Assistant Safety Officer

Closing Date:

08/26/2026Management - OperationsRegularNoUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education research and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position please click theApply link/button.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual preference or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting please contact Human Resources at .

OPS Campus Ops Environmental Programs

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The position of Assistant Chemical Hygiene Officer (ACHO) is needed to mitigate risk ensure compliance with OSHAs Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) and support growing laboratory operations. This position acts as a necessary safeguard to maintain a safe working environment and protect the institution from liability.

OSHA requires a qualified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) to develop and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). An ACHO ensures these extensive duties are not bottlenecked by a single person and provides the necessary boots-on-the-ground to ensure no lab goes unmonitored. These duties take considerable time to perform and include but are not limited to:
performing laboratory inspections
performing hazard assessments
providing proactive oversight of engineering controlslike fume hoods and emergency eyewash stations
performing various equipment checks
managing chemical inventory tracking
implementing waste minimization strategies
managing safety orientations
managing hazardous waste handling
managing PPE protocols for incoming students researchers and staff

Having dedicated safety oversight significantly reduces institutional liability and the risk of costly regulatory the event of a chemical spill or exposure having an additional trained professional ensures rapid containment and minimizes exposure. As the institution continuously modifies scope of existing laboratory spaces (500) or adds new laboratories this will result in an increased use of hazardous substances (currently track 35000 substances) as well as an increased generation of hazardous waste which a single CHO can no longer safely cover all shifts and spaces. An ACHO ensures that critical safety operations continue without interruption during the primary CHOs vacations conferences or leaves of absence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree plus 5 years experience in occupational health and safety chemical waste processes and regulatory compliance various environmental permit regulatory compliance or related experience
• OSHAs Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response standard (HAZWOPER); 40 Hour initial training with eight (8) hours annual refresher. Will be provided within the first year if candidate does not have it.
• CPR/AED be provided within the first year if candidate does not have it.
• Ability to follow oral instructions read and write.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste and laboratory safety regulations standards and ability to utilize and make appropriate decisions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of practical experience working in a professional laboratory environment
• Two (2) years of experience of technical writing.
• Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

ResumeProof of Veteran Status

Please contact for any recruiting relatedquestions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Annual TB Screening Criminal Background Check Substance Abuse Testing

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background drug testing and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

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