Engineering Chemical Inventory Associate

Who We Are

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, Cornell Engineering is forging new paradigms in engineering education, research, and technology translation. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca with a growing presence in New York City. Our global influence is reflected in our diverse and talented community. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

What You Will Do

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

As the Chemical Inventory Associate for the College of Engineering at Cornell University, college-wide responsibilities include carrying out programs to assure the proper inventory management of chemicals according to Cornell University’s Environment, Health and Safety’s direction and guidance.

These responsibilities/duties include:

• Facilitating the appropriate inventory management of chemicals utilized in the College and the provision of staff training and guidance related to chemical inventory according to EHS’s practices and procedures.

• Receiving chemicals, enters information into the chemical inventory management system, labels appropriately, manages inventory and completes regular audits.

• Serving as a chemical inventory management resource for research laboratories. Guides and assists with safety and compliance related to storage and disposal of chemicals.

• Assisting in required Fire Code reporting by locating chemical containers in labs to verify data.

• Managing the chemical inventory workstations located around the college.

• Managing door card signage program in Engineering facilities.

• Works with lab groups to address EHS inspection findings and corrective actions in a timely manner.

• Assisting and supporting laboratory decommissioning.

The Engineering Chemical Inventory Associate will provide guidance and assistance with a variety of other safety, health and environmental issues throughout the College of Engineering, including material recycling and waste disposal, biological and chemical hazards, PPE assessments. Serves as a resource to College of Engineering Department Safety Representatives (DSR), as well as serves as a liaison with College of Engineering and Cornell EHS. Communicates EHS safety directives/issues to the DSR community and answers or directs inquiries appropriately.

What We Need

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry or chemical related field, safety, industrial hygiene, or closely related field.

• Two years of relevant work experience in research, laboratories, and/or EHS support for laboratories.

• Understanding of the principles of chemical hygiene and chemical handling, including a detailed knowledge of chemical compatibility issues.

• Familiarity with chemical and biological safety.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills in multi-cultural settings.

• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize. 

• Proven ability to foster effective working relationships.

• Confidence and ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

• Proven computer literacy and willingness to learn.

• Experience writing correspondence and documentation, developing educational materials.

• Ability to skillfully communicate with a wide audience.

• Must have demonstrated ability to handle sensitive material in a professional manner.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Proven ability to work in a team context and to set priorities, manage competing demands and to provide timely response to urgent issues.

• Comfortable developing and delivering presentations to large and small a