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Laboratory Safety Officer

State of Maine

Augusta, Maine

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$68,993.59–$97,635.20
SKILLS
Best Practices, Community and Social Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health, Health Science, Healthcare, Industrial Hygiene, Internal Audit, Laboratory, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Laboratory Testing, OSHA, Organizational Skills, Physical Chemistry, Policy Development, Policy Implementation, Public Health, Regulatory Requirements, Risk, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Safety Process, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Social Work, Team Player, Test Lab, Training/Teaching
LOCATION
Augusta, Maine
POSTED
30+ days ago
If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Service Coordinator II

Opening Date: April 2, 2026

Closing Date: April 29, 2026

Job Class Code: CA29

Grade: 29 (47)

Salary: $68,993.59 - $97,635.20 per year

Position Number: 20002-4709

Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

Job Description:

The Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive health and safety program for the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). This position also fulfills the Department of Labor mandated role of Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).

In this role the LSO supports staff education & training in health and safety measures and ensures compliance with applicable health and safety regulations. The LSO chairs the HETL Safety Committee and conducts periodic safety and health audits throughout the HETL facility.

The Laboratory Safety Officer updates safety and health policies, processes, and procedures as needed. This position plays a central role in promoting a strong culture of safety by identifying and reporting actual and potential safety issues that may place staff and others at risk; assessing those risks; implementing redundant systems to reduce risks to the absolute minimum; overseeing of site-specific workplace safety policies and procedures; and maintaining a safety plan that meets agency and OSHA requirements.

In this role, you will help protect the health and safety of Maine's public health laboratory workforce by:

• Providing consultive, professional safety advice and expertise to the Associate Director of the Health and Environmental Testing laboratory (HETL)

• Developing comprehensive safety policies, processes, and procedures as part of the HETL safety program.

• Conducting annual safety training to HETL staff

• Serving as the subject matter expert (SME) for HETL in all matters related to worker safety and health and chemical hygiene safety.

• Exercising independent judgement in recommending and implementing policy and protocol development.

• Determining safe work practices to control hazards.

• Determining scheduled and unscheduled internal audits to review actual practices within the facility.

• Determining appropriate systems to track hazards, near-miss incidents, and injuries to HETL staff, DHHS staff, vendors, and visitors within the facility.

• Determining decontamination practices to be used in case of an event.

• Determining best practices to align with all regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, industrial hygiene, environmental, or health safety sciences. A minimum of four (4) years of experience within a laboratory or chemical-related facility with responsibilities for safety programs with proficiency in laboratory safety or chemical hygiene. A comprehensive knowledge of laboratory operations and practices and a demonstrated ability to establish working relationships with diverse groups.

Preferred candidates will also have:

o Expertise and knowledge of scientific and technical components of laboratory testing.

o Ability to apply emergency and risk communication principles and techniques to accurately explain information to others.

o Ability to mitigate emergency events, coordinating with public safety, Maine DOL, DEP, EPA, etc.

o Chemical Hygiene Officer certification or eligibility for the certification.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, inc

About the Company

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State of Maine