Assistant Director - Research Safety Manager

The Environmental Health and Safety Center staff provides consultative and technical support, training and direction for regulatory compliance and effective program development to university faculty, staff, students and visitors. The Research Safety Section provides Safety and Health services to anticipate, evaluate and control employee exposures, injuries, and illnesses related to the following: Chemical Hygiene program, Laboratory Safety Plans, Laboratory ventilation management program, Industrial Hygiene, Respiratory Protection, Personal Protective Equipment, Facilities Modification Reviews, Electrical Safety, Safety Inspections, Shop safety, Field & Farm safety, Safety Hotline, Accident and Illness investigation, OSHA recordkeeping and compliance reporting, along with participation in other research safety programs shared among members of EHS including but not limited to, design and construction guidelines, design reviews of new projects, and inspections of university facilities.

Essential Job Duties

This is the lead position and is responsible for managing the university's research safety program, including the safe secure and legal handling of chemicals, and the proper management of hazardous materials in a growing research and teaching environment through an active and responsive laboratory safety program. The incumbent will be expected to support all personnel and ongoing programs in this area and help guide the direction and development of new programs where deficiencies are found. The result is the control or elimination of health and safety risks wherever they may exist at NCSU through inspection, monitoring, training, testing, program development and communication within campus organizations.

Professional Knowledge

• Manages the complex and comprehensive elements of the University Research Safety Program.

• Ensures and maintains the Section's competency and proficiency with applicable regulatory requirements.

• Reviews and critiques weaknesses in procedures and programs related to research safety.

• Consults with all campus departments on occupational safety & health issues.

• Provides the technical input needed for the safety & health components of new EH&S compliance assistance programs.

• Identifies and provides recommendations to departments to resolve unique safety or health issues.

Program Planning, Organizing and Management

• Demonstrated leadership of health and safety program operations in a large, complex academic research or similar environment.

• Ensures design and maintenance of the University safety & health training plan based on requirements.

• Develops and refines solutions for effective occupational safety & health training. Serves as a leader in EHS training initiatives.

• Ensures and maintains the Section's necessary state certifications for both asbestos and lead inspection and supervision.

• Oversees effective allocation of Section resources to meet the complex safety and health needs and requirements of the University community.

Supervisor/Leadership

• Provides operational oversight of Section staff to meet Institutional, Section, and individual goals.

• Develops effective measurable performance goals for each Section member.

• Provides guidance and mentoring to improve and maximize employee performance success.

Change Management

• Recommends, develops, and implements changes to meet safety & health best practices, rules, & regulations.

• Anticipates effects of project, program, research, equipment, material, and resource changes related to safety & health.

• Ensures effective information, training, and guidance resources are available for employees potentially exposed to hazards.

• Responds to new and emerging issues.

Communication

• Effective communication of occupational health and safety program requirements.

• Maintains and communicates program requirements, guidance, and recommendations to university employees.

• Acts as primary communication contact with NC OSHA for inquiries/inspections.

• Interprets complex safety regulations for application by university employees.

• Develops and maintains University programs, guidance, information, and resources to support compliance.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or Master's Degree in a Physical Science, Biological Science, Environmental Science/Engineering, Occupational Safety, Industrial Technology or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training or licensure. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Requires a thorough understanding of occupational safety and health regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage occupational safety programs and procedures.

• Requires well developed communication skills and reputation as a team player. Supports and collaborates with Department staff and customers.

• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CSP or CIH Preferred but NOT required.

• Experience in Environmental Health & Safety: 7 years experience, with 3 years of management experience.

• Experience in Safety, Health, or Higher Ed: 10 years experience, with 5 years of management experience.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of start date.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No