Health & Safety Department Head

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an opening for a Health & Safety Department Head to join the Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S ) Division. Reporting to the Associate EH&S Division Director, the Health & Safety Department Head provides leadership to approximately 30 Health & Safety professionals on the Health & Safety Research Support and Health & Safety Operations teams. The Department Head works to ensure that these functional groups interact with Berkeley Lab Division management, scientists, and other Lab staff to promote the integration of EH&S objectives into program operations and that these objectives are specific, value-based, and technically sound. In addition, this position seeks to generate cost and performance efficiencies throughout and among functional groups through analysis and review of the work activities and comparison with client needs and regulatory drivers and requirements. As a senior Health & Safety leader, this position also ensures all technical programs within domain are in compliance with applicable DOE Orders and Federal Rules/Regulations as well as ensure a safe working environment for all Berkeley Lab employees, contractors and guests in accordance with Integrated Safety Management (ISM) principles. The incumbent serves as a member of the EH&S Division Senior Leadership Team.

 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research institution and further our work to strengthen EH&S technical programs and expertise, develop innovative and efficient solutions to foster line management stewardship of EH&S, and promote a healthy work and safety culture for Berkeley Lab.

 

What You Will Do:

• Responsible for the management, oversight and implementation of all Health & Safety Department programs and overall department supervision to ensure partnering with scientists and other Berkeley Lab staff to provide value-add, technically sound, and efficient client support while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations and drivers. Identify and implement process and program improvements to align with ongoing client and business needs as applicable. Ensure effective integration with other EH&S disciplines within and across departmental lines. 
• Responsible for management of Health & Safety Department programs and projects as assigned by the Associate EH&S Division Director. Maintain thorough understanding of relevant EH&S Policy documents, including Pub-3000, Institutional ISM Plan, and other documents through which external standards and requirements are translated for Berkeley Lab’s line management. Lead the development of strategies and implementation of program elements to address regulatory matters. 
• Manage an operating budget and work with the EH&S Business Manager to forecast and plan spending activities. Meet with customer divisions to understand their upcoming project/program needs (e.g. new construction, decommissioning/destruction of buildings, new research initiatives).      
• Ensure professional services and high level counsel are provided to Berkeley Lab Division line management and senior Lab leadership to create compliant Laboratory operations within programs this position manages. Provide managerial and technical leadership to projects of Lab-wide importance. Work collaboratively with EH&S Division colleagues and staff across the Laboratory to develop and implement solutions to complex problems of importance to the division and the Laboratory. 
• Supervise and direct assigned professional and technical staff members. Responsible for development and performance management of Health & Safety Department staff to effectively instill a high degree of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and customer service. Ensure a standard of superior consistent performance critical for the recruitment and retention of staff members. Assure accurate, timely and effective annual performance review and salary administration process for staff members. Interpret and implement Berkeley Lab and Division policies, practices, and procedures as related to personnel management. Work with HR staff to develop position descriptions for assigned staff, recruit and hire staff, provide counseling and performance improvement plans and appraisals, career development, and employee conduct issues in accordance with Berkeley Lab, DOE and UC policy and procedure.  
• Advise the Associate EH&S Division Director and EH&S Division Director and senior laboratory management of performance related to programs within the department. Represent the EH&S division within Berkeley Lab’s internal management structure.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies and DOE counterparts at the Bay Area Site Office. Develop and maintain communications/relationships between Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley as well as counterparts at other national laboratories as needed. Serve, as directed, as spokesperson to UC, DOE, regulatory agencies, and the public regarding a wide range of EH&S issues. 
• As an active contributing member of the EH&S Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and cohesively with other key Division staff and leaders to participate in and/or lead a variety of Division-wide initiatives. Through active participation, teams work effectively with other managers of the EH&S Senior Leadership Team to help shape the mission and vision of the Division.

 

What is Required:

• An advanced degree in science, engineering or technical field and 15 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelors’ degree and 20 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, and substantial interdisciplinary EH&S knowledge and experience involving environmental compliance, occupational safety and health, emergency management or other closely related fields. 
• At least 10 years of experience managing technically oriented organizations of 10 or more people or managing complex multi-disciplinary projects requiring direct supervision of project personnel of similar scale. 
• In-depth knowledge of technical aspects of EH&S functional areas and applicable Federal, State and local regulations governing EH&S programs and emergency management.
• Extensive knowledge of management principles, project management, planning, budgeting, communications, human resources management, environmental compliance concepts, and principles and practices applicable to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace.
• Substantial experience providing technical and strategic leadership for interdisciplinary EH&S programs in a demanding research and development environment where political, technical and other stakeholders priorities must be optimized for the long-term benefit of science, EH&S integrity and the long-term growth of a preeminent research institution.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and plan for new EH&S requirements, including developing, directing, and managing plans to implement solutions. 
• Excellent communication skills along with organizational and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with a broad range of internal personnel, including Laboratory senior management, Operations and Scientific Division Directors and Deputy Directors, staff members, visitors, regulatory agencies as well as external organizations such as senior level UC and DOE contacts, State agencies, City officials, concerned citizens, and regulatory agencies.
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated experience and ability to effectively supervise and lead an interdisciplinary EH&S team of safety professionals and technicians. Ability to plan and oversee work activities as well as manage the performance of direct reports.

 

What is Desired:

• Professional certification(s) in an EH&S discipline. 
• Advanced degrees in ES&H fields, Management Science, or public policy.
• Experience with federal government operations and/or managing EH&S programs within a DOE-sponsored research institution or other government-funded research and development institution.

 

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter by July 11, 2022.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs; for this position, the on-site work schedule is anticipated to be 3 days per week, as well as 1 full week every 6 weeks. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

 

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.