Assistant Building Manager & Laboratory Safety Coordinator

Summary:

Effective July 1, 2025, the Department of Biology (https://biology.vcu.edu/) and VCU Life Sciences (https://lifesciences.vcu.edu/) will merge to form the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS), to be housed within the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences (https://chs.vcu.edu/). SLSS includes more than 60 full-time faculty and 14 staff supporting undergraduate and graduate programs in Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Studies, and Integrative Life Sciences. We are currently recruiting key staff to support the operations of this new academic unit, including the position of Assistant Building Manager and Laboratory Safety Coordinator. This position will be responsible for serving as assistant building manager, maintenance of teaching laboratories, and laboratory safety management.

The VCU job series for this position is Compliance Specialist in the Facilities Managemen t job family. For more information, please see the VCU Human Resources’ Job Family and Salary Ranges site at https://insidehr.vcu.edu/guidelines/compensation/job-families-and-salary-ranges/.

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VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will add your military years of service to our leave plan. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Job-Specific Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assistant to the Building Manager (40%)
Supports and assists the Building Manager in the maintenance of the building facilities and equipment, including multi-user equipment rooms, walk-in warm and cold rooms, a greenhouse, aquatics facility, and instructional-related vehicles. Assists in receiving and installing equipment, as well as moving equipment from lab to lab in accordance with university safety and operation guidelines. In coordination with the building manager, surplus items. Maintains inventory of lab equipment and university fixed assets.

Maintenance of teaching laboratories (25%)
Coordinates the use, repair, maintenance, and annual service of teaching equipment such as microscopes, micropipettes, and other equipment. Maintains an inventory of equipment, chemicals (including expiration dates and storage conditions), and PPE in all teaching laboratories. Maintains prep room(s) for teaching laboratories. Collaborate with faculty and lab coordinators to allocate resources such as lab space, equipment, and materials efficiently to support teaching activities.

Ensures safety and compliance of all teaching laboratories. Serves as Chemical Hygiene Officer for all teaching laboratories. Arranges annual lab inspections in coordination with faculty lab coordinators. Supervises disposal and satellite waste accumulation areas for chemicals in lab courses.

Laboratory safety management (25%)
Conducts monthly/quarterly safety audits and assessments of all laboratories (teaching and research) and shared facilities to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal safety regulations. Maintains detailed records of safety inspections and maintenance activities, and generates reports for the department and university administration as needed. Completes VCU OEHS training as required to stay up to date on chemical hygiene procedures and laboratory safety protocols. Inspects eyewashes and safety equipment in all teaching and research laboratories. Assist faculty in the development and implementation of lab emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and communication plans for lab personnel during emergencies.

Miscellaneous Duties (10%)
The position involves helping the department with all facilities-related tasks to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment for building tenants. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support the department's instructional and research mission.