Executive Director, Environmental Health & Safety

About the role

The Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will lead comprehensive university-wide efforts in environmental stewardship, occupational health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership to the EHS department, including hiring, mentoring, and managing a multidisciplinary team of safety professionals
• Oversee all regulatory compliance programs (e.g. OSHA, EPA, DOT, NRC, and applicable state and local requirements); monitor emerging legislative and regulatory needs and ensure timely integration into university programs and infrastructure
• Direct core EHS programs with a forward-thinking approach to safety program development and growth, including laboratory safety, radiation safety, biosafety, hazardous waste management, industrial hygiene, and chemical safety
• Serve as primary liaison to federal and state regulatory agencies and maintain positive working relationships with pertinent regulatory entities
• Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of EHS policies, procedures, and programs university-wide; manage audits, inspections, corrective action plans, and other appropriate monitoring initiatives
• Integrate EHS considerations into research administration, facilities planning, capital construction, and emergency management
• Cook with Logan City, North Logan City, and USU police, fire, and emergency personnel to ensure a comprehensive and integrated response to hazardous incidents on university property
• Develop and champion a university-wide safety culture through training, accident investigation, communication, and shared accountability; exhibit calm decision-making skills in high-pressure environments leading to strong safety outcomes for the campus community
• Lead or provide expert guidance for university EHS advisory and administrative committees; ensure documentation of activities and provide regular reporting to university leadership
• Prepare and steward the EHS departmental budget; identify resource needs and advocate effectively for program investments
• Ensure effective EHS support for distributed operations, including Statewide, agricultural, extension, and field-based research activities across the state
• Collaborate with General Counsel, Risk Management, Facilities, Public Safety, and Research leadership on matters involving liability, insurance, incidents, and campus safety
• Report to the Vice President for Research and present to university leadership as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Public Health, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field; 7 - 10 years of progressive, professional EHS experience; Broad technical EHS background spanning laboratory safety, occupational health, and OSHA compliance; Demonstrated ability to empower and develop technical, professional, and administrative staff; Build trust across a diverse institution; Foster a collaborative safety culture; Exceptional communication skills with high integrity; Set clear goals, engage transparently, and maintain accountability at all levels
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline; 10+ years of progressive, professional EHS experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role; Experience in higher education or a research-intensive university environment; Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or equivalent professional credential; Research safety background, including familiarity with NIH, NSF, or other federal research compliance frameworks; Awareness of emerging biosafety needs (e.g., veterinary or agricultural research settings); Familiarity with agricultural and land-grant university operations and their unique safety contexts; Experience effectively leveraging and developing associate directors and senior staff to maximize team capacity; Track record of building EHS program visibility and elevating the department’s role within a large institution; Demonstrated experience encouraging the professional development of early-career safety professionals

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous annual and sick leave; a strong retirement planning package; employee tuition benefit; and access to world-class recreation in the Cache Valley.

Pay

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Schedule

N/A