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EH&S Director
UMass Medical School
Location : Worcester, MA, 01608
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $152,000.00/Yr
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Job Number: 2025-48421
Category:Environmental Health & Safety
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Environmental Hlth & Safety - W800800
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 12, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $141,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $152,000.00/Yr.
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EH&S Director - Chemical, Environmental & Lab Safety (CELS)
Job Number: 2025-48421
Category:Environmental Health & Safety
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Environmental Hlth & Safety - W800800
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 12, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $141,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum:USD $152,000.00/Yr.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The EH&S Director of Chemical, Environmental Management & Lab Safety (CELS) is responsible for leading all aspects of UMass Chan Medical Schools Chemical & Lab Safety, and Environmental Management Programs including development, management, and implementation of programs, regulatory compliance, and providing hands on support as well as strong leadership and mentoring in the EH&S CELS Team.
The primary purpose of this position is to oversee and direct the CELS Team in providing services directly to research and clinical laboratories through field consultations, technical guidance, inspections, training, data collection and analysis. This includes administering continual design, development, management, and improvement of chemical & lab safety programs, and environmental management programs for all research and clinical laboratories at UMass Chan, managing complex assessments of risks pertaining to people, property, and the environment to protect from potentially detrimental exposures and releases to a broad range of hazardous chemicals, hazardous materials, and hazardous wastes, and actively promoting a culture of safety to minimize risk while enhancing compliance.
The EH&S Director of Chemical, Environmental Management & Lab Safety provides technical, regulatory, and administrative support to UMass Chans research and clinical laboratory community and Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC). The incumbent ensures ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and sets the CELS Teams strategic direction to meet emerging chemical, environmental management & lab Safety needs while maintaining close and productive relationships with principal investigators (PIs), researchers and regulators.
The incumbent is part of a multidisciplinary EH&S Management Team acting as the leading subject matter expert within Chemical, Environmental Management and Lab Safety, by coordinating closely with staff to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance the culture of safety, and reduce risk in research settings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Programmatic
- Define the overall activities of the EH&S Chemical, Environmental Management & Laboratory Safety Team to achieve objectives including development and direction of related policies guidelines, processes, and procedures
- Design, develop, oversee, and direct programs and services that relate to the implementation of handling, storage and disposal of complex chemical, hazardous materials and laboratory safety programs, laboratory safety, hazardous materials, chemical waste, chemical safety, chemical management and inventories, environmental compliance, wastewater management, storm water management, environmental contingency planning, spill preventions.
- Serve as the primary CELS liaison for plans review, construction and commissioning of laboratory research facilities
- Serve as the primary liaison for compliance with operation and development of facilities and waste storage rooms
- Develop, manage and maintain Laboratory & Facility Safety training programs to ensure compliance for staff education and new hire orientation regarding hazardous materials and waste handling, storage and disposal, lab safety, hazardous communication, Right to Know and Controlled Substances information and communications so that training program requirements are met
- Develop, direct and manage the dissemination of program content and strategies to stakeholders and researchers to ensure plans (e.g., Chemical Hygiene Plan, Integrated Contingency Plan) are current, comprehensive, and accessible
- Manage and direct emergency response support and investigation of research-related incidents, exposures and spills
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of chemical, environmental and laboratory programs to implement continuous improvements in processes, design, procedures, and operating equipment to minimize exposure to chemicals
- Review Principal Investigator grant/funding applications for compliance with regulatory agencies requirements for hazardous material use or certifications of environmental compliance including IACUC protocols and USAMRDC Environmental Compliance Assurance
- Direct and manage the review and approval of purchasing requisitions for chemical containers in laboratories through UMass Chans purchasing system to maintain building code compliance with storage of hazardous materials.
- Use data and formulate metrics to recommend corrective and preventative practices and procedures related to chemical and laboratory safety, measure program value and performance, and develop and implement plans to drive program improvement
- Responds to urgent and emergent calls, including as a member of the EH&S off hour, night, weekend and holiday on-call system
Regulatory Compliance
- Represent UMass Chan as the Responsible Official and primary liaison with regulatory agencies having jurisdiction as related to environmental management and health & safety requirements, including DEP, EPA, DHS, MDLS, and others for all areas of chemical, hazardous materials and laboratory activities, including inspections, maintenance of regulatory submittals including permits, and inspection documents
- Act as the primary UMass Chan liaison during inspections by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Maintains compliance with all applicable environmental permits, licenses, and reports including; waste neutralization systems, hazardous materials permit, general laboratory permits, Hazardous waste Generator fee, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Tier II reports, Emergency Action Plans, Hazardous Material Contingency Plan, and compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations related to hazardous materials or chemicals of interest.
