Director, Environmental Health & Safety (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted and approved salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $144,000 - $180,000.

This is a 100% campus-based position.

This position is not approved for remote work modality.

The initial applicant review will take place on or around March 3, 2025. Please submit your application on or before this date for consideration by the selection committee.

Move reimbursement for actual approved expenses may be approved for this position.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

UC Merced is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all students, staff, faculty members and visitors. The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining environmental, health and safety programs and ensuring all operations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Works with individuals at all levels within the UC System, the general public, and regulatory agencies, in the development of strategies, policies, and tools to implement EH&S programs. Manages multiple EH&S programs within multiple disciplines, and through subordinate managers and/or supervisors, manages the professional staff responsible for implementing these programs. Develops new programs in response to changing regulations and ensures awareness of and compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, etc. Oversees specialized technical programs and serves as a organization expert within these fields.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plans, directs, implements and manages a broad range of EH&S programs within multiple disciplines. Assists campus management in the development of internal strategies, policies, and tools to implement health and safety programs. Meets and collaborates with campus management, committees, and groups to discuss the effectiveness and implementation of EH&S programs.
2. Provides comprehensive personnel administration including selection, training, evaluation, and as required corrective action for multiple staff levels. Mentors and motivates staff to achieve the highest level productivity and creativity in furthering EH&S programs and the University mission.
3. Administers and monitors budgets and expenses, ensuring compliance with budgetary allocations and University policies and procedures.
4. Oversees EH&S programs to monitor and prevent chemical and biological exposures, prevent accidents, and ensure a healthy and safe environment at all UCM facilities.
5. Reviews and analyzes federal and state regulatory proposal to assess their impact on the University, and works with campus management to develop policies and procedures for new regulatory requirements.
6. Monitors and assesses campus EH&S programs for effectiveness on an ongoing basis and makes adjustments to such programs as required to maintain the highest level of health and safety programs for the University. Oversee and manage campus inspection programs to ensure these programs are being successfully implemented. Develops metrics and reports to campus management as necessary.
7. Acts as University liaison with Federal, State and Local regulatory agencies, ensures that campus maintains all required permits and meets all regulatory reporting requirements.
8. Develops, implements and promotes communication and outreach programs to enhance, encourage and ensure awareness of and compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, policies, et cetera in order to prevent environmental health emergencies and unsafe conditions and ensure the highest level of safe operations.
9. Works with other UC EH&S Directors and UCOP staff on system wide health and safety related programs.

• Advanced degree in an EH&S technical field or related degree and extensive experience managing EH&S programs; and
• 6 years of related experience of similar scope and complexity (required).
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), (preferred).
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), (preferred)
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), (preferred)
• Comprehensive and thorough knowledge and understanding of EH&S principals and procedures, best practices, technical requirements, logistics, materials and operations, rules, regulations, laws, et cetera.
• Excellent management skills to effectively recruit, train, evaluate, motivate, lead and direct subordinate staff to build an effective service-oriented team.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment. Ability to effectively work with regulatory agencies on behalf of the University to resolve problems and regulatory issues.
• Demonstrated skills at developing, implementing, and managing EH&S programs at a major research university or comparable organization. Includes experience conducting institutional and program analyses, identifying compliance problems, and developing appropriate strategies to address them.
• Excellent skills to appropriately and efficiently respond to and direct the response to emergencies and critical situations, including follow-up evaluation and critique of response efficacy; recommend, develop and implement changes to emergency response as required.
• Skills and experience in financial planning and budget implementation.
• Excellent word processing and spreadsheet skills; the ability to utilize and implement new and emerging software tools and technology.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.