Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular Full-time. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.
Work Location: This position is an onsite role and is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Supervisor: Vice President for Human Resources and Chief of Staff.
This position also collaborates closely and strategically with the Director of Campus Safety and the Director of Facilities as key institutional partners to align safety compliance with daily operations.
Position Purpose: Manage the EHS Department staff and students employees. Oversee the College’s radiation, laser, biosafety, chemical safety, fire safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Campus Policies, and hazardous waste disposal programs. Ensure organizational compliance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations, complete required periodic regulatory reports, and coordinate regulatory inspections.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Strategic Leadership, Governance & Program Management (30%)
- Develop and execute long- and short-range plans, policies, and operating procedures for the EHS department to build a proactive and collaborative culture of safety across campus.
- Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate EHS department staff.
- Partner with Union Finance to manage the EHS budget and forecast annual costs for services, supplies, etc.
- Chair the Academic Affairs Safety Committee and partner with faculty, staff, and administration to evaluate and continuously improve safety initiatives.
- Collaborate and partner with Facilities Services on code compliance and occupational health & safety within the departments including both large and small projects.
- Designs and delivers EHS safety training programs for students and employees.
- Stay current on EHS trends, innovations, and higher education safety benchmarks, introducing modern practices and systems.
- Work with Human Resources to recommend preventative safety measures and controls and investigate employee injury incidents.
Regulatory Compliance, Audits & Agency Liaison (25%)
- Direct Union College’s compliance with local, state, and federal health, safety, and environmental regulations (OSHA, EPA, NYSDEC, NYSDOH, NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control, etc.).
- Monitor changing health, safety and environmental legislation, update institutional policies and practices accordingly.
- Lead the strategy, administration, and instructional delivery of institutional compliance and safety training programs (e.g., OSHA, Radiation Safety).
- Oversee mandatory compliance reporting and serve as the primary institutional liaison during official agency inspections and audits (NYS Cooling Tower Registries, Asbestos and lead safety reporting, and other facilities related reports).
Academic, Laboratory & Specialized Safety Operations (20%)
- Responsible for oversight of Union’s chemical inventory program (CEMS), safety training for authorized entry to the ISEC chemical stockroom and serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) for the College.
- Serve as the designated Biosafety Officer (BSO), Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Laser Safety Officer (LSO). Maintain compliance with Union’s Radioactive Materials License conditions, and biosafety and laser safety standards, and inventory controls.
- Direct safety inspections, hazard assessments, and chemical hygiene programs in Science & Engineering research and teaching laboratories.
Environmental Protection, Hazardous Materials & Bulk Storage (15%)
- Oversee environmental stewardship programs, including the Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) program and hazardous chemical/waste management.
- Direct hazmat spill response readiness, ensuring proper containment protocols, reporting, and maintenance of emergency spill equipment.
- Manage electronic and universal waste recycling programs.
Fire Safety, Life Safety & Emergency Response (10%)
- Manage fire safety and life safety inspection and training schedules across academic, administrative, and residential physical environments.
- Serve as a campus community liaison and share relevant health and safety information.
- Respond to campus EHS emergencies, serving as the technical advisor during hazardous materials incidents or severe laboratory events.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field) required.
- 6+ years of directly related experience in environmental health and safety leadership, preferably in higher education.
- Safety certifications preferred such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM), OSHA 10 or 30 hour general industry certification.
- Ability to lift 30 lbs. required.
- Thorough working knowledge of EPA, OSHA, NYSDEC, NYSDOL, NYSDOH, and NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control regulations.
- Strong safety consciousness, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated capability to lead diverse teams, and ability to foster inclusive safety practices across campus.
- Able to anticipate, deliver on, and exceed the expectations of students, faculty, alumni, supervisees, and fellow staff colleagues, etc.
- Ability to respond to on-campus emergencies, inspect lab/workspace facilities, handle spill response equipment, and navigate campus buildings.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
- Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Exchange
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).
