Manager-Safety and Operations
- 559104
- Palisades
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
- Full Time
- Opening on: Aug 18 2026
- Grade 14
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- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University''s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University located in Palisades, New York, invites applications for a Manager of Safety & Operations. The successful candidate will manage all Safety, Security, and Telecommunications functions Observatory-wide. Works with the University Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for Observatory safety programs. Includes, but not limited to, laboratory safety, hazard assessments, identifying & procuring personal protective equipment for assignment to employees, dosimetry and radiation wipe samples, employee training, maintaining chemical inventory and material safety data sheets, identification of protocols required for material handling & storage, labeling, hazard warnings, trip & fall prevention, confined space entry, hot work permitting, lock out/tag out, electrical safety, machinery safety, blood borne pathogen, and accident investigation. Maintain emergency response manual and preparedness for first aid, heart attack, fire, spill control, flood, suspicious activity, and other scenarios. Coordinate with local emergency responders such as police, fire and ambulance personnel.
- Responsible for ensuring all facilities operations comply with all codes and environmental regulations for the Lamont Campus including, but not limited to, hazardous, universal, solid, and sanitary waste disposal, fire prevention, public assembly, radiation safety, spill prevention, fuel oil bulk storage, building codes, laboratory safety, erosion control, air permits, soil remediation, land, sea, and air transport of hazardous materials, lead and asbestos abatement. Employ vendors as required to service, test and maintain systems and components (such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms and sprinkler systems) and/or oversee performance by Buildings & Grounds department to assure quality. Maintain all records, provide reports to requesting agencies, and provide leadership during audits and inspections. Agencies include US EPA, NYS DEC, NYS DOH, NYS Fire Inspection Bureau, Rockland County DOH, Orangetown DOB, Orangetown Fire Inspector, NY/NJ DOT, and others. Coordinates, informs, and advises University EH&S department as necessary in a highly collaborative relationship.
- Responsible for all Observatory security matters such as: day-to-day activities of security guards and handling emergencies at Lamont including surrounding area which may impact operations. Oversee installation and upgrade of security cameras and locking systems, including entry gate and magnetic door locks. Conduct investigation of security incidents, such as burglary, and assesses campus vulnerabilities.
- Responsible for Observatory telecommunications which includes acquisition of new equipment and dissemination of information on present features and new technology. Coordinate with IT Dept on installation and repair of telephone equipment. Supervise staff, creation of Observatory directory, and update of records of extensions, equipment and their locations.
- Participates in Sustainable Columbia and other University wide work groups. Provides backup attendance for Executive Director of Capital Planning and Facilities Strategy at University Sustainability Advisory Council and Institutional Health & Safety meetings, as well as other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor''s degree in a related field required. Minimum of 5-7 years experience which includes supervisory experience.
- Extensive knowledge of safety and security principles and practices and familiarity with applicable U.S. government regulation required, as well as, experience in a research or academic environment.
Other Requirements
- We are seeking a lab safety professional with experience and training in hazardous waste management with RCRA/DOT and HAZWOPER certifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.