EHSS/Fire Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Environmental Health & Safety, and Sustainability, and Fire Manager (EHSS & Fire) is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing environmental health, safety, and fire prevention programs across the University. This role ensures institutional compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a culture of safety, risk awareness, and emergency preparedness for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The EHSS & Fire Manager operates with a high level of autonomy and serves as the University's subject matter expert in environmental health, workplace safety, fire protection and life safety systems. This position supports a diverse campus environment that includes laboratories, residential facilities, academic buildings, and public assembly spaces. This role requires collaboration with senior leadership, facilities management, campus police, emergency management, academic departments and external regulatory agencies. The EHSS & Fire Manager is responsible for both strategic program development and hands-on operational oversight, including inspections, incident response, training and compliance reporting.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop, implement and manage EHSS and Fire Safety programs in compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local fire codes
• Conduct risk assessments, safety inspections and fire/life safety audits across all campus facilities
• Oversee fire prevention programs, including fire drills, alarm systems, suppression systems and evacuation planning
• Investigate accidents, incidents and near-misses; prepare reports and recommend corrective actions
• Ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for faculty, staff and students (e.g., lab safety, fire safety, emergency response)
• Serve as the University liaison with regulatory agencies, including fire departments and environmental authorities
• Maintain compliance documentation, permits and required reporting records
• Support emergency management planning, including continuity of operations and disaster preparedness
• Monitor and analyze safety metrics and trends; provide recommendations
• Manage EHSS budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships related to safety and fire systems

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and fire/life safety regulations
• Ability to identify hazards and implement effective mitigation strategies
• Skilled at building a campus-wide culture of safety and compliance
• Effective decision-making during emergencies and high-pressure situations
• Ability to interpret data, conduct investigations and develop solutions
• Strong partnership skills with departments and with external agencies
• Experience designing and implementing safety and fire prevention programs

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Fire Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in EHSS, fire safety, or risk management, preferably in a university or complex institutional environment
• Professional certification(s) preferred (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM, CFPS, or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of fire alarm and suppression systems, hazardous materials management, and emergency response protocols
• Demonstrated experience conducting training, inspections, and incident investigations
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local compliance requirements
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required licenses or certifications

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000