Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

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

Job summary

Colgate University is seeking an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist to manage safety programs and compliance with federal and state regulations. This full-time role involves supporting a safe learning environment, developing training programs, and ensuring adherence to safety standards for the entire campus community.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid family leave

Continuing education and professional development

Free parking

Gym discounts

Access to cultural and recreational facilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or one of the physical or life sciences is required.
• Two or more years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field is preferred, preferably in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for program management in chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, and laboratory safety.
• Accountable for effective crisis response and risk mitigation on campus.

Skills

Communication

Judgment

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Computer Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in occupational health or related field

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Position Title Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Division

Division Dean of the College

Department

Hiring Wage/Salary Range

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.

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.

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

Requisition Number 2025S056Posting

Temporary

Temporary No

Work Schedule

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 06/17/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

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] .

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a Colgate employee?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever been a Colgate employee?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a spouse/domestic partner who currently is, or will be, employed at Colgate University?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please let us know how you heard about this position.
  • Albany Times Union
  • Binghamton Press & Sun
  • BlackCoachesinSports
  • Careerbuilders.com
  • Cazenovia Republican
  • Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Chronicle of Philanthropy
  • Colgate Employee
  • Colgate Website
  • CoSIDA
  • Diverse Issues of Higher Education
  • HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Indeed.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Mid-York Weekly
  • NACWA
  • naviGATE
  • NCAA News
  • Norwich Evening Sun
  • Oneida Daily Dispatch
  • Sherburne News
  • Studentaffairs.com
  • Syracuse Post Standard
  • Utica Observer Dispatch
  • Waterville Times
  • WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
  • Other
• If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

  (Open Ended Question)