Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Posted On: Wed Jul 10 2024 Job Description:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and a member of the Facilities Management leadership team at the University at Albany, the Director of Environmental Health & Safety and Fire Safety serves a critical role overseeing all fire / life safety and ensures the integrity of the built environment through education, engineering controls, and enforcement of the New York State Code requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, and State University of New York policies and procedures. Working within a multicultural environment, this position will collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the University's global reach and positive social impact. In addition, the Director will be responsible for community stewardship of the natural environment through its stormwater management program, the handling of campus hazardous and university wastes, and the application of the Energy Code to campus construction projects. Lastly, the Director supports scientific instruction, research, and safety through its environmental health and safety functions.

Regulatory Oversight

• Manage all external regulatory oversight of campus operations, inspections, and by building relationships with the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), the New York State Department of Health (DOH), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (EnCon), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Manage and oversee the remediation of violations assessed against the University at Albany.

• Ensures all reports are filed timely and in accordance with SUNY policies and procedures.

• Maintain accurate records related to EH&S, code compliance, and emergency response.

• Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies.

• Manage the Stormwater Management program, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), ensure compliance with state (EnCon) stormwater permits, testing and inspection of existing stormwater infrastructure, construction project review and SEQR compliance, complete annual reporting, conduct mandatory stormwater training, and sit as an alternate on the Stormwater Coalition of Albany County.

• Involved in public speaking and public education programs.

Environmental Health and Safety

• Supervises a Radiation Safety Officer, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Chemical Waste / Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Biosafety Officer overseeing NYS Department of Health radiation licenses, sit on Radiation Safety Committee, manage oversight for chemical fume hood inventory, ensures compliance with all NYS Department of Labor Public Employee Safety & Health, maintains an air monitoring program, manages and administers a respirator program, and oversees hazardous and bio waste handling, disposal, and recordkeeping.

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive EH&S programs to minimize risks and promote a safe and healthy campus environment.

• Conduct regular safety inspections, risk assessments, and audits to identify and address potential hazards.

• Collaborate with research and department heads to ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices.

• Develop, schedule, and deliver EH&S training programs for staff, faculty, and students.

• Investigate and report on accidents, incidents, and recommend corrective actions.

• Oversee public health and safety initiatives including but not limited to the NYS Public Access to Defibrillators (PAD) Program, Stop the Bleed Program, Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Board of Directors representation, and Advisory Committee on Campus Security representation.

Fire Safety & Code Administration

• Supervises an Operations Manager, Code Service Specialist and a Fire Safety Manager that oversees a team of fifteen responsible for inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems and fire code requirements.

• Stay informed and current on building codes, fire codes, and other relevant regulations affecting the institution.

• Interpret and apply local, state, and federal codes to ensure compliance in construction, renovation, and maintenance projects.

• Work closely with architects, engineers, and construction teams (internal and external) to ensure building plans and projects comply with all applicable codes.

• Obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction projects.

• Collaborate with local authorities having jurisdiction to address code-related issues.

• Oversee and manage the elevator contract for the university and all inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of water-based fire protection systems.

• Is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ); attaining and maintaining status as a New York State Code Enforcement Official.

• Oversees in-service training of department staff that includes Stormwater Management, NYS DOL asbestos certificates, NYS DOL mold assessment initial in-service training, Hazardous materials training, Pro-Board Fire & Life Safety Educator certifications, certification for Pro-Board Fire Inspector and NFPA Fire Protection Specialist.

• Become a NYS Code Enforcement Officer within the first year of employment.

Emergency Response and Planning

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures for various scenarios, including natural disasters, hazardous material spills, and other emergencies.

• Coordinate drills and training exercises to test the effectiveness of emergency response plans.

• Serve as a key liaison with local emergency services and agencies.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop, update, and communicate code administration and EH&S policies and procedures to all university stakeholders.

• Ensure policies align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

• Conduct training and content for faculty, staff, and students to promote awareness and understanding of safety and code compliance.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with various university departments, including facilities management, University Police Department (UPD), academic units, campus events, athletics, and student affairs to ensure there is a coordinated and clear approach to code administration and EH&S.

• Communicate regularly with university leadership, providing updates on compliance status, emerging issues, and recommended actions.

Budget Management

• Develop and manage the budget for code administration and EH&S, including allocating resources for training, equipment, and other necessary initiatives.

  Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, safety management, higher education, public administration, or related field.

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or similar professional certification.

• Ten years' experience in EH&S management, Code Administration, or Fire Safety.

• Supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental health and safety and building codes.

• Demonstrated experience with policy and procedural development and implementation of those policies.

• Demonstrated training experience.

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community

• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in environmental science, safety management, higher education, public administration, or related field.

• Experience in a Higher Education setting.

• Experience working in a State or Government Agency.

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

  Additional Information:

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Environmental Health and Safety Officer, SL-5, $115,000-$125,000

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml (https://www.albany.edu/police/statistics-and-records)

Pursuant to NYS Labor Law 194-A, no State entity, as defined by the Law, is permitted to rely on, orally or in writing seek, request, or require in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current wage, or salary history as a condition to be interviewed, or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation, and for the purpose of verifying information, may such requests be made. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=178642