Organizational Unit:
The College of Engineering serves over 6,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 12 programs. The College of Engineering seeks to profoundly shape and impact lives through the steadfast pursuit of world-class engineering research, education, and innovation. We aspire to be at the forefront of engineering research and education, cultivating knowledgeable, passionate engineers who are dedicated to need-based, solutions-oriented engineering. We share a culture of excellence, characterized by an emphasis on students, research, innovation, partnership, inclusivity, agility, and the future.
The College of Engineering Facilities and Safety department is dedicated to providing quality facilities that are safe and to positively impact these spaces in which we learn, teach and work. Besides maintaining safe facilities, we are a department that is dedicated to customer service while achieving the best utilization and response to current and emerging needs.
Position Summary:
The Safety & Compliance Officer supports EH&S in maintaining a safe and compliant environment for the College of Engineering by conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and implementing corrective measures. The role oversees safety records, provides guidance on regulations and proper procedures, leads monthly safety audits, and develops training for faculty, staff, and students. Under the Facilities & Safety Director, the position plans and evaluates fire prevention and occupational safety programs, identifies hazards, recommends improvements, and assists with broader facilities needs across the College.
30% - Assist EH&S in the inspection of workplaces to assure a safe & healthful condition for workers as well as investigating accidents & developing measures to prevent recurrences. Disseminates information to department heads & others regarding toxic substances, hazards, carcinogens & other safety information. Measures to prevent recurrences. Maintains administrative control of records related to safety programs & stay up to date on state and federal workplace safety regulations. Fields inquiries from COE's faculty, staff and students about proper safety procedures. Conducts a monthly COE safety audit of the labs & classrooms utilizing a safety committee comprised of representatives from all departments to detect code violations, hazards, and incorrect work practices & procedures.
30% - Develop, implement & review safety training for COE's faculty, staff and students. Plans, implements, coordinate, assesses fire prevention and occupational safety and health programs under general direction of Facilities & Safety Director, utilizing knowledge of industrial safety-related engineering discipline and operating regulations.
30% - Provide appropriate safety, health, accident prevention, investigation training & prepares appropriate notices to issue for abatement of any identified hazard for COE's faculty, staff and students. Identify hazards or faults that may cause accidents & devises a strategic plan to remedy those problems, measure & evaluate effectiveness of safety program, using established goals. Trains new safety officials to assist in audits & other oversight.
10% - Develop & recommend new procedures & approaches to safety & loss prevention based on reports of incidents, accidents, and other data gathered from COE personnel. Assist the Facilities Manager in meeting the needs of the College of Engineering.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience in safety or research compliance; or a Master's degree. Progressively responsible experience involving enforcement of safety protocols, hazardous material control, or scientific laboratory compliance may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
This position will require the ability to develop and implement a safety program, prior experience would be a plus. Certificate in Safety Management (CSM), Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC), & Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene (FIH) or is able to obtain certification within a year after employment.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
