Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Director of Environmental Health & Safety

The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) manages the University's environmental health and safety programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Director implements policies, procedures, and best practices that promote laboratory safety, environmental stewardship, and risk mitigation across campus operations and keeps abreast of any regulatory changes impacting University operations. This role has considerable discretion and authority in maintaining institutional compliance and is responsible for administering compliance programs related to hazardous materials, biological, radiation, and laboratory safety;

coordinating inspections, training, and emergency response activities; and providing technical guidance to the campus community. The Director also supervises daily EHS operations, including staff, vendors, and regulatory reporting, and serves as a key resource in supporting a safe and compliant research and working environment.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the incumbent follows the University's best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistent and timely graduation of all the student population.

Examples of Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management Operations
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices to support EHS programs, promote laboratory safety and improve environmental performance and ensures University compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations at the local, state, and federal levels
• Manages the preparation and administration of departmental budgets and resources
• Assists with procurement processes by preparing bid specifications, evaluating proposals, making vendor recommendations for EHS-related services, etc.
• Directs and coordinates vendor-provided services including hazardous waste disposal, laboratory equipment certifications, and emergency response
• Serves as the primary reviewer and approver of chemical and gas purchase requests, ensuring proper inventory tracking, regulatory compliance, safe handling, and adherence to EHS policies
• Manages the implementation and maintenance of chemical safety standards across University operations
• Serves as the campus Biosafety Officer (BSO), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), and/or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to monitor and control the use, storage, and disposal of biological, laser, and radioactive material, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal standards and providing consultation on all aspects of biological, laser, and radiation protection, including maintaining safety manuals and operating procedures, conducting inspections, or oversees the work of external consultants and designated officers
• Assists with environmental permitting activities and inspection programs to ensure regulatory compliance
• Manages compliance activities, inspections, and audits for laboratories handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials
• Conducts and documents regulatory inspections and testing, including hazardous chemical reporting (Tier II), above ground and underground storage tank inspections, spill prevention measures, Veeder Root calibrations, and routine testing of emergency eye wash and safety showers
• Prepares and maintains reports, records, and other documents pertaining to EHS compliance (e.g., policies, procedures, training and inspections records, etc.)
• Assists in the development and implementation of environmental, health, and safety compliance programs
• Coordinates hazardous waste programs, acting as the primary contact for the campus community and vendors relating to the proper collection and disposal of waste and coordinating with vendors regarding shipments, special waste cleanups, and particularly hazardous waste removal from campus and remote locations
• Serves on University committees and collaborates with campus constituents to support and advance institutional research and compliance goals
• Training, Communication, and Technical Support
• Serves as the main point of contact, providing safety and regulatory information and assistance to the campus community on laboratory safety procedures related to hazardous materials, safe use, and practices
• Plans, develops, and delivers of health and safety seminars, training programs (in person and virtual) and workshops for the campus community
• Provides policy and technical guidance on environmental, laboratory, and occupational safety programs
• Maintains and administers online laboratory safety training programs, including updating content and monitoring completion records
• Addresses campus laboratory, chemical, and environmental safety concerns and provides input and guidance on safety issues, responding to inquiries related to EHS programs and compliance
• Operational Emergency Response and Preparedness for Environmental and Research Activities
• Serves as the operational lead for…