Environmental Health and Safety Officer

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer is responsible for ensuring the university’s compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental health, safety, and sustainability. This role partners with Faculty, Human Resources, Project Managers, Operations and Maintenance Supervisors, to oversee EHS activities across diverse departments, including biology, chemistry, art, geology, physics, environmental sciences, engineering, health sciences, gross anatomy/cadaver labs, and facilities services including custodial, grounds, structural and mechanical trades. This position has responsibility for safety oversight across all university campuses and facilities, including the Main Campus, CMU Tech, the Montrose Campus, the Forensic Investigation Research Station, the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Center, the Lineworker Training Center, and other satellite facilities. The EHS Officer will provide subject matter expertise either through education, training, and/or experience in multiple areas including environmental compliance, occupational safety, risk management and occupational health to develop, implement, and monitor safety protocols, conduct training, perform inspections, and advise campus leadership on strategies to minimize environmental and safety risks, and promote employee well-being, while maintaining a safe and environmentally responsible campus community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Biology, Chemistry, Safety Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in an environmental safety and health safety role, with demonstrated expertise in a multi-disciplinary environment
Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations, standards, and best practices
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred
Certification(s) such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or equivalent is preferred
Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment is preferred.
Familiarity with biological and chemical laboratory safety, art studio safety, and maintenance-related hazards is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure university-wide compliance with OSHA, EPA, CDHE, CDC, City of Grand Junction Fire Department, and other relevant regulatory standards
Develop, implement, update, and support environmental compliance programs including hazardous waste management (RCRA), VSQG reporting, storm water reporting, wastewater and recycling initiatives, and sanitary sewer discharge permits tailored to the unique needs of academic and operational departments
Monitor and document compliance activities, including permitting, reporting, and audits
Maintain Safety Data Sheets and records for chemical inventory management
Responsible for hazardous waste and controlled substance waste segregation, labeling, and disposal activities in compliance with EPA and CDOT regulations for campus operations and academic programs (e.g. cadaver, herbicides, welding)
Design and lead safety programs to mitigate risks associated with laboratories, workshops, studios, and custodial/grounds operations
Oversee hazardous waste management programs, including chemical, biological, and radioactive materials
Conduct risk assessments, accident investigations, and root cause analyses
Review new machinery and equipment plans and specifications to ensure consistency with workplace safety policies and operational procedures
Implement slip, trip, and fall prevention measures, including inspections, corrective controls, and staff awareness initiatives
Develop and lead employee safety training programs university-wide, ensuring faculty, staff, and students are fully trained in hazard-specific procedures to support injury prevention and minimize workers’ compensation claims (e.g., chemical handling, respiratory protection, ergonomics, and biohazards)
Develop and deliver workplace PPE training programs to ensure employees understand proper selection, use, and limitations of required protective equipment
Implement workplace driving training programs for fleet vehicles and golf carts, including safe operation practices, designated route and parking requirements, pedestrian right-of-way, and incident prevention
Design and conduct employee training for heavy equipment operation, including high-lifts and forklifts, to ensure safe use, authorization, and accident prevention
Maintain clear and proactive communication with campus stakeholders to foster a culture of safety and compliance
Conduct regular inspections, internal audits (Gemba Walks) of facilities, including classrooms, labs, studios, and campus grounds to identify and address potential hazards
Support regulatory inspections and audits OSHA, EPA, CDHE, CDC, City of Grand Junction Fire Department
Participates in the university’s emergency response planning efforts, including spill response, fire safety, and crisis management exercises
Serve as a member of the university Critical Incident Response Team