Laboratory Safety and Security Assistant

Position Overview

The Federal Work-Study Assistant provides administrative, operational, laboratory, safety, and security support to the Safety & Security Officer / Laboratory Coordinator within the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). This position assists with laboratory organization, inventory management, safety documentation, emergency preparedness activities, facility monitoring, and special projects while gaining valuable experience in laboratory operations, environmental health and safety, risk management, and higher education administration.

The Student Assistant serves as a support resource for faculty, staff, students, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Facilities Management, and Campus Public Safety to help maintain a safe, secure, and efficient learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Laboratory Operations Support

• Assist with organizing teaching laboratories, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Help maintain laboratory inventories, including supplies, tools, equipment, and consumables.
• Label, catalog, and organize laboratory materials and storage areas.
• Assist with laboratory setup and breakdown for classes, demonstrations, workshops, and special events.
• Perform routine equipment checks and report maintenance needs to the Laboratory Coordinator.
• Support faculty, graduate assistants, and laboratory personnel with laboratory preparation activities.
• Assist with data collection and recordkeeping related to laboratory operations.

II. Laboratory Safety Support

• Assist with laboratory safety inspections and walkthroughs under supervision.
• Help maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) records and safety documentation.
• Support the organization and distribution of laboratory safety materials and signage.
• Assist with tracking safety training records and attendance.
• Help inspect eyewash stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment for accessibility and compliance.
• Report unsafe conditions, hazards, or safety concerns to the Safety Officer.
• Assist with compiling documentation related to safety audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Support safety awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

III. Security and Facility Support

• Assist with building access management and visitor sign-in procedures.
• Monitor laboratory and facility spaces for security concerns and report observations to the Security Officer.
• Help maintain facility access records and administrative documentation.
• Assist with updating building emergency contact lists and resource inventories.
• Support facility walkthroughs and building condition assessments.
• Communicate facility maintenance and security concerns to appropriate personnel.

IV. Emergency Preparedness Support

• Assist with emergency preparedness activities, drills, and exercises.
• Help organize emergency response materials and evacuation information.
• Support the preparation and distribution of emergency procedures and preparedness guides.
• Assist with maintaining emergency supply inventories.
• Help document emergency drills, exercises, and preparedness activities.

V. Administrative Support

• Provide general administrative and clerical support.
• Maintain departmental files, records, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Perform data entry and document management tasks.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, training sessions, and departmental events.
• Support special projects related to safety, security, laboratory operations, and accreditation efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled at Howard University and eligible for Federal Work-Study employment.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic standing.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Major in Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Interest in laboratory operations, occupational safety, emergency preparedness, security management, or facilities operations.
• Previous experience in customer service, administrative support, laboratories, or student leadership roles.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data tracking and reporting.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Professionalism and reliability.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety principles.
• Ability to identify and report safety and security concerns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to learning and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Students serving in this role will gain practical experience in:

• Laboratory operations and equipment management.
• Occupational health and safety practices.
• Emergency preparedness and risk management.
• Building security and access control procedures.
• Regulatory documentation and compliance support.
• Facilities coordination and operations.
• Professional communication and administrative processes.
• Data management and reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout laboratory and office environments.
• Ability to lift, move, and transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to use computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory and educational environments.

Disclaimer

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The Student Assistant performs work under the direction of the Safety & Security Officer / Laboratory Coordinator and may be assigned additional duties as necessary to support departmental operations. This position does not serve as a first responder, safety officer, or security officer, but rather provides support for those functions while gaining valuable professional experience.