Biosafety Manager / CT Coordinator

Full/Part-Time

Job Type

Compensation

Job Description

Biosafety Manager/ CT Coordinator

Location: Public Health Lab / 4615 W Lakeview

Salary: Up to $89,596.42 based on education and experience.

Full Time /Part Time: Full Time

Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday

Primary Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Why you’ll love it here!

RESPECT.  COLLABORATION.  SERVICE.  The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive.  Check out why we are passionate about public health and believe it is the career for you!!!   What is Public Health?

Oh yeah, did we mention perks?  We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations. 
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Position Description: 

The Biosafety Manager within the public health laboratory will ensure adequate biosafety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biological materials, the spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens and threats of emerging pathogens, and act as the primary point of contact for several key roles in the functional capacity of Biosafety Officer, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Training Coordinator. The person in this position develops and monitors adherence to laboratory biosafety programs, provides related workforce training for biosafety for the agency and sentinel clinical laboratories, assists public health and clinical laboratories with biosafety risk assessments and risk mitigation plans, and works cohesively with key system partners and public health officials to improve communications and emergency management and response practices. Efficient communication skills, knowledge of microbiology and general laboratory practices, and experience in laboratory safety, training and outreach, and quality management systems are necessary for this position. This role will be responsible for the oversight of the Accessioning, Shipping and Receiving section within PHL and of laboratory operations as related to Chemical Terrorism in Oklahoma.

Duties:

• Reports to the Lab Director for prioritization of assigned duties.
• Develops and oversees the clinical laboratory safety programs, including but not limited to, Emergency
• Preparedness, Infection and Tuberculosis exposure, Fire prevention and evacuation, Chemical Hygiene, and Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management in accordance with agency, local, state, and federal laws and regulatory agencies.
• Facilitates and conducts quarterly safety meetings.
• Responsible for the development and review of safety-related and bioterrorism policies and procedures to meet regulatory compliance.
• Evaluates work practices, safety events, and lab environment to identify hazards, investigate problems, take actions to prevent recurrence or mitigate potential risks, as appropriate, to meet agency and OSHA, CLIA, and CAP safety requirements.
• Performs risk assessments and safety audits on scheduled basis and as needed or requested by the Lab Director and CLIA Director.
• Responsible for education and training for laboratory staff on biohazard risk assessments, chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogens, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination, packaging and shipping of infectious agents, and waste management, including appropriate methods for recycling and disposal of biological and chemical hazards.
• Coordinates spill, security, fire, and other safety drills as determined by the Lab Director and CLIA Director.
• Facilitates and conducts outreach to sentinel clinical laboratories in jurisdiction to assist with performing biosafety risk assessments, using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing decontamination procedures, packaging, and shipping of infectious agents, and reviewing waste management plans, including methods for recycling and disposal of biological hazards.
• Encourages a culture of safety and reporting of actual and potential safety issues which may place staff and others at risk; assesses those risks; and implements redundant systems to keep risks to the absolute minimum.
• Coordinates occupational health need for employees as it relates to vaccines, respiratory fit tests, and workman’s compensation. Facilitates appropriate reporting to OSHA for any on-site safety event requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
• Maintains appropriate licensure, certification, or permits related to safety, such as APHIS permit and EPA
• Attends and participates in training exercises, conferences, and other development program related to position.
• Develops and oversees the chemical and hazardous waste program for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In addition, corresponds with appropriate agencies to determine site-specific chemical and hazardous disposal limitations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related health sciences field from an accredited university. Previous experience as a laboratory safety officer, Chemical Hygiene Officer certification or other related certification is preferred. In addition, two years of laboratory experience is required at minimum. Strong understanding of BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations and practices is preferred. The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of individuals. Supervisory/lead experience is required

Application Requirements:

• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA Laboratory Safety and HAZWOPER
• Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Laws and Regulations
• Chemical Hygiene Plan Development and Oversight
• CAP Accreditation Program: Laboratory General Checklist and Laboratory Section Checklists related to safety
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an office setting with a climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise level. While performing the duties of the job, employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  This position requires long period of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Travel is required with this position.

Telework: This position is not eligible for Telework and is subject to OSDH policy and supervisor’s discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions through their Workday account. Go to Careers app on WD home screen>Click on 'Find Jobs-Internal State of Oklahoma'.