Job Description

Description

The Director of Biological Safety is responsible for the operation of the Biological Safety Program within the Division, providing public health oversight of biological research laboratories in Boston in accordance with the Biosafety Regulations and Guidelines and related state and federal regulations. The Director also provides subject matter expertise and related support to the Division's broader work. Duties include:

• Interfaces with biological safety laboratory personnel including administrators, researchers, laboratory staff and Institutional Biological Safety Committee staff to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Leads inspections of regulated laboratory spaces at BSL2 through BSL4 at institutions covered by the requirements of the Biosafety Regulation.
• Leads internal, multi-disciplinary team in biological safety program activities including interfacing with and directing the work of consultants.
• Collaborates with city, state, and federal agency personnel on biological safety initiatives.
• Develops and/or maintain systems for Biological Safety program including permitting, oversight/monitoring/enforcement, data management, reporting, training and education, and financial systems.
• Serves as BPHC representative at community meetings related to biosafety and environmental health.
• Manages the Boston Biosafety Committee advisory group meetings to support BPHC biological safety initiatives.
• Manages the Boston Biosafety Working Group, a cross-agency committee of government agencies and regulated institutions convened to exchange information, updates, and best practices in biosafety and incident planning and response.
• Performs evaluations and health risk assessments of exposure to biohazards and environmental pollutants in Boston.
• Organizes and conduct evaluations and health risk assessments of exposure to biological and environmental pollutants during the course of performing health evaluations.
• Responds to environmental emergencies during normal hours and when on emergency on-call status.
• Communicates and coordinate effectively with local, state, and federal agencies as well as the general public regarding biological safety, environmental health, biological and toxic chemical hazards, and their abatement and control.
• Researches relevant data including analyzing reports generated by institutions and environmental consultants.
• Clearly and concisely prepares and edits reports, for internal and external audiences, using field investigation, document review, library, and computer research data.
• Makes sound judgments in determining health hazard and compliance status of multimedia sources of biohazard and pollution.
• Reviews policy initiatives and makes recommendations to Director to ensure protection of city residents and institutions.
• Maintains necessary training and certifications in biological safety.
• Develops and manages budgets
• Develops, implements, and manages projects and/or initiatives related to the program for the provision of services and/or to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards and/or contracted goals and objectives.
• Works in a confidential capacity. Operates independently. Uses independent judgment and discretion to make decisions affecting the department and staff as it relates to unit operations/services and BPHC policy.
• Makes and recommends management and personnel decisions including, but not limited to, promotion, transfer and assignment of staff, and imposition of discipline.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS with a major in science such as Biology, Chemistry or Public Health, or other relevant science; master's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years experience in Biological Safety, Environmental Science or Environmental Hazards Code Enforcement.
• 1 year or more supervisory experience with the ability to effectively motivate, train, and supervise staff is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Good data interpreting and management skills required.
• Valid Mass Driver's License with good driving record and working vehicle are required.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required.
• Ability to: manage and supervise complex projects, maintaining schedules and timelines; to evaluate and effectively utilize toxicological and epidemiological printed and electronic literature to solve environmental health problems; to use, calibrate and maintain field monitoring or sampling instrumentation necessary for the performance of duties.
• Acquisition and maintenance of trainings and certification required for the performance of job duties required. CBSP and/or RBP certifications or equivalent professional credentials are preferred.
• Experience with local community organizations preferred.
• Bilingual and bicultural is a plus.

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