Director of Environmental Health & Stewardship

General Definition of Work

The director of Environmental Health & Stewardship, under minimal supervision, performs senior-level work with extensive decision-making discretion leading, planning, coordinating, and implementing plans related to the day-to-day operation of the district’s Safety & Risk Management department. The director of sustainability and environmental health will plan, direct, and coordinate a district-wide safety & risk management program including occupational health & safety, environmental health, emergency preparedness, risk insurance claims management and risk minimization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs/staff in the district
• Plan, organize, and direct the activities and operations of the Safety & Risk Management department to ensure the safety of students and staff as well as district facilities and assets
• Serve as the principal liaison with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and ensure the school system is compliant
• Handle complex and confidential matters and respond to inquiries from staff, parents, and other constituents of the district
• Implement management policies and procedures within the district to assure that activities are carried out in compliance with applicable laws and regulations (Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Fire & Life Safety Code regulations, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the NC Department of Emergency Management standards and regulations)
• Review proposed legislation related to environmental health, occupational health/safety, environmental compliance, fire prevention, hazardous material, and other related issues
• Serve as the district’s principal liaison in determining solutions for risk/safety management issues; agencies and partners include NCPI Insurance, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Risk Management Division, Charlotte Department of Transportation, State Department of Transportation, Charlotte Fire Department, County Fire Department, Mecklenburg County Health Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, CMPD secondary employment, Township police departments and the American Red Cross, etc.
• Direct the daily operation of the district’s property and general liability claims program
• Direct the school system’s oversight and compliance monitoring of asbestos removal and remediation activities; storm water program activities; playground compliance
• Direct accident investigations. Establish criteria for inspections, authorize necessary corrective measures including removal of unsafe equipment, facilities, and operations from service
• Collaborate with a variety of groups to investigate safety issues and perform risk assessments. Develop protocols designed to mitigate and manage the risk
• Monitor and participate in the development and administration of the department budget
• Represent the district in meetings with the media and representatives of various agencies on matters dealing with environmental health and safety issues
• Prepare and present reports, as needed
• Direct and participate in the training of personnel
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices and trends pertaining to safety and risk management programs including safety, fire safety, chemistry lab safety, and asbestos management
• Knowledge of legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guideline regarding health and safety and related risk management programs including OSHA, EPA, FEMA, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Fire & Life Safety Code Regulations, Hazard Communication Standard
• Knowledge of educational organization goals, objectives, operating practices, and procedures
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current program
• Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, or a related field required
• At least seven (7) years of related experience required
• At least five (5) years of managerial experience required
• Certified Safety Professional preferred
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) preferred
• Associate Risk Management (ARM) preferred
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience