EHS Manager for Research Health and Safety

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Provide leadership and management for comprehensive health and safety programs supporting research and academic laboratories, machine shops, and makerspaces where hazardous materials or equipment are used. This position reports to the Associate Director of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and is expected to demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to customer service and collaboration in all aspects of work.

This position manages a team of nine (9) professional staff supporting laboratory and research safety programs. Responsibilities include oversight and direct supervision of the laboratory/shop inspection program; development and maintenance of policy and program documents, including the U-M Chemical Hygiene Plan, university-wide guidance documents, and standard operating procedures; and providing technical expertise related to chemical safety and creative/fabrication spaces, including machine shops. The position also supports protocol review, consultation for the university research community, and review of plans and designs involving laboratory/shop ventilation systems, selection of appropriate engineering controls, and implementation of methods to reduce occupational exposures.

Responsibilities*

• Provide lab and shop safety Inspection program management and oversight.
• Ensure inspections are conducted with consistency and quality and escalate outstanding issues according to established procedures.
• Determine research and academic safety and compliance requirements, identify improvements, communicate requirements, and implement safety guidelines and recommendations.
• Develop and conduct training relevant to laboratory and research safety
• Serve as a member of the U-M Research and Academic Safety Steering Committee to provide chemical and laboratory safety expertise.
• Provide technical support and participate in institutional safety committees, including U-M School and Unit Safety Committees.
• Review facility designs for new and existing research facilities, including laboratories and shops and make recommendations related to health, safety, ventilation, and engineering controls.
• Assist with injury, illness, incident, and near-miss investigations and prevention. Work with units to identify causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide technical expertise in chemical hazard assessment and the application of safety and health regulations and programs supporting research laboratories and machine shops.
• Serve as the institutional Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Required Qualifications*

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) certification is required.
• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading and implementing occupational health and safety programs.
• Extensive professional experience in industrial hygiene, including IH instrumentation, engineering controls evaluation, ventilation, and laboratory or shop safety.
• Extensive knowledge of EHS regulations and policies including MIOSHA, OSHA, NFPA
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across a complex academic institution and with external partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students, regulatory agencies, and institutional leadership.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet critical deadlines.
• Proficiency with data management and analysis tools in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to lead in emergency/crisis situations.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination to support emergency response duties and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Desired Qualifications*

• Advanced degree in industrial hygiene or occupational health and safety
• Experience in reviewing engineered plans and designs for safety and health considerations related to laboratories, research, local exhaust ventilation, or industrial processes.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Experience working in a higher education, research or academic environment
• Experience in additive manufacturing, robotic safety, process safety, or chemical manufacturing

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good. In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation, University-designated holidays, family care, and a floating holiday
• A retirement plan that provides immediate vesting and two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Paid maternity and parental leave

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Facilities & Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.