Safety Manager

About the role

The Safety Manager position at Clarkson University is a self-directed environmental health and safety professional responsible for supporting and advancing a strong safety culture across the university, focusing on Facilities & Services operations.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage competing priorities, maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and drive safety initiatives through to completion.
• Partner closely with Facilities & Services staff to proactively identify risks, implement corrective actions, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and University standards.
• Manage a high volume of safety-related tasks, inspections, and follow-ups, ensuring deadlines are met without direct supervision.
• Identify, prioritize, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk, enhance safety awareness, and improve safe work practices.
• Conduct detailed safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local government regulations and Clarkson University safety standards, documenting findings with accuracy, tracking corrective actions through closure within established timelines, and ensuring clear and timely communication with Facilities & Services and other stakeholders throughout the process.
• Cook up coordination third-party life safety compliance inspections (e.g., fire protection systems, elevators, lifts, and other regulated equipment).
• Serve as liaison between Clarkson University and NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control (OFPC).
• Maintain organized, accurate, and up-to-date documentation of inspections, incident investigations, compliance records, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate daily with trades and supervisors to identify hazards, prioritize work, and ensure timely and effective resolution of safety concerns.
• Assist and support Fire Safety Specialist with all fire safety programs surrounding students, faculty & staff.
• Deliver, track, and deliver safety trainings and toolbox talks on topics including regulatory compliance, hazard recognition and communication, laboratory safety, PPE, fire/life safety, safe work practices, emergency procedures, and other applicable topics.
• Conduct thorough investigations of accidents, near-miss incidents, and occupational injuries to identify root causes and implement effective preventive and corrective measures.
• Support fire safety programs, including drills and compliance activities.
• Manage contractor safety expectations and coordinate safety requirements for outside vendors and contractors performing work on campus.
• Coordinate with Facilities & Services and project stakeholders regarding construction safety, fire protection systems, confined space activities, lockout/tagout, hot work, and other operational safety concerns.
• Review, maintain, and update existing health and safety policies and standard operating procedures - including the Facilities & Services Safety Handbook and Contractor Safety Manual - while developing and implementing new policies as needed.
• Monitor and enforce compliance by evaluating practices and facilities against federal, state, local regulations, and Clarkson University safety standards.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and support to employees on safety-related matters.
• Exercise authority to stop unsafe work and prevent hazardous conditions or behaviors.
• Manage a safety budget, including soliciting and evaluating bids, preparing and submitting purchase orders, and completing accurate and timely monthly expense reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, facilities management, construction management, or closely related field
• In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years or more experience in environmental health & safety, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, facilities or construction management, or closely related field
• New York State driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the University
• Master’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, facilities management, construction management, or closely related field preferred
• OSHA 30-hour Construction or General Industry certification preferred
• NICET certification preferred
• Certified Code Enforcement Official (but required to obtain certification within one year of employment)
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) preferred
• Experience working in a facilities, construction, utilities, or skilled trades environment strongly preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions without prompting
• Working knowledge and ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety codes, regulations, and procedures (OSHA, NFPA, etc.)
• High level of accountability and ownership over assigned programs, inspections, and corrective actions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication
• Flexibility and customer service orientation
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, and to build trust and confidence within all levels of the organization
• Comfortable and willingness to use technology
• Experience managing service contracts and vendor relationships
• Experience interpreting technical documents, plans, and specifications
• Experience with managing a budget