Find & Apply For Safety Specialist / Coordinator Jobs in Cullowhee, North Carolina

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). A valid driver's license is required. Under the supervision of the Director for Safety and Risk Management, the Laboratory Safety Officer is primarily responsible for program management and compliance with university, local, state and federal regulations pertaining to chemical, biological, radiological, animal research, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene programs and other related laboratory programs and safety practices in all facilities campus-wide. The laboratory safety officer is identified as the university's Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), Biological Safety Officer (BSO), Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), IACUC member, and Hazardous Materials Manager (HMM). Performs additional responsibilities as assigned.

Certification Requirements:

Position requires Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) and Registered Biological Safety Professional (RBP) certifications. If certifications are not already held; must obtain them within the first year of employment.

Physical Requirements:

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, handling objects, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Knowledge of higher education operations and applicable laboratory safety, environmental, health, and research compliance requirements, including OSHA, EPA, NCDEQ, IACUC, and related regulations. Ability to develop written plans, policies, and procedures; set priorities; and manage multiple projects, activities, and deadlines with limited administrative support. Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with researchers, university personnel, trades staff, management, and external constituents. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, pivot tables, Adobe, learning management systems, website management, and other relevant software tools. Minimum Qualifications Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. Bachelor's degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Anticipated Hiring Range $68,185 Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours per Week 40 Number of Months per Year 12 Salary Band Range $35,557 - $103,768 Salary Grade 72 Posting Text Open Date 08/10/2026 Close Date 08/24/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (with complete contact information). Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran's Preference.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.