Hazardous Materials Program Operations Manager

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition benefits

Excellent retirement plans

Paid holidays and time off

Job summary

University of Minnesota’s Hazardous Materials Program (HMP) seeks an Operations Manager to lead the team including project managers and certified trades. You will oversee budgets, schedules, and stakeholder communications while directing programs to maintain surveys, processes and staff training.

This role reports to the Waste Recovery Services Assistant Director and supports a safe, compliant campus. The position emphasizes leadership, regulatory know-how and collaboration with University

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health & safety, hazardous waste/materials management, environmental science, or related field.
• Certifications: MN Dept of Health & Safety Asbestos Site Supervisor, MDH Asbestos Inspector, MDH Asbestos Project Designer.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for the project management team through strategic and short-term work plans.
• Oversee hiring, training, work assignments and performance management while complying with policies.
• Collaborate with departmental leaders on process improvements and vendor relationships.
• Ensure safety, scheduling, budget adherence and regulatory compliance across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health & safety, hazardous waste/materials management, environmental science, or related field

Certifications: MN Dept of Health & Safety Asbestos Site Supervisor, MDH Asbestos Inspector, MDH Asbestos Project Designer

Tools

MS Office or G-Suite

Job description

About the Job

Facilities Management is a department within University Serviceswhich is composed of the departments and people who deliver thenon-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system.

Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all buildings,grounds and the energy management needs of the University ofMinnesota Twin Cities campus.

Facilities Management works to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming campus in support of the University’s mission of teaching, research and outreach. FM’s responsibilities include over 25 million square feet in more than 280 buildings across 1200 acres in the Twin Cities.

The University of Minnesota’s Facilities Management (FM) department is responsible for the physical assets of the University to provide a safe, reliable, and welcoming campus for learning and discovery. We ensure a quality environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors in support of the University’s mission of teaching, research, and outreach. The hazardous materials program (HMP) is a department within FM which surveys, tracks, manages, and mitigates hazardous materials throughout the University of Minnesota campuses through self-performed work or contractors.

The HMP Operations Manager is responsible for leading the team, including project manager, support staff and certified trades. This position is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the successful delivery of projects from the standpoint of budget, schedule, and communication with all stakeholders as well as implementing and/or directing programs to maintain building surveys, processes, procedures, and staff training and certifications.

This position is the main point of contact for State regulatory agencies and reports to the Waste Recovery Services Assistant Director.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or GreenCard sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibility #1 Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for the project management team through creating and implementing strategic and short-term work plans. Assign projects, set goals, and monitor progress. Support team to ensure success.


• Responsible for the hiring, training, work assignments and performance management of assigned employees while complying with all applicable collective bargaining agreements and policies.


• Identify and collaborate with other departmental leaders, the implementation of process improvement initiatives for the department.


• Foster teamwork and strong communication skills with stakeholders and internal or external business partners.


• Develop internal teams to ensure business continuity and generate and maintain business relationships with outside vendors and related government agencies.


• Make decisions around the best approach to fulfill project needs, communicate expectations to the team and support team efforts to execute accordingly.

Responsibility #2 Operations

• Monitor and ensure adherence of work to standards of safety, productivity, training, and quality.


• Implement best work practices for the internal workforce to remain competitive and cost effective.


• Ensure work is performed according to commitments, as well as strong communication regarding scheduling or budget impacts to project stakeholders.


• Collaborate with internal design, construction, codes, compliance, and other entities within the University as appropriate.


• Ensures work performed is compliant with regulatory guidelines, safe and environmentally sound.


• Review key performance indicators to ensure commitments are met.


• Work with Purchasing to produce annual contracts for asbestos abatement, industrial hygiene consulting and duct cleaning.


• Manage contracts to ensure fair distribution of work in accordance with Purchasing and University standards and evaluating programs annually.


• Manage state reporting requirements and submit annually.


• Oversee team in day-to-day tasks such as asbestos bulk sampling, lead, mercury and perchlorate testing, mold mitigation, etc.

Responsibility #3 Customer Service

• Promote a customer-focused culture in conjunction with all members of Facilities Management.


• Ensure and provide timely communication with team and business partners.


• Solicit customer feedback and make improvements based on that feedback.


• Assist in the resolution of customer service issues.

Responsibility #4 Financial Management

• Help to establish and manage budget for the HMP ISO (Internal Service Organization)


• Monitor project and service work in progress (labor and materials) as compared to budget and take action to avoid cost overruns.


• Assist team to ensure labor and materials are billed to the appropriate work orders.


• Ensure purchasing practices are in compliance with University policies and that the University is receiving the best possible value for any purchased labor, materials or services.

Qualifications

Required (minimum)

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health & safety, Hazardous Waste/Materials Management, Environmental Science, or a related field, plus at least six years of experience.


• Certifications: MN Dept of Health & Safety Asbestos Site Supervisor, MDH Asbestos Inspector, MDH Asbestos Project Designer.


• 3 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role with demonstrated ability to lead, manage and direct the activities of others toward the accomplishment of goals.


• Knowledge of software-based tools (scheduling, asset management, MS Office or G-Suite, etc.).


• Understanding of digital communication, presentation and document filing systems.

Preferred

• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory laws and guidelines for hazardous material abatement.


• Certifications: MDH Asbestos Management Planner, MDH Lead Risk Assessor, EPA Lead RRP


• Existing relationships, or the ability to build and foster relationships with appropriate regulatory agencies.


• Labor relations experience


• Experience in a university setting

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to provide leadership and direct supervision of a diverse collection of skilled employees.


• Ability to listen well and exercise reasonable judgment in application and interpretation codes and compliance with regulatory standards.


• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, resolve problems, negotiate solutions and prioritize work to ensure resources are employed appropriately.


• Knowledge of building systems including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, as they relate to the Hazardous Material Program.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with focus on collaborative approach and win-win outcomes for all stakeholders.


• Ability to manage change within a large, dynamic organization and to gain support and commitment from others.


• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse customer base to address and resolve problems.


• Knowledge of union labor contracts.


• Ability to function in a team management environment while being fully responsible for setting, managing and accomplishing goals.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $47.16- $70.00 per hour ($98,092.80 - $145,600) ;depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:

100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type:

P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off


• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram


• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans


• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts


• University HSA contributions


• Disability and employer-paid life insurance


• Employee wellbeing program


• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity


• Financial counseling services


• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost


• Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.