Public Safety - Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer

Job description

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here To apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. 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. Position Summary 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. Principal Duties & 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. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field (required). • Master’s degree preferred for senior-level roles. • 5+ years of relevant experience in environmental health and safety, preferably in higher education, research, or laboratory settings. • 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. • 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. Unusual Working Conditions • Some on-call or after-hours availability for emergencies • Mix of office, laboratory, and outdoor • Exposure to hazards requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.