Sr. Compliance Safety Officer

Job Description

The Public Safety Division has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. Comprised of the Police Department Environmental Health & Safety the Office of Emergency Management and the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students faculty staff and visitors that maximizes everyones opportunity for success. Through collaboration dedication training and community engagement we strive to provide a comprehensive and responsive approach in our public safety programs. Our mission of advancing safety security health and preparedness is anchored by the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. These fundamental values of mutual respect civility and service are foundational to our programs and are exemplified in our interactions with the campus community.

The Sr. Compliance Safety Officer serves Virginia Tech Environmental Health & Safety by coordinating health and safety programs outside of the Blacksburg/Roanoke region. Locations include but are not limited to:
11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs)
6 4-H Educational Centers
107 Cooperative Extension offices
Equine Medical Center Leesburg
Childrens National Hospital Research Center Washington DC
Academic Building 1 Alexandria
Washington Alexandria Architectural Center (WAAC)
Arlington Research Center Arlington
Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Labs Manassas
Other satellite locations owned by Virginia Tech

While this position is based in Northern Virginia the incumbent will travel across the Commonwealth routinely and will report in person in Blacksburg several times a year with advanced notice.
The incumbent supports compliant and safe operations through hazard assessments consultation training inspections and incident investigations using EHSs Safety Management System (SMS) and EHS Assistant. The incumbent also builds and maintains collaborative relationships with university departments to advance the divisions mission.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Offsite Services the Sr. Compliance Safety Officer partners with faculty and staff to implement and sustain a broad range of established EHS occupational safety programs including but not limited to:
General and workplace safety programs
Equipment and operations safety (aerial lifts powered industrial trucks chain saws machine shops welding)
Environmental and exposure programs (hazard communication pesticide safety indoor air quality hearing conservation heat stress)
Physical and operational hazard controls (confined spaces electrical safety fall protection ladders lockout/tagout scaffolds)
Agricultural field and farm safety
Personal protective equipment and respiratory protection
Fire and life safety and ergonomics

The Sr. Compliance Safety Officer also supports Emergency Management by assisting with the delivery of program-specific training and education related to emergency preparedness mitigation business continuity and disaster response across the Virginia Tech community.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the universitys motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

Education
An advanced degree with an emphasis in science engineering life sciences or public health or a combination of formal education and professional experience equivalent to an advanced degree.

Experience
Demonstrated computer proficiency (creating documents using spreadsheets and databases)
Prior experience in occupational safety and health.
Knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines.
Demonstrated ability to conduct inspections and identify unsafe work practices or conditions and make recommendations.

Technical Knowledge and Skills
Ability to monitor facilities and processes for compliance and interpret and implement applicable occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines as published by OSHA ANSI NIOSH ACGIH EPA DOT.
Ability to recognize safety hazards and develop effective mitigation controls.
Ability to prepare technical reports.

General Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Must be available to travel to various sites throughout Virginia 50% of the time. On occasion will have travel that may require overnight stays.
Ability to convey safety information instructions and potential hazards to all personnel both orally and in writing.
Strong ability to present information clearly
Strong ability to manage documentation records and coordinate multiple EHS initiatives simultaneously.
Strong ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics build trust and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and customer service.

Physical Fitness
Will be required to participate in the Occupational Health Medical program.
Ability to safely move and handle up to 50 pounds
Ability to climb stairs ladders walk on uneven terrain and lift heavy objects.
Ability to squat bend or crawl or reach to identify potential hazards.
Must be able to use a respirator and wear appropriate PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in biological sciences chemistry engineering public health environmental sciences or related science.
Current certification as a Certified Health Professional (CHP) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
Experience shipping hazardous materials.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Up to $120000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 1st 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.