Laboratory Safety and Compliance Specialist - Environmental Health and Safety

Hiring Department

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

Division of Finance & Administration

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

Job Description

Summary
Serves as the University's primary point of contact for hazardous materials management and chemical inventory compliance, providing subject matter expertise to faculty, staff, and students on the safe use, storage, and regulatory management of hazardous materials. This position is responsible for administering the University's chemical inventory management program, maintaining the electronic chemical inventory database, coordinating laboratory chemical inventories, and leading the Laboratory Safety Inspection Program. The successful candidate works collaboratively with researchers and laboratory personnel to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulatory requirements while promoting a culture of laboratory safety.

Nature of Work
Conduct routine visits to laboratories and other campus locations where hazardous materials are stored or used to evaluate compliance with University, State, and Federal policies and regulatory requirements. Manage hazardous materials inventories through physical verification, database reconciliation, and consultation with laboratory personnel. Administer the Laboratory Safety Inspection Program by planning, conducting, documenting, and following up on laboratory inspections, identifying hazards, recommending corrective actions, and monitoring resolution of deficiencies. Provide technical expertise and guidance to researchers, faculty, staff, and students on chemical safety, inventory management, hazardous waste, and laboratory best practices.

• Inspect laboratories to verify the safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials.
• Ensure Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQs) of hazardous materials are not exceeded and verify compliance with applicable fire and life safety requirements.
• Evaluate the storage and management of peroxide-forming chemicals and other particularly hazardous substances.
• Physically handle and evaluate containers of hazardous materials during laboratory inspections and inventory activities.
• Collaborate with laboratory personnel to improve chemical management practices and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Interpret and communicate complex environmental health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures to a diverse campus community.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory safety programs, inspection processes, and chemical inventory management practices.

Key Responsibilities

This position serves as the department's subject matter expert (SME) for chemical inventory management and laboratory chemical compliance. The incumbent is responsible for administering and maintaining the University's electronic chemical inventory database, overseeing the Laboratory Safety Inspection Program, and ensuring chemical inventories accurately reflect laboratory holdings through regular inspections and reconciliation activities.

• Administer and maintain the University's electronic chemical inventory management system.
• Coordinate and reconcile physical laboratory inventories with electronic inventory records.
• Assign permits, laboratory locations, and authorized personnel within the hazardous materials inventory system.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Authorized Users List (AUL), maintaining accurate user records and ensuring authorized personnel are appropriately assigned and updated.
• Administer the University's laboratory safety training program by assigning required laboratory safety training, monitoring training compliance, and maintaining training records.
• Conduct and manage the Laboratory Safety Inspection Program, including scheduling inspections, documenting findings, tracking corrective actions, and verifying resolution of identified deficiencies.
• Inspect chemical containers to verify proper labeling, storage compatibility, and container integrity.
• Monitor chemical inventories for regulatory compliance, aging chemicals, and disposal needs.
• Coordinate the transfer, redistribution, or disposal of surplus, expired, or unwanted chemicals.
• Develop training materials and provide guidance on chemical inventory management, laboratory safety, and hazardous materials storage.
• Train and support laboratory personnel in the use of the chemical inventory database and related compliance systems.
• Generate reports, maintain inspection records, and analyze inventory and inspection data to support regulatory compliance and continuous program improvement.
• Assist the Hazardous Waste Manager with the development, implementation, and oversight of hazardous chemical safety programs, procedures, and compliance activities, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Experience supporting research laboratories in an academic, healthcare, or research environment.
• Experience developing and delivering laboratory safety training.
• Knowledge of OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), Hazard Communication Standard, EPA hazardous waste regulations, NFPA codes, and applicable fire code requirements.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $70,000 - $76,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 10 Salary Plan # GGS
University Title: Senior Environmental Health Professional
To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled, for best consideration apply by December 7, 2026.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.