Are you an experienced scientist with experience in chemical safety program requirements?

Do you have experience with the storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste in compliance with state and federal regulations?

Come join DGS as a Chemical Safety Officer!

Title: Principal Scientist (Chemical Safety Officer) - CL493

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $86,000 - $99,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking a Scientist II to serve as a Principal Scientist/Chemical Safety Officer. This position is responsible for proactively implementing safety programs, which include training, consultation, documentation, inspection, emergency response to situations that impact general and chemical safety with particular emphasis on state and federal regulations for hazardous material compliance. 

The Quality Assurance (QA) and Safety Group at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is responsible for three critical laboratory functions which support the entire Division and all personnel working within the DCLS facility. The Quality Assurance section defines and implements the systematic and continuous process for monitoring, assessing, and improving the quality of services provided within DCLS.

As part of the Quality Assurance (QA) and Safety Group in DCLS, the Chemical Safety Officer is responsible for the implementation of all elements of a diverse and highly complex chemical safety and hygiene plan to include all aspects of general and chemical safety training, consultation, documentation, risk assessment, inspection, emergency incident response, laboratory decontamination, and safety plan revision to maintain compliance with local, state and federal safety and waste management regulations.  This position will oversee safety training for over 200 internal staff to ensure safe working practices within the chemical and biological (biosafety level 2) laboratories regarding hazardous materials use and disposal at DCLS.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Independently oversee the chemical and general safety practices for DCLS
• Provide consultation to division users, program managers, laboratory staff and physicians on the proper safety practices
• Work with the Biological Safety Officers to provide annual summary report of biological and chemical related accident/ incident data for year showing trends
• Ensure the proper management of hazardous waste in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This position will be located in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

We’ve got great benefits!

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the theory and application of current laws, and regulations relative to hazardous materials.
• Experience with the storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Comprehensive experience of laboratory general safety and chemical safety program requirements.
• Experience monitoring for safe work practices and making critical safety decisions independently based on risk assessments. 
• Experience planning, organizing and conducting formal technical training for internal and external professionals in the field of expertise.
• Experience documenting and investigating lab accidents, incidents and near misses, independently perform root cause analyses of situations affecting worker safety and implement corrective actions based on this information.  
• Strong written and oral communication skills to provide consultation to staff and customers relating to hazardous material issues and general safety.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

 Additional Considerations

• Experience independently performing internal safety audits.
• Experience in the development of the critical elements of a chemical safety training program for highly skilled chemists at DCLS and partner facilities.
• Experience developing and implementing safety drills and exercises to test the appropriateness of training.
• OSHA 24 Hour HAZWOPER and DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation certification.
• Specialized training and experience in occupational safety and health and regulatory requirements.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910. 

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after SEPTEMBER 22, 2025. Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.   

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a [fingerprint-based] criminal background check.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties. 

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information 

Name: DGS Human Resources 

Phone: 804-786-3910 

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov