Assistant Director Environmental Health and Safety

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Retirement benefits and other life/dis

Health and dental insurance

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks an Assistant Director of Environmental Health & Safety to serve as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and lead the campus Radiation Safety program. You will oversee operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with researchers, faculty, and veterinary medicine teams to support safe, innovative work.

The role requires strong technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to translate safety requirements into practical guidance for diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Experience in radiation safety, health physics, or radiation protection preferred.
• Experience interpreting radiation safety regulations and regulatory compliance expectations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Radiation Safety Program across campus, including radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.
• Maintain the university's broad-scope radioactive materials license and coordinate inspections and reporting.

Skills

Radiation safety

Health physics

Radiation protection

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Director Environmental Health and Safety

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Job Description

Put your radiation safety expertise to work where innovation, research, and discovery happen every day! Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Environmental Health & Safety to serve as the university's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and lead its campus-wide Radiation Safety program. This is an exciting opportunity to take your technical expertise to the next level, lead a specialized safety program, and make a meaningful impact on the research, teaching, and veterinary medicine activities happening across campus. As a key member of the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) leadership team, you'll oversee radiation safety operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with researchers, faculty, and staff to find practical solutions that support both safety and innovation.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a radiation safety professional who brings strong technical knowledge, enjoys solving complex challenges, and knows how to connect with people. The ideal candidate can evaluate radiological risks, explain technical information in a clear and approachable way, and help others understand not just what safety requirements are, but why they matter. We welcome professionals with backgrounds in health physics, radiation protection, research laboratories, government, military, healthcare, or other regulated environments. Whether you’ve managed a radiation safety program, led technical projects, mentored colleagues, or are ready to take the next step into leadership, we encourage you to explore this opportunity. Success in this role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to build strong working relationships. Iowa State also values continued learning and professional growth, with opportunities for specialized Radiation Safety Officer training and leadership development.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Radiation Safety Program: Oversee the safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment across campus.
• Manage Regulatory Compliance: Maintain the university's broad-scope radioactive materials license, oversee regulatory documentation, and coordinate inspections, audits, and reporting.
• Provide Technical Expertise: Evaluate radiological hazards, conduct or oversee radiation safety assessments and calculations, and recommend appropriate safety measures.
• Collaborate Across Campus: Partner with researchers, faculty, veterinary medicine professionals, and university leadership to provide practical guidance that supports safe teaching and research.
• Support Research and Veterinary Medicine: Provide radiation safety oversight for research laboratories, veterinary nuclear medicine, diagnostic X-ray systems, and other radiation-producing equipment.
• Develop and Improve Safety Programs: Create and maintain safety procedures, training programs, and technical guidance to support compliance and continuous improvement.
• Lead and Support Staff: Provide technical direction, coaching, and mentorship to radiation safety professionals while managing program priorities, resources, and daily operations.
• Promote Safety and Preparedness: Support radiation safety education, emergency response planning, and initiatives that strengthen safety awareness across the university.

About Environmental Health & Safety

Iowa State University's Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department plays an important role in supporting the university's research, teaching, and daily operations. Reporting to the Office of General Counsel, EH&S partners with the campus community to prevent injuries and illnesses, protect the environment, and promote a culture of safety and preparedness. Our Radiation Safety program supports more than 150 radioactive material users across approximately 80 laboratories, as well as specialized research and veterinary medicine operations. Through technical expertise, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, our team helps researchers, faculty, staff, and students carry out their work safely and successfully.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in radiation safety, health physics, radiation protection, or radioactive materials management.
• Experience interpreting and applying radiation safety regulations, including licensing, inspections, audits, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience evaluating radiological hazards, conducting radiation safety assessments or implementing radiation protection measures.
• Experience developing safety procedures, technical documentation, training programs, or compliance initiatives.
• Experience leading technical projects, coordinating programs, mentoring colleagues, or supervising staff.
• Experience communicating technical information, providing safety guidance, or collaborating with stakeholders across different roles or disciplines.

Guaranteed Consideration Date:

This position will remain open until filled. The last day to apply for full consideration is November 30, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

PS812

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.