employment opportunities

 POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) is responsible for leading a comprehensive, University-wide program to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental health and safety regulations, including those issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Sustainable Infrastructure and advising both the AVP and the Vice President for Administration and Operations, the Director provides strategic guidance on EHRS compliance matters. This role oversees EHRS operations across all three University campuses — Hawk Hill, University City, and Lancaster — and manages departmental staff, services, and programs.

The Director serves as a key advisor to campus leadership, supporting both short- and long-term EHRS planning and initiatives. They work collaboratively across all levels of the institution to develop and implement policies and procedures that promote a safe and healthy campus environment, mitigate risk, and align with the University's mission.

A successful candidate will bring deep subject-matter expertise, leadership in regulatory compliance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Director must operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and champion a culture of environmental stewardship and workplace safety across the University community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but are not limited to)

Essential Duties:

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP AND COMPLIANCE:

● Lead and manage the University’s EHRS program, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations.

● Develop, implement, and maintain EHRS policies and procedures (e.g., Hazard Communication, Chemical Hygiene, Biosafety, Bloodborne Pathogens, Radiation Safety, PPE, LOTO, Confined Space, Emergency Response, Waste Management, and Building Hazards).

● Monitor regulatory changes (e.g., OSHA, EPA, NRC, DOT, PaDEP) and update compliance strategies accordingly.

● Prepare and file required permits, licenses, reports, and regulatory submissions.

PROGRAM EVALUATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT:

● Apply continuous improvement principles and develop key performance indicators to assess program effectiveness.

● Conduct periodic audits, risk assessments, and investigations to improve safety outcomes.

● Oversee medical surveillance, exposure monitoring, and incident tracking programs.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT:

● Develop, implement, and track regulatory training programs for faculty, staff, and students.

● Serve as a resource for environmental, health, and safety concerns; investigate reports and recommend corrective actions.

● Support campus engagement with sustainability and Jesuit mission-aligned initiatives.

TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT:

● Provide technical consultation and hazard mitigation strategies across diverse campus environments (labs, shops, studios, athletics, construction, events).

● Direct inspections and compliance activities for hazardous materials (radioactive, chemical, biological, toxins, controlled substances).

● Oversee the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Radiation Safety Officer functions; serve on the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP:

● Supervise EHRS staff, faculty collaborators, and contracted personnel.

● Chair the State-Certified Safety Committee and manage annual certification.

● Manage the EHRS operating budget and associated systems (e.g., databases, inventories, learning management tools).

● Support AAALAC compliance and occupational health and safety in the Vivarium.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE:

● Manage hazardous waste streams and environmental programs, including hazardous/universal waste, biohazards, SPCC, Tier II, USTs, air permitting, and DOT compliance.

● Coordinate emergency response for hazardous material incidents and spills.

● Act as University liaison with regulatory agencies.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervision: 

# of Incumbents Job Title

1 (0.25 FTE) Assistant Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager

1 (0.25 FTE)  Chemical Hygiene Officer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Education/Training and Experience)

Required:

● Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, industrial hygiene, or other relevant discipline.

● 10 years related work experience.

● Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental health and safety standards.

● Experience in Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene. 

Preferred:

● Master’s or relevant advanced degree highly desired.

● Previous experience in higher education is highly preferred.

● Certifications possessed or obtainable in Hazwoper, Hazardous Waste, DOT.

● Knowledge of Biosafety for Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (current edition) and the appropriate NIH Guidelines.

● Credentialed in one or more certification: CIH, CSP, CHMM

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

● Must be available 24 hours a day for emergency response.

● Physical mobility is needed to tour the campus and laboratories. 

● There is limited exposure to radiation, biohazards and other hazardous materials.

● Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

● Occasional travel may be required.

To apply for this position, or for additional information, please contact Ken Ogawa (kogawa@sju.edu)

Position posted 29 May 2025