and response responsibilities could also arise.
Drake is searching for someone who will enjoy the variety of work, shareour dedication to safety, and be eager to learn and grow in both areas of this combined role. MinimumQualifications: Baccalaureate degree in organic chemistry or biochemistry or related fields - Knowledge of specializedprinciples or techniques normally obtained through a four-year college/university academic program, and strong laboratory skills inchemistry. Comfortable with public speaking Successful candidate must also have a valid driver's license, and meet theinsurability requirements to drive on behalf of the University Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge ofregulations governing EHS programs, experience in higher education, research laboratories, environmental/safety consultation, or comparableinstitutional environment Completion of training in one or more of the following areas: OSHA 10, OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, RCRA, or DOT. Job Duties: Teaching (25%): Teach two organic chemistry laboratory courses each semesterand pre-labs in accordance with course syllabi, furnished procedures and instructions provided during weekly faculty/staff meetings. Prepare laboratory materials, and complete experiments before each class. Promote student understanding of laboratory experimentsand stimulate students' intellectual growth by assisting them during laboratory periods in proper procedures and practices and providingguidance rather than giving answers. Follow, communicate, and consistently enforce laboratory safety policies during alllaboratory periods. - (Essential) Chemical Handling/Hazardous Waste Management (15%): Follow established safetyand technical guidelines, collect and transport hazardous materials and/or waste from individual generation sites ( e.g. ,laboratories; workshops; mechanical rooms; etc.). Ensure accuracy and safety in proper packaging, marking and chemical compatibilityof hazardous waste or other special wastes. Complete associated paperwork and data entry for recordkeeping of all generated waste asrequired. Manage required supplies and equipment for the collection and storage of hazardous waste and other special wastes asrequired. Process hazardous materials or waste from generation sites; verify contents, sort, weigh, label, and store according tocompatibility and hazard class. Package and prepare materials for shipping per Department of Transportation requirements. Work to gather data in preparation for regulatory inspections, permit applications, environmental surveys, and recordkeepingrequirements. Interface with supervisors and managers to resolve hazardous material issues and discrepancies. - (Essential) Safety (15%): Work to ensure compliance with Drake University's EHS programs, especially those centered aroundlab safety. Conduct routine EHS safety assessments and safety audits to help identify and eliminate safety hazards and concerns. Help manageand source required safety supplies (i.e., PPE, chemicals, and tools). Assist in entering and maintaining accurate safety data in thecomputer systems used for reports and analysis. Work to gather data in preparation for regulatory safety inspections and audits as well ashelp with all safety recordkeeping requirements. - (Essential) Training (10%): Coordinate and conduct required labsafety trainings and assist in the development and tracking of EHS lab safety training program. Present training to Drake UniversityDepartments as needed. Help track online training. - (Essential) Compliance (10%): Development of corrective &preventive actions, integration of EHS standards applicable to new and existing equipment and processes, data gathering in preparation forregulatory inspections and permit applications, information gathering activities such as emission inventories and special informationrequests from regulators or management. Maintain the SDS Management System and inventory (work with departments to ensure accurateinventories), AED, and Safety Shower and Eyewash inspections. - (Essential) Lab Supervision (10%): Maintain officehours, professional communication, and assist students with laboratory and other course related information. Conduct on-going evaluation andprepare grade reports of student progress and maintain records of student course/class performance. Participate in writing laboratoryquizzes and laboratory exams. - (Essential) Lab Maintenance (10%): Maintain the chemistry department laboratoryinventory. Coordinate ordering of laboratory supplies and lab ware. Maintain instruments including regular NMR gas fills. - (Essential) Emergency Management (5%): Emergency response to hazardous material releases, workplace injury incidents, andsevere weather. - (Essential) Salary & Benefits
The salary is competitive. The final offered salary will bedependent upon the qualifications and experiences of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, theirspouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. Ifyou are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: .
One of our very popularpolicies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but twotuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programshere: . SpecialInstructions to Applicants:
To apply, you must complete Drake's online application and attach: (1) a cover letter, (2)CV/Resume, and (3) contact information for 3 professional references.
Questions about the position, the application process, orworking at Drake may be directed to Drake Human Resources at .
Alljob offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of workauthorization. Review of Applications Begins:
For full consideration, please complete your onlineapplication by Friday, May 3, 2024.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming thecandidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration ifselected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant's references,education, and, if applicable, experience. About Drake:
DrakeUniversity is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with anincreasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of thecampus community-faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group ofcolleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only anoutstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideasand people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities tocontribute to Drake University's core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds formeaningful lives and professional accomplishments. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
At Drake University,we don't just accept differences-we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees,and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. In fact, thecelebration of diversity and inclusion are embedded in our Core Values .Learn more about our DEI commitment and efforts here .
We welcomeapplicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you are a member of a socially or historically underrepresented ormarginalized group or you have actively demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you area member of one of the equity groups identified by applicable law, we encourage you to self-identify, where requested in our onlineapplication system.
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs,activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in therecruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: ; e: ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, wehighly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discriminationincluding on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, genderexpression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.