- Participates in, and is an active member of the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC), as appropriate
- Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to set institutional standards for work with chemicals and hazardous materials, alert EH&S leadership and customers of regulatory changes and develop strategies to address
- May represent UMass Chan as the designated EH&S representative of the organization or specialization when mandated by regulatory requirements
Managing & Mentoring
- Provide leadership direction and mentorship to the EH&S Chemical, Environmental Management & Laboratory Team
- Plans, develops, directs, and evaluates the personnel within the Chemical, Environmental Management & Lab Safety Team and provides leadership direction to management.
- Promotes and encourages professional development and continuing education/training opportunities for team members to support personal skill growth and to remain current in chemical, lab safety and environmental management programs, topics and developments
Performs other applicable duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
Bachelors Level Degree, or equivalent, in: environmental science/health, environmental engineering, safety, natural sciences, chemistry, environmental health and safety, or related fieldExperience
- Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant job experience, or equivalent
- Previous managerial or supervisory experience
- Substantial experience with academic research and clinical laboratories, and/or chemical, environmental and laboratory safety programs encompassing wide range and depth
- Experience developing effective working relationships with governmental/regulatory agencies and demonstrated ability to partner with internal administrators to implement effective hazard mitigation programs
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations with the ability to interpret and apply regulations
- Ability to manage large Programs, prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively to complete assigned projects and tasks.
- Ability to evaluate worksites for potential hazards, conducts necessary monitoring, write reports, relate information clearly and effectively, and evaluate and develop alternatives to address problems and issues
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate strong and collaborative relationships inside and outside the organization, and to lead professionally in emergency situations.
- Ability to develop and mentor other Chemical, Environmental & Lab Team members
- Ability to communicate complex technical issues to diverse customers
- Demonstrate attention to detail
Certifications
Ability to become certified as OSHA 40-hour Hazwoper Emergency Responder and wear a full-face respiratorDrivers License
Must have a valid drivers license and a vehicle or the ability to travel to off-site locations.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Professional (CHMP)
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA)
- Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP)
- Advanced degree, such as a Masters degree preferred in environmental science/health, environmental engineering, safety, natural sciences, chemistry, environmental health and safety, or related field
- Previous similar experience working with a healthcare/hospital facility, and/or an academic institution such as a university or college.
*LI-ATI
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Freqently Asked Questions
Worcester’s EH&S Director positions often emphasize onsite leadership within academic medical settings, like UMass Medical School, requiring hands-on chemical and lab safety management. Compared to larger metro areas, there’s a strong focus on regulatory compliance with local Massachusetts DEP standards and collaboration with regional emergency planning commissions.
EH&S specialists in Worcester frequently aim for certifications such as CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager) and OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER to meet regional regulatory demands. Additionally, credentials like DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) are valued due to the area’s strict environmental and chemical safety rules in healthcare and research institutions.
Directing an EH&S team involves balancing technical expertise with mentoring staff on complex regulatory practices. Leaders must foster a culture of safety, handle emergency responses efficiently, and translate evolving compliance mandates into clear, actionable policies while supporting continuous professional growth within the team.
Mastery in regulatory interpretation, risk assessment, and chemical safety program design is essential. Strong communication skills to liaise with principal investigators and regulators, plus the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams toward minimizing hazardous exposures, define a successful EH&S Director in research-intensive environments.
EH&S Directors can progress toward executive safety leadership roles, such as VP of Environmental Health & Safety, or specialize in corporate EHS consulting. Experience managing complex lab safety programs at institutions like UMass Medical School also opens doors to policy development and regulatory liaison positions nationally.
The director plays a pivotal role ensuring all chemical and environmental safety protocols align with federal, state, and institutional standards. They act as the bridge between compliance efforts and research activities, advising on grant regulations, laboratory safety training, and emergency preparedness to support UMass Medical School’s mission.
UMass Medical School fosters a collaborative environment emphasizing proactive hazard mitigation and continuous improvement. The EH&S Director is expected to lead with a mentorship mindset, delivering hands-on support and strategic direction that enhances safety culture across research labs and clinical settings in Worcester.
The annual salary ranges from $141,000 to $152,000 for this role at UMass Medical School. Factors influencing offers include relevant experience, education level, and internal pay equity. The institution also provides comprehensive benefits alongside competitive pay to support long-term career growth.
Some believe the role is purely administrative, but it requires active field consultation, emergency response, and hands-on training delivery. Directors must also continuously analyze data to refine safety programs, making it a dynamic position vital to protecting staff, research integrity, and environmental compliance.
Worcester’s market for EH&S Directors in academic medical settings is moderately competitive, with demand driven by institutional growth and regulatory complexity. Candidates with specialized certifications and experience in chemical, environmental, and lab safety programs stand out in this niche, benefiting from steady local hiring trends.
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