Technical Instructor in Science and Campus Chemical Hygiene Officer

Bennington College seeks to fill a full-time position encompassing dual responsibilities as Technical Instructor in Science and campus Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) to begin by September 1, 2024. 

During academic terms, the technical instructor provides technical instruction/assistance in the science labs to support the research and learning of faculty and students, including setting up and maintaining the labs and equipment, maintaining the safety of the labs, and maintaining and organizing the supply inventory in accordance with an established budget. These duties currently include, but are not limited to:

• Organize and assist in the running of labs for chemistry and biology classes, including set-up and breakdown, troubleshooting experiments, and developing new labs. 

• Preparing demonstrations to support classroom learning in chemistry and biology, as requested by the faculty.

• Provide technical support, instruction, and general assistance, as needed, to students and faculty.

• Maintain and provide instruction on the safe and proper use of instrumentation in the chemistry lab (including a variety of spectrometers, chromatographs and related experimental equipment).

• Serve as the Laboratory Safety Officer for chemistry and biology labs, and ensure the safety, organization of these laboratory spaces for teaching and research.

• Ensure that chemistry and biology labs are stocked with the necessary safety equipment.

• Hire, train and supervise part-time student lab assistant employees.

• Organize and maintain control of chemical and material stock and inventory according to the College’s chemical hygiene plan and other established protocols. Responsible for ordering and collecting materials and supplies in a timely fashion in accordance with established budget. 

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) oversees implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan at Bennington College. The majority of the CHO work is completed during non-term time, though some engagement and consultation is required year-round. Responsibilities include:

• Complete, and stay current with Hazwoper and other hazardous materials training as required by OSHA, VOSHA, and other government agencies.

• Complete and stay current with RCRA Hazardous Waste training, DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper training, and any other training necessary to oversee compliant hazardous waste disposal.

• Implementation of all aspects of the Chemical Hygiene Plan assigned to the CHO, including arrangement for inspection of safety equipment, disposal of chemical waste by outside contractors, and annual laboratory safety inspections.

• Review the Chemical Hygiene Plan as circumstances warrant, but at least once every 12 months, and to recommend revisions to the Plan to the Vice President of Finance and Administration.

• Consult regularly with faculty and staff regarding the use of hazardous substances in labs, studios and other work spaces, including Buildings & Grounds, and inform and train all personnel who fall under the purview of this Plan;

• In conjunction with the Office of Human Resources, designate required training for personnel dealing with hazardous materials.

• Provide technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students concerning appropriate storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Approximately one-third of work hours will be spent fulfilling responsibilities of the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), and approximately two-thirds of work hours will be spent fulfilling Technical Instructor responsibilities. While specific duties typical to the position are listed, the need for a person who is flexible and creative cannot be overstated -- the needs of this position will evolve as the research areas of the faculty and students change, and regulations and best practices with regard to chemical hygiene continue to evolve, so a good candidate for this job must be enthusiastically agile. The ideal candidate for this position will have a demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff and faculty to enable/support learning and research. A high regard for personal and work-place safety, willingness and ability to work across disciplines with a diverse body of students, staff and faculty, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and strong mechanical aptitude are required, as is a BA or Associate degree in a relevant field, such as chemistry, physics, biology, industrial hygiene, environmental or health and safety science.

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.

Bennington College is a small residential liberal arts college in southern Vermont, long distinguished for its progressive approach to higher education. The College was founded in 1932 on the principle of active engagement in learning, which is manifest in individualized plans of study developed by students together with faculty. We serve a diverse student population, and our faculty and staff also reflect diverse backgrounds and identities.  Our aim is to educate students towards self-fulfillment and constructive social purposes, and we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusivity--in community and in curriculum--are vital to achieving those aims.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.  From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of Vermont’s top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by car.

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Last updated on Aug 10, 2024