Public Safety - Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer

Sacred Heart University•Fairfield, CT

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Health and Safety Officer develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and enforces university policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff, students, visitors, and the environment. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and others) across complex technical areas such as occupational safety, hazard control, risk management, laboratory safety, radiation protection, hazardous materials/waste management, and emergency response. The position supports a safe learning, research, and working environment in a university setting, which often includes laboratories, dormitories, classrooms, construction sites, and administrative facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field (required).
5+ years of relevant experience in environmental health and safety, preferably in higher education, research, or laboratory settings.
Strong knowledge of relevant regulations (OSHA, EPA/RCRA, DOT, NRC, etc.) and their application in a university context.
Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse university stakeholders.
Analytical and problem-solving skills for hazard identification and risk assessment.
Ability to prepare reports, training materials, and policy documents.
Proficiency with monitoring equipment and safety software.
Calm demeanor in emergency situations and ability to work independently or in teams.
Physical capability for site inspections and handling moderate loads in varied environments.
Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred for senior-level roles.
Experience with university or academic environments is highly desirable.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or similar.
Hazardous materials, radiation safety, or biosafety certifications.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive EHS programs and policies, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan and laboratory chemical safety programs, tailored to university operations.
Conduct regular inspections, audits, and risk assessments of campus facilities, laboratories, research areas, maintenance operations, and dormitories to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
Monitor and manage hazards related to chemicals, biological agents, radiation, toxic atmospheres, flammable materials, and physical risks.
Oversee hazardous materials handling, storage, transportation, and disposal, including waste management programs.
Investigate accidents, incidents, spills, and near-misses; determine root causes; and recommend/implement corrective actions. Prepare reports for university leadership and regulatory agencies.
Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and students on topics such as hazard communication (Right-to-Know), laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, emergency response, and occupational health.
Review building plans, blueprints, and renovation projects to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations.
Inspect and maintain life safety equipment (e.g., fume hoods, fire extinguishers, emergency systems).
Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies, respond to inquiries, and coordinate inspections or audits.
Participate in or lead university safety committees (e.g., Radiation Safety Committee, Campus Safety Committee).
Maintain records, prepare reports, and ensure documentation for compliance and Right-to-Know requirements.
Provide emergency response support and develop contingency plans.
Recommend improvements, renovations, or equipment to enhance safety.
Other duties as assigned.