Chemical and Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator and Natural Sciences Technical Operations Specialist

Kenyon College invites applications for a combined Chemical and Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator and Natural Sciences Technical Operations Specialist starting November 2026. This is a 12-month, full-time position with benefits.

In the role of Chemical and Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, this position focuses on chemical, laboratory, and workplace safety and safety training, hazardous waste handling and disposal, and compliance with safety regulations. In its complementary role of Natural Sciences Technical Operations Specialist, the position focuses on the maintenance of laboratory equipment and collaborative operation of natural sciences laboratories.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

As Chemical and Environmental Health and Safety Specialist:

• Complete and annually refresh safety training such as OSHA’s Hazard Communication, laboratory, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standards, and the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Transportation requirements. Proactively identify and attend other appropriate training courses as needed (e.g.. CHO certification, Biosafety, First Responder).
• Maintain, update, and implement chemical hygiene plan in response to federal and state regulations and collegiate needs.
• Collaboratively design, implement, and assess regular safety training and documentation for students, staff, and faculty working with, and around, hazardous materials and equipment in the workplace.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff regarding laboratory/workspace safety, including periodic safety assessments of laboratories/workspaces, testing and maintenance of safety equipment (e.g. fume hoods, eyewash stations), and document compliance.
• Be a resource for students, staff, and faculty to resolve problems related to chemical safety.
• Respond to and investigate Environmental Health and Safety emergencies working as part of an institutional emergency preparedness team.
• Oversee procurement, shipping, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and cryogens.
• Manage central facility for hazardous waste accumulation and retrieval, and facilitate periodic removal of waste. Work with faculty and staff to establish uniform procedures to document the generation, storage, and movement of hazardous waste from the laboratory/work site to the central facility or other disposal site.
• Other duties as assigned.

As Natural Sciences Technical Operations Specialist:

• Coordinate and order chemicals, cryogens, and other supplies.
• Oversee the maintenance and use of some laboratory instruments.
• Oversee safe operation of specialized equipment.
• Assist with chemical inventory software and accurate chemical inventory.
• Assist with procurement of equipment and instrumentation, including negotiating with vendors on pricing.
• Educate, train and supervise student workers who help with the safety and operations responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• 3-5 years laboratory experience.
• Experience with laboratory safety and management.
• Experience with instrument maintenance.
• Interest in continuing education in the areas of chemical and environmental safety/compliance, and technical operations.
• Ability to multitask effectively and respond to demands in a timely manner.
• Must have current training, or be able to complete training in six months in OSHA’s Hazard Communication, Laboratory, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standards, and the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Transportation requirements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. (Many of the articulated duties and responsibilities will require collaboration with faculty and staff across the college.)
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• 3-5 years laboratory experience with progressively increasing experience with laboratory safety and management.
• Experience with biosafety.
• Experience with maintenance of multiple instruments.

Applications should include: a cover letter, a Curriculum Vitae, an unofficial graduate transcript, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on Oct. 5th, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at twenty-three other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes all voices and perspectives.