Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 61,800 - 89,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Tuition discount for employees and eligible family

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an EHS Safety Coordinator to implement safety practices and regulatory compliance across Colleges and Academic Units. Responsibilities include monitoring safety initiatives, conducting audits, and developing training for faculty and staff. Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree, 3+ years of relevant experience, and familiarity with laboratory safety. The position offers a salary range of $61,800 – $89,600, along with a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and tuition discounts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree; 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Familiarity with chemical, biological, or radiological hazards.
• Ability to read and interpret instrument readings.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety initiatives and coordinate training and inspections.
• Develop partnerships with leadership and faculty for health and safety.
• Conduct space audits and monitor health and safety hazards.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Safety practices

Effective communication

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Industrial hygiene equipment

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking an individual with broad knowledge and experience in all aspects of an EHS Safety Coordinator. This position is responsible for the implementation of regulatory compliance and safety practices organized under the assigned Colleges and Academic Units. This position will work closely with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) leadership to effectively identify and implement EHS program needs. The primary responsibility will be working with HHD research faculty and staff, with occasional assistance to and/or coordination with central units.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and coordinate safety initiatives, training, inspections, and programs. Collaboratively develop, review, assess, evaluate, and oversee annual Integrated Safety Plans for the College and its Academic Units. Facilitate EHS training to faculty & staff and conduct training as appropriate. Work closely with leadership and EHS to implement and coordinate safety practices and regulatory compliance programs for environmental health and safety programs. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety rules, regulations, standards, and procedures. Proactively serve as a safety resource for employees. Develop innovative and effective strategies and communication plans that ensure those programs and practices are implemented and coordinated throughout the assigned Colleges and Academic Units. These programs include, but are not limited to, biological safety, chemical safety, and lab safety.
• Develop partnerships and integral working relationships with leadership, safety officers, faculty, staff, and others, to support and enhance the College's commitment to health and safety. Establish, participate in, and facilitate Safety Committees in coordination with the Committee Chair. Work with lab space managers to facilitate an effective and robust community of practice in support of the College's mission.
• Provide guidance and assistance to faculty & staff to ensure implementation of regulatory compliance and safety practices, including, but not limited to, assisting in guiding the development of procedures and plans for current and future needs. This would include guiding the development of monitoring and response procedures applicable to the College's and Academic Units' operations.
• Establish effective processes to monitor activities that may present a health or safety hazard to ensure that current and future environmental health and safety needs are met. Conduct space audits to ensure lab assignments and research space are being used appropriately.
• Audit programs and procedures within assigned Colleges and Academic Units to assess compliance with Environmental Health and Safety programs, policy and procedures, and best practices. Identify and implement enhancements based on findings. Report progress and problems to leadership.
• Respond to emergencies, accidents or incidents – determine the scope and extent of the problem and initiate/conduct remediation measures. Assist in the conduct of follow‑on investigations to ensure measures are implemented to prevent recurrences. Partner with Emergency Management and Police Services as needed. May be asked to serve as the College's liaison to coordinate emergency evacuation drills. Resolve existing EHS issues to prevent or minimize the frequency and severity of emergency incidents.
• Participate on the EHS team and provide support to further the departmental mission.

Familiarization or experience working in a research or clinical laboratory setting with chemical, biological, or radiological hazards. Familiarity and hands‑on experience with industrial hygiene equipment preferred, including the ability to read and interpret instrument readings. Demonstrated experience communicating technical information to a wide range of audiences is necessary.

The candidate must be able to achieve medical clearance and be able to wear respiratory protection. This position is required to respond to emergencies involving biological, chemical, and laboratory as directed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree; 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $61,800.00 – $89,600.00. Salary structure information is available on Penn State's salary structure page.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time. Employees also receive a 75% tuition discount, available for themselves and eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness and culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives and provides opportunities for all members to thrive.