The Safety Manager position is a highly self-directed environmental health and safety professional responsible for supporting and advancing a strong safety culture across Clarkson University, with a primary focus on Facilities & Services operations. This role requires the ability to independently manage competing priorities, maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and drive safety initiatives through to completion.

The Safety Manager partners closely with Facilities & Services staff to proactively identify risks, implement corrective actions, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and University standards.

• Independently manage a high volume of safety-related tasks, inspections, and follow-ups, ensuring deadlines are met without direct supervision.
• Identify, prioritize, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk, enhance safety awareness, and improve safe work practices.
• Conduct detailed safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local government regulations and Clarkson University safety standards, document findings with accuracy, track corrective actions through closure within established timelines, and ensure clear and timely communication with Facilities & Services and other stakeholders throughout the process.
• Coordinate third-party life safety compliance inspections (e.g., fire protection systems, elevators, lifts, and other regulated equipment).
• Serve as liaison between Clarkson University and NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control (OFPC).
• Maintain organized, accurate, and up-to-date documentation of inspections, incident investigations, compliance records, and corrective actions.
• Serve as a primary safety partner to Facilities & Services, coordinating daily with trades and supervisors to identify hazards, prioritize work, and ensure timely and effective resolution of safety concerns.
• Assist and support Fire Safety Specialist with all fire safety programs surrounding students, faculty & staff.
• Coordinate, deliver, and track initial and ongoing safety trainings and toolbox talks on topics including regulatory compliance, hazard recognition and communication, laboratory safety, PPE, fire/life safety, safe work practices, emergency procedures, and other applicable topics.
• Conduct thorough investigations of accidents, near-miss incidents, and occupational injuries to identify root causes and implement effective preventive and corrective measures.
• Coordinate occupational health programs applicable to Facilities staff, including medical surveillance (respiratory protection, hearing conservation, CDL requirements, etc.).
• Monitor and manage safety-related work orders, preventive maintenance activities, and asset data within applicable systems.
• Regularly review open items (work orders, audit findings, compliance tasks) and take initiative to ensure timely progress and closure.
• Work closely with the Facilities GIS Specialist to ensure safety equipment is properly documented in University GIS maps.
• Support fire safety programs, including drills and compliance activities.
• Manage contractor safety expectations and coordinate safety requirements for outside vendors and contractors performing work on campus.
• Coordinate with Facilities & Services and project stakeholders regarding construction safety, fire protection systems, confined space activities, lockout/tagout, hot work, and other operational safety concerns.
• Review, maintain, and update existing health and safety policies and standard operating procedures - including the Facilities & Services Safety Handbook and Contractor Safety Manual - while developing and implementing new policies as needed. Monitor and enforce compliance by evaluating practices and facilities against federal, state, local regulations, and Clarkson University safety standards.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and support to employees on safety-related matters.
• Exercise authority to stop unsafe work and prevent hazardous conditions or behaviors.
• Manage a safety budget, including soliciting and evaluating bids, preparing and submitting purchase orders, and completing accurate and timely monthly expense reports.
• Live out the Clarkson University values in all daily activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education:
Minimal Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, facilities management, construction management, or closely related field
o In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years or more experience in environmental health & safety, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, facilities or construction management, or closely related field
• New York State driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the University
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in occupational safety, environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene, facilities management, construction management, or closely related field

Experience:
Minimal Experience:
• 5–7 years of progressive field safety experience, including demonstrated success working independently, managing multiple priorities, and ensuring timely completion of safety programs and corrective actions.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction or General Industry certification

Preferred Experience:
• Experience working in a facilities, construction, utilities, or skilled trades environment strongly preferred.
• Certified Code Enforcement Official (but required to obtain certification within one year of employment)
• Certified OSHA General Industry Outreach Instructor
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
• NICET certification

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including prioritizing work, managing time effectively, and driving tasks through to completion
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and compliance tracking
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions without prompting
• Working knowledge and ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety codes, regulations, and procedures (OSHA, NFPA, etc.).
• High level of accountability and ownership over assigned programs, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication
• Flexibility
• Customer service oriented
• Must be willing to work in a team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, and to build trust and confidence within all levels of the organization
• Proficient in developing and presenting safety trainings, conducting safety inspections and audits, and conducting incident investigations
• Comfortable and willingness to use technology.
• Experience managing service contracts and vendor relationships
• Ability to interpret technical documents, plans, and specifications
• Experience with managing a budget

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records