Campus EHS Director & Compliance Leader

Union College Career Center in Becker Hall; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation, sick, and personal

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition Exchange

On-campus fitness facilities

Job summary

Union College in Schenectady, NY seeks a Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) to lead staff and student employees across radiation, biosafety, chemical safety, fire safety, OSHA, and hazardous waste programs. The role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and coordinates inspections.

Exempt, regular full-time position located onsite with collaboration across senior leaders. Salary range $95,000–$110,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 6+ years of directly related EHS leadership experience, preferably in higher education.
• Safety certifications preferred (CSP, CCHO, CHMM, OSHA 10 or 30 hour general industry).
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Thorough working knowledge of EPA, OSHA, NYSDEC, NYSDOL, NYSDOH, and NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long- and short-range plans, policies, and operating procedures for the EHS department to build a proactive and collaborative culture of safety across campus.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate EHS department staff.
• Partner with Union Finance to manage the EHS budget and forecast annual costs for services, supplies, etc.
• Chair the Academic Affairs Safety Committee and partner with faculty, staff, and administration to evaluate and improve safety initiatives.
• Collaborate with Facilities Services on code compliance and occupational health & safety within departments and projects.
• Design and deliver EHS safety training programs for students and employees.
• Stay current on EHS trends and higher education safety benchmarks, introducing modern practices.
• Work with HR to recommend preventative safety measures and investigate employee injury incidents.
• Oversee chemical inventory program (CEMS) and serve as CHO; Biosafety Officer, Radiation Safety Officer, and Laser Safety Officer.
• Direct safety inspections, hazard assessments, and chemical hygiene programs in labs.
• Oversee environmental stewardship programs and hazardous waste management.
• Direct hazmat spill response readiness and waste recycling programs.
• Manage fire safety and life safety inspection/training schedules and serve as campus liaison.
• Respond to EHS emergencies as technical advisor.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication

Organization

Time management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field (OH&S, Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry)

Job description

Union College in Schenectady, NY seeks a Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) to lead staff and student employees across radiation, biosafety, chemical safety, fire safety, OSHA, and hazardous waste programs. The role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and coordinates inspections.

Exempt, regular full-time position located onsite with collaboration across senior leaders. Salary range $95,000–$110,000 with comprehensive benefits.