Assistant Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Safety

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Safety

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• July 29, 2024
• North Dartmouth, MA

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About University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a dynamic public research university dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research, resulting in lifelong student success. The university’s story is one of tremendous momentum and continuous expansion. Established in 1895, UMass Dartmouth has evolved from its textile roots into a comprehensive, nationally ranked R2 research university that offers an array of highly regarded undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering, nursing, law, marine science, and the visual and performing arts.

Ranked second in Massachusetts and 78th nationally for social mobility, UMass Dartmouth is proud to serve as an important engine of opportunity for a diverse and talented student body. Roughly 53 percent of UMass Dartmouth’s most recent incoming undergraduate class identify as students of color, roughly half are the first in their families to attend college, and 39 percent of undergraduate students qualify for federal Pell Grants. The university’s total enrollment is roughly 7,700 students, including approximately 4,600 undergraduates, 1,500 graduate students, and 2,200 online students. Roughly 48% of UMass Dartmouth’s undergraduate students reside on campus.

The Role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Safety

UMass Dartmouth, a thriving public research university and critical engine of social mobility located on Massachusetts’ Southcoast, invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Safety (AVC for EHS). Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, the AVC for EHS oversees the university’s compliance with local, state and federal environmental, health and safety regulations. The AVC for EHS leads the Office of Environmental Health & Safety and is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices to improve laboratory safety and environmental performance and has considerable discretion and authority in maintaining institutional compliance and managing various aspects of EHS, including biohazards, radiation, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste management.

The AVC for EHS oversees the university’s compliance with local, state and federal environmental, health and safety regulations. The AVC for EHS leads the Office of Environmental Health & Safety and is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices to improve laboratory safety and environmental performance and has considerable discretion and authority in maintaining institutional compliance and managing various aspects of EHS, including biohazards, radiation, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste management.

In terms of institutional compliance and safety programs, the AVC for EHS manages compliance requirements, inspections, and audits of laboratories with hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and establishes and manages chemical safety standards and best practices. The role also has a strong educational aspect—the AVC for EHS develops and teaches pertinent health and safety seminars, training sessions and workshops to students, faculty and staff. The AVC for EHS is also expected to maintain a rigorous injury/illness data management and analysis program, including compiling analyzing and preparing injury data reports, conducting in-depth investigations of injuries and developing recommendations and programs to prevent reoccurrences of similar injuries.

The AVC for EHS may serve key compliance functions such as serving as the university’s Biosafety Officer, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), and/or Laser Safety Officer (LSO), as well as working with outside contractors to ensure that all of these functions are adequately met. The AVC for EHS also communicates and coordinates with government officials on EHS matters and serves on key university safety committees, including Chemical Safety, Institutional Biosafety, and Institutional Animal Care and Use. This role also is a key advisor to the university’s Crisis Management Team, providing guidance on spill response and personnel contamination related to hazardous materials. The AVC for EHS also works closely with facilities staff on environmental permitting, inspections and trainings, establishing requirements for laboratory design and construction, and overseeing the testing and maintenance of safety equipment.

The AVC for EHS manages the budget and resources for the Office of EHS and supervises two direct reports, including an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, which position is currently vacant, offering the incoming AVC for EHS an important opportunity to shape the responsibilities and recruit a talented staff member. The Office of EHS also includes an Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, who oversees the safe handling and storage of hazardous substances on campus and assists with identifying and mitigating physical, chemical and biological hazards in the workplace. The EHS Coordinator also works to improve trainings and communications to promote a safe and healthy work environment, recommends corrective actions to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and standards, and is responsible for management and oversight of the campus chemical inventory and Chemical Environmental Management System (CEMS).

Contact Information

This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Massachusetts. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $162,000-180,000 and will include a generous benefits package.

Please send nominations, applications, and queries in confidence and electronically to .

It is the policy of UMass Dartmouth not to discriminate against any applicant for admission or employment, or against any employee, or in any educational programs, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sex, or sexual orientation.