Sr. Compliance Safety Officer

Virginia Tech•Alexandria, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Compliance Safety Officer serves Virginia Tech Environmental Health & Safety by coordinating health and safety programs outside of the Blacksburg/Roanoke region. This includes various locations such as Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, 4-H Educational Centers, Cooperative Extension offices, and specialized centers like the Equine Medical Center and Children's National Hospital Research Center. While based in Northern Virginia, the role requires routine travel across the Commonwealth and occasional in-person reporting in Blacksburg. The incumbent supports compliant and safe operations through hazard assessments, consultation, training, inspections, and incident investigations using EHS’s Safety Management System (SMS) and EHS Assistant. They also build and maintain collaborative relationships with university departments to advance the division’s mission. Reporting to the Associate Director of Offsite Services, the Sr. Compliance Safety Officer partners with faculty and staff to implement and sustain a broad range of established EHS occupational safety programs. Additionally, the role supports Emergency Management by assisting with program-specific training and education related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, business continuity, and disaster response. The incumbent also performs other duties as requested, takes initiative to support a healthy work environment, strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community, and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Requirements

An advanced degree with an emphasis in science, engineering, life sciences or public health, or a combination of formal education and professional experience equivalent to an advanced degree.
Demonstrated computer proficiency (creating documents, using spreadsheets and databases).
Prior experience in occupational safety and health.
Knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines.
Demonstrated ability to conduct inspections and identify unsafe work practices or conditions and make recommendations.
Ability to monitor facilities and processes for compliance and interpret and implement applicable occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines as published by OSHA, ANSI, NIOSH, ACGIH, EPA, DOT.
Ability to recognize safety hazards and develop effective mitigation controls.
Ability to prepare technical reports.
Must be available to travel to various sites throughout Virginia 50% of the time.
On occasion, will have travel that may require overnight stays.
Ability to convey safety information, instructions and potential hazards to all personnel, both orally and in writing.
Strong ability to present information clearly.
Strong ability to manage documentation, records and coordinate multiple EHS initiatives simultaneously.
Strong ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics, build trust and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and customer service.
Will be required to participate in the Occupational Health Medical program.
Ability to safely move and handle up to 50 pounds.
Ability to climb stairs, ladders, walk on uneven terrain, and lift heavy objects.
Ability to squat, bend or crawl or reach to identify potential hazards.
Must be able to use a respirator and wear appropriate PPE.
A criminal conviction check will be required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, public health, environmental sciences, or related science.
Current certification as a Certified Health Professional (CHP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
Experience shipping hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

Coordinate health and safety programs outside of the Blacksburg/Roanoke region.
Support compliant and safe operations through hazard assessments, consultation, training, inspections, and incident investigations using EHS’s Safety Management System (SMS) and EHS Assistant.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with university departments.
Implement and sustain a broad range of established EHS occupational safety programs, including general and workplace safety, equipment and operations safety, environmental and exposure programs, physical and operational hazard controls, agricultural/field/farm safety, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection, and fire and life safety and ergonomics.
Support Emergency Management by assisting with the delivery of program-specific training and education related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, business continuity, and disaster response.
Perform other duties as requested.
Take initiative to support a healthy work environment.
Strive to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct.
Exemplify the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.
Support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).