Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Westfield State University; New York; On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield State University seeks a full-time Environmental Health and Safety Specialist to manage safety programs and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to promote a safe campus environment through training, risk assessment, and effective management of safety protocols. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in environmental health and safety.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Two or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience developing safety programs and training.
• Technical experience with OSHA, EPA, and workplace regulations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing chemical hygiene and environmental protection programs.
• Develop training and safety programs for faculty and staff.
• Respond to and document incidents and compliance issues.

Skills

OSHA knowledge

EPA knowledge

Communication skills

Judgment and professionalism

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Job Category:

Professional/Administrative

Position Title:

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Full Time/Part Time:

Full Time

Division:

Dean of the College

Department:

Environmental Health & Safety

Hiring Wage/Salary Range:

$62,355-$72,080

Professional Experience/ Qualifications:

• Capable of understanding and enforcing OSHA, EPA, DOT, NYS DOH, and other critical regulations.
• Able to form collaborative and positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to apply solid judgment and professionalism while multitasking and managing high-pressure situations.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated desire for accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills required and strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field is preferred, preferably in higher education or a laboratory environment.
• Experience developing safety programs, training, and/or workshops
• Associate Safety Professional, Certified Safety Professional, or other professional safety certification.
• Technical experience with OSHA, EPA, and other workplace regulations, guidelines, and standards. Ideal applicants will have, or be willing to obtain, training and/or certifications in the following areas:
  • OSHA HAZWOPER 40 Hour
  • New York State Asbestos Contractor / Supervisor and Building Inspector Certifications
  • EPA Lead RRP Certified Renovator
  • DOT Hazardous Materials Response
  • EPA RCRA

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or one of the physical or life sciences.

Certifications:

A current valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

Offer Determination:

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a variety of physical environments, such as weather/temperature extremes, potential confined spaces, and elevated locations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to a maximum of 40 pounds.
• Ability to wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and wear other Personal Protective Equipment as required.

Other Information:

This position is deemed essential under the University’s Essential Personnel Policy.

Benefits:

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement:

The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist is a full-time, 12-month position, deemed essential, reporting to the director of environmental health and safety. This position will serve in an on-call duty officer rotation. Environmental Health and Safety provides safety and advisory services to the entire campus community, supporting a safe learning, living, and working environment by promoting health, safety, and environmental protection through the development of comprehensive programs for training and consultation, risk evaluation and mitigation, emergency response, hazardous materials management, and regulatory compliance.

Accountabilities:

The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist is primarily responsible for program management in the areas of chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, laboratory safety, and environmental protection.

The incumbent is accountable for effective response in times of crises, conflict, and other challenges facing the campus and for effectively avoiding and mitigating risk. Areas of focus include responsibility for:

• meeting external and University requirements and regulations for assigned areas;
• actively minimizing risks and incidents within assigned areas;
• proper documentation of current requirements within assigned areas;
• proper documentation of issues within assigned areas;
• ensuring all escalated issues within the assigned area are addressed in a timely manner;
• providing effective advice and guidance to the University regarding assigned areas;
• effective adherence to all assigned permitting and code requirements;
• effectiveness of all assigned facility inspections and testing;
• ensuring that all community members within assigned areas receive sufficient training to meet their obligations;
• developing effective relationships and coordination with local, state, and federal personnel;
• developing effective relationships and coordination with staff within the assigned area; and
• execution of crisis response consistent with policy and plan.

As part of this role, the incumbent is responsible for the following:

• effective supervision of all assigned personnel;
• effective management of all assigned facilities;
• effective management of all assigned technology;
• effective contribution to University policy related to assigned areas; and
• as required, providing effective advice, counsel, and leadership on committees.

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.Requisition Number:

2025S056Posting

Temporary:

No

Job Open Date:

06/17/2025

Open Until Filled:

Yes

EEO Statement:

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act:

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at [e-mail].