Description
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), the Director of Chemical Safety (DCS)/Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) manages and directs the chemical safety/hygiene, hazardous waste management and environmental compliance programs for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and offsite facilities such as agricultural research stations. The DCS/CHO is responsible for developing, supporting, and promoting programs necessary to help maintain a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. They also oversee policies, procedures and programs that ensure the safe and compliant use of chemicals in laboratories and other university facilities.
The DCS/CHO, assisted by program staff, provides consultative services to faculty and staff related to the safe handling and disposal of chemicals. They work closely with faculty and staff to set chemical safety policies for the university and interpret these into goals and objectives for the department. The person in this position must be skilled in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace and environmental health hazards, especially those related to chemical use. Strong interpersonal skills will be required to build effective working relationships, negotiate and solve problems with multiple constituencies in a large, decentralized research environment. Experience in risk communication is highly desirable.
Compensation: The minimum salary for this position is $125,000 and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see the Academic Staff Benefits Summary.
How to Apply: To view the full job description and apply, go to the online job posting available here. The application deadline is June 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
Applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, industrial hygiene, chemical engineering, health physics or a closely related field, must also meet the minimum criteria below:
- Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience managing chemical safety and general laboratory safety programs.
- Minimum of five (5) years of formal supervisory experience.
Applicants with a Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution in chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, industrial hygiene, chemical engineering, health physics or a closely related field, must also meet the minimum criteria below:
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience managing chemical safety and general laboratory safety programs.
- Minimum of three (3) years of formal supervisory experience.
- All applicants must have experience working in or directly supporting laboratories.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing chemical safety programs at a large academic institution
Ph.D. in chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, industrial hygiene, chemical engineering, health physics or a closely related field
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree Required; focus in chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, industrial hygiene, chemical engineering, health physics or a closely related field required
