Bioenergy Career Map: Safety and Occupational Health Manager

• Experience providing technical analysis and advice regarding all requirements relating to occupational health and industrial hygiene safety
• Experience leading the development of environment, safety, and health statistics and indicators for management
• Ability to assist in developing, reviewing, and revising the organizational policy and implementation guidance to address chemical, industrial, and biological hazards.

The wellness and safety of the bioenergy workforce while conducting research and development is an important component to the operation of bioenergy and biorefinery facilities. Safety and occupational health personnel directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of bioenergy scientists and engineers by ensuring a safe work environment when working with biological agents, heavy moving machinery, and complex chemical reactions. 
 
Ensuring the health and safety of scientists and engineers working on bioenergy R&D, safety workers contribute to assuring safe and healthful working conditions in covered workplaces through the development of workplace standards, regulations, and guidance addressing exposures to harmful agents. They work to produce organizational standards on feedstock quality, safety and health reports on the use of catalysts in pretreatment and conversion processes, as well as ensure worker safety in operating biorefinery machinery. Health and safety employees are the stewards of ensuring the quality, timeliness, and safety of scientific and technical assignments performed by contract workers.
 
At the senior level, the safety and occupational health manager plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates activities necessary to the overall management of biorefinery or bioenergy research laboratories. A master’s degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health, or safety sciences is preferred, as well as experience in a management role.