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 supportWork-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangementsFinancial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement pathsAdditional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellnessJOB 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:NoneNATURE 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 codesConduct risk assessments, safety inspections and fire/life safety audits across all campus facilitiesOversee fire prevention programs, including fire drills, alarm systems, suppression systems and evacuation planningInvestigate accidents, incidents and near-misses; prepare reports and recommend corrective actionsEnsure proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and wasteDevelop 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 authoritiesMaintain compliance documentation, permits and required reporting recordsSupport emergency management planning, including continuity of operations and disaster preparednessMonitor and analyze safety metrics and trends; provide recommendationsManage EHSS budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships related to safety and fire systemsCORE COMPETENCIES:    Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and fire/life safety regulationsAbility to identify hazards and implement effective mitigation strategiesSkilled at building a campus-wide culture of safety and complianceEffective decision-making during emergencies and high-pressure situationsAbility to interpret data, conduct investigations and develop solutionsStrong partnership skills with departments and with external agenciesExperience designing and implementing safety and fire prevention programsMINIMUM 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 environmentProfessional 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 protocolsDemonstrated experience conducting training, inspections, and incident investigationsStrong understanding of federal, state, and local compliance requirementsExcellent written, verbal, and organizational skillsAbility to obtain and maintain any required licenses or certificationsCompliance Salary Range DisclosureExpected Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000