Job Description

Full job description

Position Number: 998414

Unit/Department: Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)

FTE: Full-time

Salary: $72,134

Actual base pay may vary based on experience, certifications, or other qualifications

Department Summary:

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) provides technical expertise and counsel across the university, playing a key role in fostering and promoting safety and regulatory compliance.

Job Summary:

The Environmental Health and Safety Director administers the University’s environmental health and safety programs. A key collaborator on campus, this role reports to the Chief Administration Officer, while working independently to advance health and safety initiatives. This position oversees one or more student employees.


Drake University offers a comprehensive benefits package, stand-out vacation, holiday and sick leave benefits, and valuable tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in life sciences, chemistry, environmental science, emergency management, industrial relations, or related field.
• Three (3) years relevant experience
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, local environmental laws, and relevant safety standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license, and meet the insurability requirements to drive on behalf of the University

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board certification in a recognized professional health and safety discipline such as industrial hygiene (CIH) or safety professional (CSP)
• Demonstrated leadership in promoting safety and regulatory compliance through collaborative processes and strong relationships

Job Duties:

• 30% - Develop and implement occupational safety programs, ensuring policies, procedures, and practices comply with all occupational health and safety laws and regulations, while advancing a culture of safety. Coordinates and/or conducts training for employees on topics such as lockout tagout, confined spaces, fall protection, and other occupational health and safety topics. Maintains all required reports, logs, and training records. - (Essential)
• 20% - Oversee the collection, storing, and disposal of hazardous waste, including biological and radioactive materials. Works collaboratively with academic departments (sciences, art, etc.) to establish and implement collection, labeling, and disposal protocols. - (Essential)
• 10% - Works collaboratively to develop and implement lab safety programs. Work with campus stakeholders to evaluate, implement, review annually, and make updates as needed to the Chemical Hygiene Plan and related procedures. - (Essential)
• 10% - Serves as the University’s primary contact with OSHA, Iowa DNR, the EPA and other federal state and local environmental health and safety regulators. Monitors regulatory and enforcement activities and communicates upcoming changes or needs relative to new requirements and regulatory changes. Ensures timely completion of all regulatory filings and reports. - (Essential)
• 5% - Reviews reports and evaluates data concerning occupational injuries and public liability accidents; determines necessity and scope of further investigation. Reviews accident investigations for proper corrective or preventive actions. Works closely with internal partners in Athletics, the Office of Events, and Public Safety to continually improve safety at public events. - (Essential)
• 5% - Conducts and coordinates indoor air quality assessments. Communicates with building occupants and provides updates and communication regarding indoor air quality concerns. - (Essential)
• 5% - Coordinate Worker's Compensation activity with the Human Resources Department. Assist in training on workers compensation reporting procedures and following up on workers compensation claims. - (Essential)
• 5% - Manages and maintains the university’s AED program, eye wash testing process, and conducts other required inspections. - (Essential)
• 5% - Participates in campus emergency preparedness planning and serves in the University Emergency Operations Committee. Assists in the coordination and execution of fire and weather drills and related reports. - (Essential)
• 5% - Other duties or special projects as assigned, consistent with the role of the EHS Director. - (Essential)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants should complete the online application and submit a cover letter, a resume, and the contact details for at least two references.

Review of Applications Begins: Review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain posted until filled.

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

About Drake:

Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:


requested in our online application system.


Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: [email protected] ) and let us know how we can assist you.


At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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