Senior Assistant Dean, Facilities Operations and Research Safety (0481U), College of Chemistry - #84684

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Departmental Overview

The College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley is a large research-intensive academic unit on the Berkeley Campus and is internationally recognized for unparalleled educational and research excellence. It is one of three unique institutions in the nation maintaining combined Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Departments. The College consistently receives the highest rankings from the US National Research Council for both its chemistry and chemical engineering doctoral programs, and provides instruction to over 50% of all Berkeley undergraduate students comprising all majors. Approximately 80% of the College's facilities are comprised of advanced technical research and instructional laboratories, including high-level biosafety facilities and prototype laboratories supporting cutting edge research.

Position Summary

The Senior Assistant Dean, Facilities Operations and Research Safety reports directly to the Dean. Responsibilities include managing the design and construction of capital projects, including renovations, expansions and new facilities and infrastructure; collect, develop, and analyze technical data to determine project requirements and preparation of information regarding specifications, materials, equipment, estimated costs, and completion times, oversight of all EHS&S efforts, whether provided by UC staff or outside consultants/contractors, and ensure that their services are conducted to the highest standards of the profession. The Assistant Dean ensures timely and competent Facilities Operations and Research Safety service to all 1300 staff members and 55 research groups in 380,000 of Assigned Square Footage (ASF) comprising the Chemistry complex.

The Senior Assistant Dean coordinates these activities with other senior college staff including Department Chairs and the Assistant Deans responsible for Budget and College Relations.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/27/2026.

Responsibilities

Facilities Planning, Development and Management

• Provides management and coordination of major and minor capital improvement projects, including ensuring implementation of planned and comprehensive building, landscape and infrastructure campus programs.
• Provides expertise in selection of design professionals, fee and contract negotiations, project code compliance and regulations, engineering and technical support, campus policies and project development.
• Provides College oversight of professional architects, engineers, landscape architects, project managers, analysts, and other design/construction professionals to ensure College major and minor construction needs are met.
• Serves as the primary contact to the campus Capital Projects (CP) unit.
• Responsible for approving all expenditures for CoC projects prior to their authorizing for payment by the Project Manager designated by Capital Projects.
• Provides counsel and oversight to the Project Manager assigned by Capital Projects, assuring that College and campus requirements are implemented.
• Directs the design, renovation, and construction of building projects in consultation with the Dean, Capital Projects, and, as appropriate, donors.
• In coordination with Capital Projects directs selection of design professionals and negotiates contracts.
• Responsible for converting the academic/research unit's design interests and needs into a clearly stated set of design requirements.
• During design and planning phase, ensures design intent.
• Reviews and analyzes estimated cost impacts for campus, college and possibly donor review.
• Assures that campus and contractors meet the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection (MEPF) systems and meet codes, regulations, and University Design standards.
• Represents the College in developing processes and procedures with campus service providers such as EH&S, U.C. Police, RSSP, Communication and Network Services (CNS), Physical Plant, State Fire Marshal, State Architect, et cetera, to advance the interests of the campus.
• Provides expertise in selection of design professionals, fee and contract negotiations, project code compliance and regulations, engineering and technical support, campus policies and project development.

Plans, directs, and manages multiple College of Chemistry EH&S programs

Serves as the primary contact to the campus Office of EH&S providing overall direction and oversight in the following areas:

• Chemical Re-Use Facility, including collection and distribution of over 18,000 recycled chemicals for free within the College;
• Construction Safety during building and laboratory renovations located within the College;
• Laboratory Safety and Chemical Fume Hood Compliance Program;
• Laboratory Safety Contact Program that provides safety information and training to graduate student and postdoctoral researchers;
• Manages the Ergonomics Awareness and Evaluation Program for the College.
• Monitors and prevents chemical, biological, and physical hazards and diseases.
• Reviews and incorporates health standards promulgated by regulatory authorities.
• Represents College of Chemistry Senior EH&S management at campus meetings and committees.
• Provides personnel administration including selection, training, evaluation, and as required, corrective action.
• Develops and monitors operational plans.
• Manages Staff and monitors budgets and expenses, ensuring compliance with budgetary allocations.
• May establish and recommend changes to policies that affect the organization.

Evaluates, recommends, and implements policies and procedures to assure awareness of and compliance with EH&S requirements.

• Directs audits, follow-up and notification activities.
• Provides reports to Federal, State, and local agencies.
• Develops or oversees development of communication programs to ensure awareness of and compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, and policies to protect environmental health and prevent unsafe conditions.
• Maintains current, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of all existing and proposed regulations.
• Aids in the implementation and monitoring of campus environmental and safety programs, systems, procedures and training in: industrial hygiene, safety engineering, environmental protection, fire protection, and hazardous materials.
• Participates in development, evaluation and implementation of UCOP IT programs related to health & safety.

Personnel Management and Development

• Takes the lead in advising management team on staffing needs and assignments. Assesses staff development needs and recommends training opportunities for staff.
• Manages the Facilities Operations business unit for 6 buildings that comprise the College of Chemistry.
• Supervises the Facility Manager and provides administrative oversight to the College trades unit of carpenters, machinists, electricians, and the "Liquid Air" Compressed gas facility and staff.

Project/Program Analysis and Evaluation

• Advises senior management such as Vice Chancellors, Dean, Associate and Assistant Deans in responding to requests for information regarding Capital Improvements.
• Ensures consistency and continuity in offering historical perspective in describing projects, and informs of potential claims for liability.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of and experience in planning, design, construction, environmental issues, legal issues, federal, state and local laws, regulations and practices governing planning, building design and construction, state and federal legislative processes.
• Thorough financial, budgeting and cost management skills, including interacting with and synthesizing widely divergent viewpoints and interests.
• Thorough knowledge of and/or can quickly learn the organization, including its vision, mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure and short- and long-range strategic capital projects plans.
• Excellent organizational skills including skill in consistently and effectively meeting budget and time deadlines.
• Excellent skills to lead, direct and manage personnel including selection, training, evaluating and, as required, taking corrective action.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to work effectively with multiple constituencies to advance organizational objectives.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• License to practice in at least one of the following professions: architecture, engineering, urban design, city planning or landscape architecture.
• Certificate to practice in at least one of the following professions: architecture, engineering, urban design, city planning or landscape architecture.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $190,000.00 - $230,000.00. The full pay scale for this classification is $138,200.00 - $271,200.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.