Assistant Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

Job Summary


The Assistant Director, Environmental Health & Safety assists in the development and implementation of a full spectrum of environmental, occupational health and safety policies. Assists in the oversight and development of risk management and insurance practices and procedures to enhance the overall health and safety of the University.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Assists the director in the oversight, management, and maintenance of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) programs, systems and controls to monitor and report on issues as required by various federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
  • Assists the director in the management of quality control systems to inspect, monitor, and oversee all labs and hazardous material storage areas.
  • Coordinates with environmental regulatory agencies to assure timely reporting, regulatory compliance, tracking, and implementation of corrective action plans.
  • Collaborates with campus stakeholders to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as university safety policies. Develops and maintains cooperative communications and working relationships, and provides technical expertise and information as needed.
  • Reviews research protocols and operations to monitor hazardous material use, storage, and disposal.
  • Participates in new construction projects and reviews EH&S protocols and procedures when applicable. Works closely with building managers, project managers, lab personnel, and/or contractors as needed.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and recommends new and updated policies, departmental work procedures, and best practices to further the goals of the EH&S department. Assists with strategies for implementation.  
  • Assists with preparation of the EH&S annual budget, including tracking and controlling of all expenditures within assigned budget areas.
  • Assists the director in evaluation of documents including contracts, leases, research proposals, and purchase procedures to identify risks related to environmental compliance, health, and safety.
  • Assists the director in providing compliance oversight for workplace safety, accident and injury prevention, occupational health, student and employee wellness, environmental compliance, environmental sustainability, facilities safety, and laboratory safety. Recommends and enforces corrective actions for non-compliance.
  • Provides guidance, training, and support to skilled and professional staff.  Establishes goals and objectives, and oversees the work of staff in assigned area.  
  • Participates in and/or leads institution-wide committees and groups related to EH&S or as assigned.
  • Participates in strategic planning related to EH&S and infrastructure operations.

Other Duties:

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or closely related field.
  • Completion of the 24- or 30-hour OSHA safety training or ability to obtain within three months of employment.
  • Completion of the 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training or ability to obtain within three months of employment.
  • Completion of at least one recognized Environmental Health and Safety certification (e.g., CSP, CHP, CHMM, CIH, RBP, CBSP)
  • Six years of professional full-time experience in environmental and occupational health, laboratory general safety, or other experience related to the position.
  • Two years of experience supervising the work of others.
  • Knowledge of or familiarity with environmental protection regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
  • Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or closely related field.
  • Knowledge of or familiarity with Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Work experience in higher education research and teaching labs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of occupational safety principles in the use of personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and chemical labeling.
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations, procedures and techniques.
  • Knowledge of chemical waste management techniques and hazardous waste handling and storage procedures.
  • Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
  • Ability to implement new systems and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Ability to develop and manage a budget within fiscal allocations.
  • Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
  • Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures.
  • Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections.
  • Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students and the community in a service-oriented environment.
  • Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.

Pay Grade: 19



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