Environmental Health and Safety Officer

Position Summary Located 45 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a two-time Aspen Award-winning institution (top 15% of Community Colleges) with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. CSM is among America’s top 100 producers of Minority Associate Degrees in twenty categories, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education. CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs. The Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) develops and administers the college’s academic and administrative environmental health and safety programs. The EHSO oversees chemical, biological, laser, and machine shop safety while ensuring compliance with the EPA, OSHA, and other federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. The EHSO will implement a comprehensive college-wide safety program based on regulatory requirements, best management practices, and college policy. Additionally, the EHSO will assist the division and departments in ensuring programs and training are developed, implemented, maintained, evaluated, and revised for the protection of employees, students, and the college community with respect to environmental, health and safety issues.   Reports to: Vice President, Policy and General Counsel The College of Southern Maryland conducts background checks in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the College's staff and students. The final candidate for this position will be subject to the following background checks: Criminal History Check and Sex Offender Registry Check.   This position is open until filled. The College of Southern Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities 35% Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental health and safety regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and local health and safety laws. Audit campuses regularly and develops appropriate occupational safety and health programs for maintaining compliance with application state and federal regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry best practices related to EHS. Conduct risk assessments and job hazard analysis to identify potential safety issues. Assists in implementing corrective actions to mitigate identified risks. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses; develop and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 25% Environmental Health and Safety: Develop, implement, and revise programs and policies required by law, regulation, and good management practices related to occupational safety and health in collaboration with others as appropriate. Develop procedures for the response, remediation, and timely reporting of hazardous material incidents to appropriate authorities. Coordinate with Mail, Shipping, and Receiving to ensure that chemicals and hazardous materials are properly logged when received and properly transported on campus. Oversee hazardous waste management, including proper storage, handling, and disposal. Responsible for identifying and recommending required protective equipment and training personnel on proper safety precautions. Serves as college’s chemical hygiene administrator and right to know official.  Maintain documentation of training for faculty, staff, and students  Assist faculty and staff to understand and execute roles in environmental health and safety.  Manage environmental compliance programs such as air and water quality monitoring, spill prevention, and waste minimization.   10% Emergency Response and Preparedness: Participate in responding to emergency situations involving fire, smoke, hazardous materials, and as appropriate, other emergencies.  Review all incident, accident, and injury reports to identify root causes and propose plans and strategies to improve safety. Identifies trends and issues based on reports. In consultation with the Executive Director of Public Safety, Director of Campus Operations, and others, as appropriate, develops and implements actions to improve safety and security. Assists departments in maintaining compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards. In consultation with the Executive Director of Public Safety, plan, may assist in coordinating and evaluating emergency drills. Annually review and, as appropriate, propose revisions to the Emergency Action Plan 10% Training and Education: Provide EHS training to new hires and ongoing training for existing staff and faculty. Promote awareness of EHS issues through workshops, seminars, and informational materials. Establish a stringent training schedule for targeted employees regarding hazards, OHSA/MOSH and other environmental safety and health programs. Plan, schedule, and coordinate safety training programs for faculty, staff, and students such as right to know, hazard communication, techniques in hazardous material handling, hazardous waste management, machine and tool safety, lab safety, and the general subjects of occupational and environmental hygiene. 10% Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of EHS activities, incidents, training, and compliance efforts. Prepare and submit required regulatory reports and documentation. Develop reports and presentations for senior management on EHS performance and initiatives. 10% Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with departments across the college to address EHS concerns. Serve as the primary point of contact for EHS issues and provide expert advice and support. Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies on EHS matters. Additional Duties:   Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Education and Training Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.  Prior, qualified experience that will ensure expert technical guidance and direction in the development and implementation of all provisions of an effective and safe chemical hygiene plan is necessary. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in EHS management, preferably in a higher education or research setting. The equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions may be considered.   Preferred Qualifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer (CCHO), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is desirable.  Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  CPR/AED and First Aid Certified Must be able to meet all eligibility requirements to drive a college vehicle and be insured under the college’s vehicle insurance plan. Good oral/communication skills. Strong computer skills and experience with work order systems and databases  Proven ability to work in teams.  Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Office to include Access, Word, and Power Point. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to climb a ladder. Must be capable of responding to and traveling to any college facility for unexpected events or emergencies that may occur at any time and any day.  WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office environment, interspersed with periodic potential exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, fire and/or smoke.