SAFETY TECHNICIAN - RADIOACTIVE & HAZARDOUS WASTE

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:    Safety Technician - Radioactive & Hazardous Waste

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Safety Technician (R&H Waste) performs varied physical and technical tasks in support of the Environmental Health and Safety Department specifically related to the management of hazardous chemical, biological and radioactive waste. Minor clerical duties involving database input.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Removes chemical, biological, and radioactive waste from labs and transports it to the processing facility;
• Processes and packages chemical (bulk and lab pack) and radioactive wastes for off-site disposal;
• Performs radioactive contamination surveys: selects surfaces to test, performs wipe tests and places wipe in scintillation counter for analysis, decontaminates facilities and equipment utilizing absorbent material and decontamination solutions, verifies successful decontamination;
• Operates and calibrates various monitoring instruments using a portable pulse generator and sealed radioactive check sources, and interprets measurements/findings;
• Processes incoming packages of radioactive materials, biological and/or controlled substances;
• May provide basic technical guidance to research employees in the areas of radiation protection, radiation instrumentation, radioactive waste management, chemical hygiene, personal protective equipment, and chemical waste management;
• Coordinates and performs lab/facility decommissioning and decontaminating;
• Maintains inventory of group supplies; replenishing as necessary;
• Processes ethanol orders from laboratories
• Performs other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 2 years of environmental health and safety experience performing similar or related work preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• This position works in areas such as research laboratories, maintenance areas and vivariums. With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to lift 60 pounds. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions will be discussed during the interview process.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 5 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus.

COMPENSATION: 

The expected hiring range for this position is $24.00 to $28.80/hourly, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements. 

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking 

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.