Chemicals Storage Management / Chemist – Dept of Defence, Melbourne

Chemicals Storage Management / Chemist – Dept of Defence, Melbourne (The position has been filled)

• Rare opportunity to Join Defence Science & Technology (DST) Group
• Contract duration to August 2021 with additional 12 month extension potential
• Involvement with wide ranging DST programs

 

THE CLIENT

The Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) is part of the Australian Department of Defence dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia’s defence and national security needs.  DST Group is a national leader in safeguarding Australia by delivering valued scientific advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.

The DST Fisherman’s Bend Site uses chemicals for a range of research activities in a variety of laboratories, so a centralised Chemical storage facility has multiple users.

 

THE ROLE

The DST Group require an experienced Chemist to manage their Chemical Storage facility and Drum Store in line with Commonwealth Work Health & Safety (WHS) legislation – ensuring compliance for handling, storage (including compatibility requirements), labelling and safety data sheets maintenance. This includes covering the full acquisition cycle for managing inventory to meet interdepartmental needs. It also includes disposal of all chemicals at end of usable life and/or DST requirements according to the appropriate policies and regulations such as required by the Environmental Protection Authority.

In addition, the Chemist will provide subject matter expertise in the control of hazardous chemicals for the various research activities, including preparation and support to the laboratories, with a particular focus to the Specialised Coatings Technology Group (Maritime Division).

This is a contract role requiring the successful candidate to work 37.5 hours per week It is anticipated that it will be commencing September 2, 2019 until 1 August 2021. At this time, the contract will be reviewed for a further 12 month extension.

 

To be considered for this role you must apply ASAP!

Some of the tasks associated with this role include:

1. Ensure all SDSs are current and an SDS expiry registry is being maintained.  Where required, replacement SDSs  from suppliers are obtained. SDS will all be Global Harmonised System (GHS) compliant and accessible;
2. Maintain hard copies and electronic SDS libraries in line with WHS Legislations for the Chemical Store and Maritime Division groups as required;
3. Provide advice and assist in chemical induction following acquisition ensuring control and compliance standards are met;
4. Provide support for conversion of SDS that have been obtained from overseas (non-Australian compliant) helping to ensure this is completed prior to acceptance onto the site;
5. Undertake bi-annual hazardous chemical stock audits;
6. Ensure chemical labelling is compliant – ensure that labels are GHS compliant;
7. Provide advice and assistance if required in the preparation of Risk Assessments for all chemicals ordered and received for storage and handling;
8. Coordinate regular chemical disposals ensuring an annual review of the holdings is completed; ensure unwanted chemicals are appropriately disposed of in line with legislation, Defence and Environmental Protection Agency requirements;
9. Support Specialised Coatings Technology Group’s monthly WHS meetings and provide a monthly report on the status of the Group’s and Non-Acoustic System Management Group’s chemical stock holdings;
10. Attend meetings to provide up-to-date knowledge of all legislative requirements for research chemical storage, handling and usage; and
11. Coordinate the review and make recommendations to the Hazard Chemical Safety Advisor for improvements in the running of the store and/or chemical management arrangements.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for this unique opportunity you MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN and will need to meet the following criteria:

• Qualifications from an Australian Tertiary Institution (or equivalent) in the fields of Chemistry, Biochemistry or similar. Ideally, Bachelor or higher.

• Experience with WHS practices, including performance within a chemical laboratory environment – appropriate WHS certification would be well regarded

• Demonstrated knowledge of research chemicals, including legislative compliance for storage, handling and use within a research organisation

• Prior experience and knowledge of working with research chemicals, and within specialised coatings would be a distinct advantage

• Previous management of chemical storage and handling

• MUST be Willing to Undergo a Security Clearance

 

APPLICATIONS

To have an initial discussion about this role in absolute confidence, please call our Head Office on 03 9516 0100.

In your communications relating to this position, kindly cite the job reference: CHEMSTOREMGMT0719

To apply, click the “Apply Now” button to send your resume to CS Executive Group. Remember to include a brief covering letter to address the above requirements.

Only candidates being considered for shortlisting for presentation to our client will be sent the formal selection criteria to address in more detail, which is part of CS Executive Group’s pre-screening process.

 

THANK YOU

CS Executive Group would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to apply for this role. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of correspondence our recruitment team receives on a daily basis, we genuinely cannot respond to each application—only individuals being considered for shortlisting as candidates are contacted.

However, if on this occasion you’re unsuccessful, please note your details will be added to our Talent Pool database. All this means is that in future you might be contacted by one of our team of recruiters for other suitable roles.