Job Abstract

Reporting to the Associate Director, this position is responsible for the management of the Occupational Health and Safety Section within Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). The primary focus is on managing services that address significant risk and compliance areas within the university while promoting a culture of safety.

Key responsibilities include assessing compliance and risks, reviewing inspection findings, conducting investigations, and leading the development or enhancement of systems to effectively manage and minimize risks, liabilities, and exposures.

The incumbent will interpret regulations and implement programs that are in harmony with the university’s mission while exercising discretion and independent judgement with respect to the application of EHS standards for the health and safety of faculty, staff, students, and the public. Regular collaboration with faculty, staff, and students, as well as the offices of the Provost, Deans, department chairs and administrators, general counsel, occupational health, risk management, workers’ compensation, research compliance, facilities, police and security, and research animal care is critical.

Additionally, the incumbent will represent the university in communications and meetings with local, state, and federal regulators with respect to EHS compliance matters. They will also represent EHS and the university in communications, meetings, and counseling sessions with members of the Yale community who have EHS questions or concerns. Within their areas of expertise and responsibility, this position serves as a trainer and subject matter expert to other EHS staff, taking on responsibility for corrective actions and program improvements when serious issues are identified. Ability to report survey findings and maintain required regulatory records. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, including EHS Integrator. 1. Lead and manage the Occupational Health and Safety section, responsible for broad areas of industrial hygiene, physical, chemical, and laboratory safety, and accident investigation. This position is responsible for Yale’s OSHA compliance programs. 2. Lead the development or enhancement of systems to manage and minimize risk, liability, and other exposures to chemical and physical hazards for the University community. 3. Interpret regulations and devise implementation programs that are in harmony with the university’s mission. 4. Oversee programs related to the management of hazardous chemicals, including the restricted chemicals program. 5. Direct EHS’ physical and workplace safety programs to address electrical and hospitality safety, fall protection, risks of confined spaces, lockout/tagout practices, dust control, and ergonomic injury prevention. 6. Direct EHS shop and tool safety programs, including machine guarding. 7. Facilitate and/or co-facilitate Yale’s shop safety committee, laboratory safety committee, and joint health and safety committee. 8. Oversee Yale’s laboratory safety program and advise Facilities on laboratory design issues. 9. Oversee industrial hygiene program, ensuring compliance with occupational health, indoor air quality, and other relevant standards. 10. Represent the university in communications and meetings with local, state, and federal regulators concerning EHS compliance matters and counseling sessions with members of the Yale community who have EHS questions or concerns. 11. Regularly consult and work closely with faculty, staff, and students, as well as the offices of the Provost, cognizant Deans, department chairs and administrators, general counsel, occupational health, risk management, workers’ compensation, research compliance, Facilities, police and security, and research animal care. 12. Serve as a trainer and subject matter expert to other EHS staff. 13. Advise Facilities on construction, design, and ventilation issues. 14. In collaboration with Employee Health and Workers’ Compensation, oversee investigations of accidents, injuries, and exposures. Advise on and initiate measures to control and prevent such incidents. Direct resources based on injury trends. 15. Directly supervise 7-10 employees. Lead by communicating EHS’ mission, vision, and values. Manage staff through effective recruitment, hiring, training, work planning, making assignments, scheduling, coaching, supervision, performance review, retention, and, as necessary, discipline. 16. Assesses and makes recommendations for budget, staffing development, and staffing levels. 17. Promote staff continuing education and development. In collaboration with each employee, individual development plans are annually drafted. 18. Promote teamwork, cooperation, communication, organizational integration, task flexibility, cross-training, and inclusiveness. 19. Develop and lead training courses for lab and non-lab groups and assist with hands-on training for new and existing Safety Advisors. 20. Participate in EHS strategic planning and goal setting. 21. Create a supportive, productive, team-oriented work environment within EHS that provides excellent customer service. Promote collaboration with the campus community and further our proactive relationships with students, faculty, and staff. 22. Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team for responses to hazardous materials incidents. 23. Performs other duties as assigned. The minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.