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Director of Environmental Health and Safety

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition 202400020ES
Title Director of Environmental Health and Safety
FLSA status Exempt
Hiring Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.
Department Environmental Health and Safety
Division Division of Finance and Operations
Open Date 03/21/2024
Open Until Filled Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Engineering, Science, or related field required. Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or related field preferred. Five years of experience related to Environmental, Health and Safety with a minimum of three years management experience required. Higher Education Experience Preferred. Certification in safety, industrial hygiene, or environmental management is desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
Nature & Purpose of Position
Serves the University as the Director of Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S), provides guidance and recommendations regarding all areas of EH&S to the institution. Develops and executes all programs, processes and initiatives related to EH&S. Ensures that SHUS is in regulatory compliance with federal, state, local, TSUS and institutional laws and regulations. This position will work with a variety of University stakeholders to develop, implement and maintain appropriate policies and practices related to environmental, health, occupational safety, biosafety, radiation safety, laboratory compliance, hazardous waste. Will monitor budget and management staff.
Primary Responsibilities
Develops and maintains safe practices and policies, reporting systems and innovative position specific training programs. Develops and maintains programs that support and monitor health and safety, including hazard communication, incident, injury and illness Prevention, Chemical Hygiene, Industrial Hygiene, and Blood borne Pathogens. Directs the establishment and maintenance of regulatory standards and inspections for laboratories, hazardous waste disposal, environmental protection, etc. Files and oversees required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Tier Two, Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ) other designated agency reports. Maintains current knowledge of developments in environmental and safety fields, and changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Ensures compliance with all Environmental, Health and safety regulations at the federal, state, and local levels by developing new, or enhancing existing, policies and programs. Establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which SHSU efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated. Identifies opportunities for improvement. Reviews and approves purchases, oversees contract execution and fulfillment, of chemicals, biologicals, controlled substances, possible radioactive substances, radiation producing equipment and lasers. Provides assistance and recommendations regarding environmental, health and occupational safety matters to SHSU departments and makes recommendations on policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations through appropriate administrative channels. Projects a positive image of the organization to the University community. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Specifications
Requires membership in the Safety Committee, Institutional Bio-Safety Committee (IBC) and other committees as assigned. Ensures SHSU complies in all areas of EH&S with Federal, State and University Guidelines. Notifies the institution of any significant problems, violations, and any significant legislation, work related accidents or illness. Responsible for staying up to date with Federal, State, Local and Institutional laws, regulations and mandates. Ensures all university stakeholders who have the possibility to be exposed or injured are adequately trained. Maintain accurate records. Maintains a high level of customer service to all University Departments and stakeholders. Position requires effective verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences. Effective facilitation skills to be able to facilitate group discussions. Attention to detail. Must be able to develop accurate written materials. Action orientated and possess ability to follow up on feedback to ensure positive outcomes.

Position may require working during weekends, holidays, and extended hours during emergencies. Position requires a valid Texas Driver’s License with a record acceptable to the university’s insurance provider.

This position does not monitor construction site safety.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Full Time Part Time Full Time
Position Number
Quicklink
EEO Statement

EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Letter of Recommendation 1
  4. Letter of Recommendation 2
Optional Documents
  1. Letter of Recommendation 3
  2. Reference Contact Information

Screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you learn about this position?
    • The Chronicle of Higher Education
    • Diverse Issues in Higher Education
    • HBCU Connect - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
    • HACU - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
    • The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
    • Association for Women in Science
    • TWC - Work in Texas
    • Inside Higher Ed
    • Higher Ed Jobs
    • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
    • SHSU Website
    • SHSU Employee
    • SHSU Recruiter
    • Other
  2. If your response to the question above was "SHSU Employee" please indicate employee's name and department.

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. If your response to the question above was "Other" please indicate from what source.

    (Open Ended Question)