OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Director of Environmental Health & Safety
DIVISION: Administration & Facilities
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Health & Safety
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: ESU
CAT: 18
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: Works under the supervision of the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Environmental Health & Safety
SUPERVISES: Provides direct supervision of the Environmental Health & Safety Technician and student employees
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:
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), aboveground 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 EHS-related emergency response activities, providing technical guidance on spill response, hazardous materials incidents, contamination control, etc.
- Develops and implements emergency plans for spill response in collaboration with EHS leadership and University Police
- Investigates incidents, accidents, workplace injuries, near misses, spills, and releases related to environmental and research activities and participates in the development of programs to prevent recurrence
- Supports the implementation of mutual aid agreements by coordinating EHS resources, ensuring readiness for collaborative response efforts, and providing technical expertise
- Assists with the preparation and maintenance of operating procedures to be used in disaster/emergency response and recovery
- Assists with the preparation and analysis of post-incident damage assessments following disasters or emergencies
- Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree
- EXPERIENCE:
- Significant (5 years) experience managing health and safety programs
- Experience with regulatory compliance, OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific standards
- OTHER:
- RCRA/DOT Certification or the ability to acquire within 12 months
- Availability for evening and weekend hours as projects and circumstances dictate
- Must be available to respond to emergency situations
- Occasional local and regional travel to off-campus locations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree
- 40-hour HAZWOPER training certification
- Professional certification such as a Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO), Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), etc.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of regulations and agencies related to environmental health and safety including EPA, OSHA, NIH, CDC, RCRA, NIOSH, MassDEP, DOT, NFPA, USNRC, etc.
- Working knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding radiation, biological, laser, and chemical safety, hazardous materials/waste management, industrial hygiene, emergency planning, environmental management systems, business recovery planning, and environmental regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with CMR 310 (Haz-Waste Rules), OSHA 29 CFR1910.1200 and 1910.1450
- Ability to serve in one or more of the following capacities: BSO, RSO, LSO and/or CHO
- Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service
- Advanced written and oral communications skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive reports and executive summaries on complex, technical information
- Highly developed organizational and leadership abilities
- Demonstrated computer competency
- Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and use sound judgment
- Knowledge of best management practices pertaining to the principles of safety
- Ability to effectively lead and manage a work group, staff members and committees and work collaboratively with faculty
- Extensive knowledge of chemical laboratory processes and research
- Strong knowledge of laboratory safety and environmental standards and practices
Salary: $105,000.00-$120,000.00
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
- And More!
Benefits for ESU Union: ESU
Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
The deadline for internal applicants is August 17, 2026.
The review of applications will be ongoing.
