Director of Environmental Programs

Title: Director of Environmental Programs

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Environmental Health & Safety

Department: Environmental Health & Safety

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management, the Director of Environmental Programs is responsible for leading the University's environmental compliance, hazardous materials, and waste management programs. The Director heads comprehensive environmental health and hazardous material operations across campus, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
The Director oversees the University's hazardous waste management system, environmental permitting, and spill prevention. The Director serves as the primary EHS liaison with Facilities and Campus Services, Design and Construction Management, and external regulatory agencies such as the EPA and DEP.

Essential Functions

Serves as a senior leader within the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department, contributing to strategic planning, goal setting, and performance measurement. Collaborates with other EHS Directors and campus leaders to ensure program alignment, operational effectiveness, and a strong institutional culture of environmental stewardship and compliance.

Directs and manages all environmental compliance programs including hazardous waste management, stormwater, air emissions, underground storage tanks, spill prevention, and environmental reporting. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations such as RCRA, TSCA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Massachusetts DEP requirements. Develops and maintains environmental permits and records, and coordinates inspections and audits with regulatory agencies.

Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Environmental program. Advises the Assistant Vice Chancellor on budgetary planning, staffing needs, and long-range resource allocation. Oversees hiring, performance evaluation, mentoring and professional development of all staff supervised.

Provides senior-level technical guidance and leadership during environmental incidents, spills, or hazardous material emergencies. Coordinates response activities with EHS, Facilities, and emergency responders to ensure safety, compliance, and effective remediation. Participates in after-hours emergency response rotation as necessary and ensures post-incident evaluations and corrective actions are completed.

Oversees environmental health programs related to indoor air quality, asbestos, lead, mold, and other building-related environmental concerns. Collaborates with the Industrial Hygiene team to assess exposure risks and implement corrective actions to protect building occupants and maintenance personnel.

Oversees the development and delivery of training programs for faculty, staff, and students related to hazardous waste handling, environmental compliance and spill prevention. Ensures training content meets regulatory requirements and reflects best practices in environmental management.

Serves as the primary campus liaison for environmental and hazardous materials compliance with agencies such as EPA and DEP. Represents the University in professional organizations, regulatory meetings, and inter-institutional collaborations to strengthen environmental leadership and compliance innovation.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Promotes a culture of safety, accountability and contentious improvement.

Maintains up-to-date professional competency and awareness of emerging environmental regulations, technologies, and best practices.

Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance or the responsibilities of the position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure; maintains confidentiality of all information related to patients, medical staff, and employees.

Works with Human Resources, Labor Relations, and union officials to resolve personnel matters; participates as second step hearing officer and represents the department in grievance investigations, hearings, and arbitrations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and six years of work in environmental compliance, hazardous materials management, or related regulatory programs.

Ability to function with minimal oversight to achieve established goals and objectives.

Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and work ethic. Ability to develop cooperative working relationships with the campus community.

Valid driver's license and ability to pass a baseline physical exam .

Thorough knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations, including RCRA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Environmental Protection Agency.

Experience developing and overseeing environmental programs, policies, and permitting processes.

Excellent communication skills including oral presentations and technical writing abilities. Proficient in the use of technology.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.