Assistant Director Environmental Health and Safety

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety, responsible for leading the university’s Radiation Safety program within the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department. As a key member of the EH&S management team, this role oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of radiation safety initiatives across campus. The Assistant Director ensures compliance with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (as an agreement state of the NRC) and supports the safe integration of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices into ISU’s teaching, research, veterinary, and laboratory operations. This role also supervises professional staff, manages program resources, and leads strategic initiatives to support a strong culture of safety and compliance across Iowa State University.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Biology/Molecular/Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Occupational Safety/Health, Health Physics, or related field
• Technical training covering OSHA, EPA, NFPA, or related workplace regulations, guidelines, and standards
• Experience developing and administering safety training, written safety publications, and policy development
• Cross-functional experience in general safety, industrial hygiene, occupational safety/health, chemical, radiological, or biological safety
• Research experience or work-related experience at a college, university, or research institution
• Relevant professional certification, such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Administration
• Advise campus stakeholders to safeguard life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
• Establish program budgets, approve purchases, and coordinate monthly activity reports.
• Determine programmatic and staff work assignments and areas of responsibility.
• Lead program planning, goal setting, performance measurement, and quality assurance/quality control activities.
• Manage performance evaluations, monitor/approve leave, and oversee professional skills development.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior and new staff.
• Radiation Safety Program Management (RSO Responsibilities)
• Serve as Iowa State University’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and primary radiation safety contact.
• Manage and maintain the institution’s broad-scope radioactive materials license.
• Ensure ALARA principles are implemented across all programs.
• Support over 150 radioactive material users in 80 laboratories, including ~100 radioactive material shipments annually.
• Conduct laboratory audits, contamination surveys, dosimetry, training, instrument calibrations, and inventory control activities.
• Oversee x-ray devices, lasers, calibration units, and other radiation-emitting equipment.
• Support veterinary nuclear medicine and radiology programs, including oversight for diagnostic X-ray systems and the therapeutic linear accelerator.
• Review radiation-related research submissions to university committees.
• Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
• Establish and maintain programs that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Interface with the Radiation Safety Committee and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Radiological Health.
• Draft, maintain, and distribute compliance manuals, procedures, guidelines, and web-based resources.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports and updates within required timeframes.
• Manage IT systems and processes that support regulatory-required records and safety training.
• Campus Engagement & Technical Guidance
• Meet with campus clients to assess needs, expectations, and staff performance.
• Assist research personnel in meeting regulatory requirements and mitigating radiological hazards.
• Develop and deliver safety training, outreach materials, and resource documents.
• Analyze program metrics and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Represent the Radiation Safety Group at internal and external meetings.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response
• Support ISU’s emergency response program for nuclear and radiological incidents.
• Identify risk-based processes, materials, and areas requiring enhanced emergency preparedness.
• Assist with campus preparedness for fire, chemical, radiological, biological, and gas-related hazards.
• Participate in emergency drills and review associated SOPs, plans, and response strategies.
• Provide guidance during university emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Serve as departmental duty officer for at least two weeks each year, coordinating emergency response outside regular business hours.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees