Associate Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness provides strategic and operational leadership to support a safe and secure campus environment. Reporting to the Director of Public Safety, this position oversees the day-to-day administration of Public Safety operations while directing the University's Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness (EHSEP) programs.

The Associate Director manages key functional areas including patrol operations, traffic and parking, uniformed security personnel, communications, fleet management, training, recruitment and hiring, records management, investigations, emergency management, and special events. The role also leads the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health and safety policies, accident prevention initiatives, fire safety programs, risk management practices, and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.

This position collaborates with campus partners-including Facilities and academic departments-to promote a culture of safety, provide training and guidance on environmental health and workplace safety practices, and ensure preparedness for emergencies. The Associate Director supports the Director of Public Safety in departmental planning, personnel supervision, investigations, and Clery Act compliance, while helping protect life and property and maintain a safe environment for students, employees, and visitors.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the Director of Public Safety in the leadership, administration, and strategic planning of the Department of Public Safety and Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness (EHSEP) programs.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance related to public safety, environmental health, safety, and emergency preparedness.
• Supervise and coordinate public safety operations including patrol, traffic and parking enforcement, communications, investigations, emergency management, special events, and crime prevention initiatives.
• Lead campus emergency preparedness efforts, including the development of emergency response plans, coordination of drills and exercises, and collaboration with local, state, and federal emergency response agencies.
• Promote campus safety and regulatory compliance by developing environmental health and safety programs, conducting safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments, and addressing identified hazards.
• Oversee the proper handling, storage, documentation, and disposal of hazardous materials and chemical waste in accordance with EPA, DOT, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain environmental health and safety records, inventories, and databases, including hazardous waste tracking and regulatory reporting.
• Investigate environmental health and safety incidents, complaints, and regulatory violations and coordinate corrective actions to reduce risk and ensure compliance.
• Provide training, education, and guidance to faculty, staff, and students on environmental health, safety, emergency preparedness, and workplace safety practices.
• Collaborate with campus departments, including Facilities and academic units, to support safe operations, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Human Resources and Public Safety leadership to develop and implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives to attract qualified and diverse public safety personnel.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, fiscal planning, and resource allocation for safety, risk management, and public safety operations.
• Represent the Department of Public Safety and the University at campus meetings, community engagements, and with external public safety and regulatory agencies.
• Support University investigations, compliance monitoring, and Clery Act reporting requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field with coursework in science/engineering; or Bachelor's degree in Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field with coursework in science/engineering and two (2) years of environmental health & safety experience or a related field.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification and research laboratory experience.
• One (1) year of experience in Environmental Health & Safety or a related field.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning and keeping current with new technologies.
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and/or security, to include three years at the rank of Sergeant or above;
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in criminology, law enforcement, business administration, public administration or related field. A combination of credit hours and experience may be considered.
• Prefer Master's or other advanced degree and law enforcement executive training to include FBI, SPI or others.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain certification in the State of Missouri as a Police Officer under POST standards.

Other Required Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong organizational abilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to effectively interact with and respond to the needs of a diverse campus population, including students, parents, faculty, staff, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills with a demonstrated commitment to accountability, service, and operational excellence.
• Ability to manage projects, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, regulatory guidance, financial reports, and legal documents, and effectively present information to leadership, public groups, and regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of environmental health and safety principles, regulatory compliance practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations relevant to higher education environments.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials management, including RCRA, DOT, and applicable state environmental regulations; experience preparing hazardous waste manifests and shipping documentation preferred.
• Familiarity with safety inspection procedures, hazardous materials response practices, and environmental health and safety program development.
• Knowledge of emergency preparedness planning, including continuity of operations planning (COOP), incident response procedures, and general understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Ability to coordinate and support large-scale campus events and emergency operations.
• Ability to obtain relevant professional certifications such as OSHA, CSP, or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
• Ability to perform or be trained in emergency first aid, including CPR and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, and during campus emergencies or closures as needed.
• Must maintain a reliable telephone contact number for emergency and operational communications.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Yes

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, and prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to recall and interpret details related to incidents, investigations, and interactions.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and appropriate decision-making, including the responsible and justified use of force when necessary.
• Physical ability to stand, sit, walk, or patrol for extended periods during 8-12 hour shifts and travel throughout campus on foot or by vehicle.
• Ability to run when necessary and lift or carry up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity and coordination necessary to operate firearms, protective equipment (including baton, OC spray, TASER, and handcuffs), communications equipment, computers, and other assigned public safety equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle or golf cart and maintain visual and hearing acuity necessary for public safety duties.
• Ability to provide emergency first aid, including CPR and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), with training and certification provided by the University.
• Ability to perform duties in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, noise, and other operational hazards associated with public safety work.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• This position is designated as essential and typically requires on-campus presence, including during periods of reduced campus operations or emergencies.
• Work schedule is generally Monday through Friday but may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and after-hours duties as operational needs require. The incumbent may be required to report to duty at any time during emergencies, campus closures, or critical incidents.
• Must be available for on-call emergency response; a university-issued cell phone will be provided.
• Work may occur in both office and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, or snow.
• Incumbent must be able to perform duties remotely when necessary, including participation in virtual meetings and operational coordination. A university-issued laptop will be provided.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.