Principal Laboratory Chemical Safety Officer
The Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a qualified candidate to work as a Principal Scientist for the Quality Assurance and Safety Office of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). DCLS is located in Richmond, Virginia and serves as the state laboratory, providing analytical testing support to local, state, and federal agencies that serve to protect our environment and the health and safety of our citizens.
This position is responsible for the implementation of all elements of a diverse and highly complex chemical safety and hygiene plan to include all aspects of general and chemical safety training, consultation, documentation, risk assessment, inspection, emergency incident response, laboratory decontamination, and safety plan revision to maintain compliance with state and federal safety and waste management regulations. This position will oversee safety training for nearly 200 internal staff to ensure safe working practices within the chemical and biological (biosafety level 2) laboratories regarding hazardous materials use and disposal at DCLS and make recommendations to the Director and Quality and Safety Manager on issues relating to general and chemical safety. Additional responsibilities include serving as team leader for DCLS chemical spill response team and co-leader for first aid team, providing safety consultations and developing and presenting relevant safety and hazardous waste trainings for laboratory customers including public health, clinical and environmental laboratories, law enforcement, governmental partners, and emergency response professionals.
Qualified state employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). As a full-time employee with the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, you may be able to take advantage of this program! Visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site for more information including eligibility requirements.
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you seek to join an organization whose mission is to promote a healthier, safer world through quality laboratory service, consider joining the dedicated staff of DCLS. Located in historic downtown Richmond, our laboratory is adjacent to the State Capitol grounds. Beaches, mountains, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. are less than a two-hour drive. Excellent state benefits package including retirement pension, affordable healthcare, paid parental leave, and disability leave! 13 paid holidays and generous leave package.