Director of Environmental Health Safety, Risk Management

Overview

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) plans, implements, and oversees Lipscomb University's environmental, health, and safety program. Reporting to the AVP of Risk Management & Compliance, this position develops and manages programs in safety and accident prevention, hazardous waste, biological and chemical safety, emergency preparedness, and accident investigations. It provides extensive training to educate students, faculty, and staff on the importance of adhering to university and environmental protection programs. The role collaborates with internal parties across campus and serves as the subject matter expert on environmental matters for the institution. It provides consultative guidance to senior management and briefs administrators on critical issues. It develops training programs to increase safety awareness and maintains records for all EHS safety compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement strategic EHS programs; stay informed of regulatory and best-practice changes in the safety, risk management, and environmental fields.
• Provide compliance assistance, training, recordkeeping, and auditing of applicable OSHA regulations.
• Serve as campus liaison with OSHA, TOSHA, State Fire Marshal, local fire authorities, EPA, and other agencies; develop educational materials and train required staff on EHS requirements.
• Utilize mixed instructional methods (lecture, video, handouts, computer-based training) to educate a diverse workforce.
• Perform periodic audits of labs, facilities, and programs to identify and mitigate environmental and operational risks.
• Assist AVP of Risk Management & Compliance with Emergency Management and Business Continuity planning and other risk management duties.
• Collaborate with local officials to integrate university and municipal hazardous material and emergency response protocols; ensure compliant collection, segregation, and disposal of hazardous waste with proper documentation and manifests.
• Liaison for first report of injury under Workers’ Compensation and investigation of employee and liability accidents; coordinate with departments with environmental responsibilities.
• Organize and direct response to releases or spills; develop and implement a systematic departmental inspection and safety audit program.
• Support laboratory safety (chemical, biological, and physical) and prepare hazardous material management and fire plans for buildings as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Public Health, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Three or more years of progressive experience in environmental health and safety management, including emergency management.
• Detailed knowledge of environmental engineering principles, occupational health and safety sciences, and/or chemical process safety.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local safety laws and regulations, and awareness of issues impacting EHS responsibilities.
• Experience building effective relationships with governmental/regulatory agencies and partnering with internal administrators to implement hazard mitigation programs.
• Demonstrated independent judgment, collaborative leadership, strong problem-solving abilities, and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups across the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Public Health, Risk Management, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in environmental health and safety management, including emergency management.
• Experience in higher education or governmental settings; certifications such as Certified Industrial Hygienist, Hazardous Materials Management Certification, or Certified Safety Professional.

Experience: Three to five years of related experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Job-Related Skills: Confidentiality; good oral and written communication skills.

Availability: Accepting applications immediately.

Education

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.