Biosafety Program Manager

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

• This position is posted as Biosafety Program Manager, which is a working title. The NAU system title for this position is Environmental Health & Safety Manager.
• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.Must have a physical presence at NAU’s Flagstaff campus and be able to respond in a timely manner to onsite incidents in accordance with the incident response plan.
• Must have the ability to gain authorization and maintain authorization, to access select agents and toxins based on the results of a security risk assessment conducted by the FBI’s CJIS, Bioterrorism Risk Assessment Group.
• This position is required to participate in on-call and call back duties, which can include days, nights, and weekends.
• EHS supports professional development and expects staff to participate in job-related training and professional advancement educational opportunities.

The Biosafety Program Manager serves as part of a team that provides resources to the University community in support and promotion of safe work practices and regulatory compliance. With guidance from the Director of Biological Safety, they will develop, implement, and evaluate research programs supporting activities involving biological agents and biological safety practices for academic units and support staff (e.g., Campus Health, Facility Services).

The Biosafety Program Manager plays a lead role in the Biosafety Unit through the maintenance and improvement of biosafety programming and serves as a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Review Entity (IRE).

Develops, Implements, and Evaluates Biosafety Programs - 35%

• Responsible for oversight of programs designed to comply with federal and state biosafety requirements and best practices (e.g., Bloodborne Pathogens, Needlestick Safety, Select Agents, BMBL) and animal biosafety requirements.
• Coordinates with the research community, IBC, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and other University partners to monitor and improve upon biosafety programs.
• Serves as a biosafety resource to faculty, staff, and students in developing biosafety and biosecurity research protocols and in the use of animal models.
• Proposes and implements solutions for biosafety and biosecurity concerns.
• Serves as an Alternate Responsible Official for the NAU Select Agent Program and assists the Responsible Official with all aspects of the program.
• Ensures accuracy and consistency across all written biosafety documents, website information, standard operating procedures, or related policies.
• Responds to biological incidents and emergencies and takes corrective and/or preventative measures as needed.
• Coordinates and implements an autoclave safety program.
• Attends available training programs as appropriate including webinars and professional conferences, to maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of existing or proposed changes to applicable laws and regulations.

Responsible for Compliance and Enforcement of Program Standards and Policies - 20%

• Supports A/BSL3 research activities. Develops, implements, and oversees biosafety policies, practices and procedures required to properly operate containment facilities and the NAU Select Agent program.
• Monitors A/BSL3 activity to ensure safe, compliant, efficient programs under the supervision of the Biosafety Officer and Responsible Official.
• Assists A/BSL3 Managers and Facilities Services personnel to ensure proper facility function.

Training - 20%

• Provides general biosafety and bloodborne pathogens training, as well as tailored training to communicate specific biosafety and biosecurity-related information to researchers in the laboratory or field research setting regarding safe work practices and how to mitigate potential health hazards.
• Ensures that trainings are performed in a timely manner and records are collected and maintained.
• Attends available training programs including webinars and professional conferences, to maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of existing or proposed changes to applicable laws and regulations.

Provides Resources and Guidance to NAU Community - 20%

• Assists the University community in assuring that the shipment/transport of biological agents is conducted in a safe and responsible manner in compliance with regulations and University policies. Provides ongoing consultation in permitting, and import/export requirements.
• Collaborates with EHS colleagues and contributes to the development and implementation of programs designed to enhance compliance and safety across the University community.
• Reviews construction plans for new and existing buildings to ensure compliance with biosafety regulations and best practices.
• Coordinates with architects, engineers, and construction managers to discuss safety precautions and regulatory requirements.
• Provides consultation and hands-on assistance to the University research, academic, support staff and clinical communities to ensure that research/work activities involving biological agents are conducted in a safe and responsible manner, and that these activities comply with regulations and University policies.
• Performs inspections, incident investigations, significant exposure evaluations and reporting. Works with partners to resolution of identified deficiencies.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or related discipline (e.g., biological and health sciences, occupational health and safety, environmental health, etc.) AND
• 2-4 years of experience in a biosafety, laboratory, clinical, or related field AND
• Valid, un-restricted Arizona Driver's License, or the ability to obtain an un-restricted Arizona Driver's License within 90 days of hire
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

• Familiar with applicable safety and health regulations (e.g., 29 CFR 1910.1030, 42 CFR Part 73, NIH Guidelines) and other biosafety guidelines.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of tools, processes, and policies of NAU environmental safety operations.
• Knowledge of institutional goals and strategies to achieve and maintain growth.
• Remains current on changing standards and interpretations.

Skills

• Record keeping skills.
• People management skills.
• Analytical and research skills.
• Skilled in effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses problem solving skills and orientation to detail with the ability to analyze data and present findings to stakeholders across the institution.

Abilities

• Balances competing priorities and regulatory deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong problem solving, attention to accuracy and detail, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Analyzes complex situations and anticipates issues.
• Communicates effectively.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related biosafety standards and guidelines.
• Ability to complete job duties and responsibilities while wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) as may be required.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, be highly reliable, flexible, and service-oriented.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in listening, communicating, and relating to all members of a university community on a professional level.
• Maintains positive working relationships with regulatory agency representatives enabling the position to serve as a contact person.
• Motivated to accomplish work responsibilities both independently and as a collaborative and professional EHS team member.
Pursues professional development opportunities (as schedule and funding allows).

Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver’s license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary range begins at $70,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

This is a Service Professional (SPF) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program; 22 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents. More information on benefits at NAU is available on the Human Resources benefits website. NAU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Service Professionals are hired on a contract basis, renewable each 6 months according to terms of the Conditions of Professional Service. Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU's BCBS Plan). New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. If a new employee chooses the ASRS retirement option, participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it, will begin on the first of the pay period following 6 months after the new employee's start date. New employees who choose to participate in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), which is an alternative to the ASRS plan for faculty and other appointed staff, will begin to participate on the first day of the pay period following election. Additionally, the long-term disability plan that accompanies the ORP will begin on the first day of the pay period following election.

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

June 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.