Chemical Safety Specialist

EHS SPEC 3 RX (005303)

UCPath Position ID: 40043748

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

10/5/2026 8:12:48 PM

Date Last Edited:

10/16/2026 12:27:33 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

10/16/2026

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

5000O

Organization:

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE CHANCELLOR         

Division Code:

5901D

Division:

ADMINISTRATION                         

Department:

340100 - ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40043748

Position Description ID

244654

UC Payroll Title:

EHS SPEC 3 RX (005303)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40037689

Reports to Payroll Title:

Chemical Hygiene Officer

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061967

Department Head Payroll Title:

VICE CHANCELLOR, ASSISTANT (FUNCTIONAL AREA)

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Chemical Hygiene Officer at the UCLA Office of Environment, Health & Safety and in accordance with State & Federal regulations, the Chemical Safety Specialist applies technical knowledge to implement, administer, and continuously improve comprehensive laboratory and chemical safety programs supporting research, (indirect) instructional, and operational activities across UCLA. The incumbent provides technical consultation to the faculty, principal investigators, researchers, staff, students, and campus departments regarding chemical, laboratory, and research safety requirements.

Responsibilities include developing and implementing Research Safety Management Plans; conducting lab hazard assessments and compliance evaluations; developing and delivering safety training; participating in hazardous materials emergency response; conducting incident investigations; supporting continuous process improvement initiatives; and performing other duties as assigned.

Functional assignments may include support for research laboratories, engineering laboratories, medical and health sciences, physical sciences, nanotechnology, hazardous materials, chemical hygiene, laboratory commissioning, laboratory design review, or other specialized research safety programs.

This master job description establishes the core duties and responsibilities of the Laboratory Safety Professional position. Specific program assignments, portfolios, departments, and specialized technical responsibilities may be assigned or modified by management based on operational needs, organizational priorities, employee experience, and requirements. Such assignments do not alter the overall classification or primary purpose of the position.

This is an in-person position.

The incumbent will work under general supervision and independently perform the full range of professional responsibilities within assigned program areas. Their work is reviewed upon completion to ensure established standards are met and that application of professional/technical judgment is sound, and for accuracy, consistency, and achievement of program objectives.

UCLA Environment, Health & Safety's mission is to encourage and promote a strong safety culture that practices sound health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Our Mission

Encourage and promote a strong safety culture that practices sound health, safety and environmental stewardship.

Our Vision

Engage and inform the UCLA Campus and Community by providing collaborative, proactive and responsive safety, and compliance expertise.

Our Divisions

• UCLA Fire

• Research Safety (Chemical, Biosafety & High Containment, Laser & Photobiological, Radiation, Diving)

• Information Technology

• Administration & Training

• Environmental, Occupational and Safety Programs (Safety & Compliance, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Environmental Compliance)

Research Safety

Management Plans

In-person responsibilities for the following: 

1. Develops, implements, and manages Research Safety Management Plans for campus research groups as assigned. (E)

2. Applies appropriate chemical and laboratory safety standards to recommend improvements to existing laboratory processes and procedures and document improvements in the Research Safety Management Plans. (E)

3. Monitors assigned research groups' compliance with Research Safety Management Plans; applicable laws; federal/state regulations, codes, or standards; UCLA policies, the UCLA Chemical Hygiene Plan, and EH&S Standard Operating Procedures. (E)

4. Participates in EH&S strategic planning objectives and contribute to EH&S initiatives as appropriate.

80%

Training and Consultation

1. Provides technical advice to Principal Investigators and laboratory workers on the most appropriate safety practices to ensure the safe conduct of research involving chemical hazards. (E)

2. Designs and develop training material, informational flyers, and manuals covering chemical and laboratory safety topics. (E)

3. Conduct training on topics of chemical and laboratory safety including initial and refresher courses as assigned. (E)

10%

Specific Projects and Assignments 

1. Other duties as assigned by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. (E)

5%

Hazardous Materials Incident Response and Incident Investigations

1. Responds to emergency calls and evaluate, contain and clean-up hazardous material spills. (E)

2. Advises the manager of the HazMat Teams on proper response to emergency calls and spills when potential chemical exposures exist. (E)

3. Informs the Response Team of chemical hazards in particular laboratories. (E)

4. Serves as an emergency response resource for regular and off-hour emergencies. (E)

5. Conducts incident investigations assigned by the Chemical Hygiene Officer or their designee. (E)

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in an appropriate scientific field such chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biology, industrial hygiene, safety, engineering, or a closely related field

Required

Or

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required

2 years

professional experience in a comprehensive environmental health and safety program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Driver License

•

Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C License in accordance with the California (CA) Department of Motor Vehicles.

Required

Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer or Associate/Certified Safety Professional

Preferred

Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and managers. Skill in establishing rapport and gaining trust of others. Ability to work harmoniously and as a team player, thrive in a team-based environment, and skill in fostering teamwork among others.

Required

Skill in exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions. Skill in working as part of a team; collaborating with colleagues.

Required

Ability to speak clearly on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information, explain procedures and situations, and persuade others to comply with regulations and guidelines. Skill in speaking with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds. Ability to make oral presentations that communicate information and explain procedures accurately to faculty, staff and students.

Required

Skill in handling a variety of job-related topics on short or no notice. Ability to set priorities which accurately reflect the importance of the job responsibilities.

Required

Experience working independently, using sound judgment under pressure; working effectively with faculty, university administrators, staff and students in a large, complex organization.

Required

Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, understanding of consensus building and group dynamics, diplomacy and negotiation.

Required

Using proactive attitude and initiative, demonstrate ability to perform independently and effectively under conditions of fluctuating workloads and a variety of assigned duties. Ability to complete assignments independently or with minimal supervision. Ability to take directions and follow through on details.

Required

Sufficient advanced writing skills to prepare clear, concise, logical, and grammatically correct technical reports, analysis, correspondence, etc. for management, faculty, staff, and regulatory agencies.

Required

Ability to work in person/on site.  On occasion, may need to work during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays.

Required

Ability to develop adult education materials as it relates to chemical and laboratory safety principles.

Required

Advanced knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety regulations and guidelines governing laboratory safety, biological safety and animal use operation.

Preferred

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

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Pre-Placement Physical: Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory physical examination.

Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.

On occasion, may need to work during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Strathmore Building, 4th Floor

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 2: Position in which required tasks normally do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but may require performing unplanned Classification 1 tasks. In these jobs the normal work performance involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment.