Associate Director of Environmental Management

Job Description:

The Associate Director of Environmental Management is a senior member of the Environmental Health and Safety Services (EHSS) leadership team, reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Environmental and Emergency Risk Services. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the Universitys environmental management programs, including environmental compliance and permitting and regulated waste management. The Associate Director oversees program development, implementation, and continuous improvement across these areas to ensure the University meets its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position directly supervises professional and technical staff and serves as primary institutional contact for environmental regulatory agencies, and environmental consultants and service providers. The Associate Director works collaboratively with EHSS leadership peers and University stakeholders across academic, research, facilities, construction and administrative units.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in EHS, chemistry, environmental sciences or engineering, or other relevant physical science discipline required; Masters degree preferred.
• Seven plus years of progressive experience in environmental management, environmental compliance, or regulated waste management, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or program leadership role.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience required.
• HAZWOPER 24 or 40-hour certification required or commitment to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Experience with Title V air permitting and NYS DEC regulatory submissions preferred; CHMM or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Successful candidate is expected to establish their principal residence in the Central New York area within approximately 30-minute driving distance from Syracuse University.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and regulated waste requirements including RCRA, DOT, US EPA, and NYS DEC requirements.
• Demonstrated understanding of the broad range of environmental compliance matters at a large research institution.
• Excellent written, verbal and analytical skills and strong attention to detail and organizational and time management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a diverse campus population and to work autonomously in a highly matrixed, decentralized and complex work environment.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in support of all areas of the EHSS Department.
• Strong data management skills with ability to maintain accurate compliance records and interpret analytical data.
• Valid NYS Drivers license with a driving record that meets University requirements required; position requires periodic field work in support of regulated waste and incident response operations.
• Medically fit and able to wear respiratory protection

Responsibilities:

• Directs and monitors University compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations and ensures related internal policies, procedures, and best management practices are current and effectively implemented.
• Leads and manages the Universitys environmental compliance programs including air emissions and permitting, bulk storage, wastewater discharges, asbestos, PCBs, Legionella, pesticides, and environmental remediation and site assessments.
• Ensures accurate, detailed, and readily retrievable records are maintained to document and demonstrate compliance across multiple environmental regulatory programs administered by EHSS.
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of environmental compliance reports, notifications, permit and license applications, and other written correspondence for submittal to regulatory agencies.
• Serves as the Universitys primary liaison with environmental regulatory agencies, outside environmental consultants, and legal counsel; manages associated contracts, scopes of work, and deliverables.
• Leads the Universitys regulated waste management programs, ensuring compliance with RCRA, DOT, NYS DEC, EPA, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
• Oversees the Universitys regulated waste operations including waste collection, characterization, packaging, storage, and disposal; ensures waste is accurately tracked, safely stored, and properly prepared for off-site disposal in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and approves required regulatory reports, manifests, invoices, and sampling reports; ensures cradle-to-grave recordkeeping requirements are met across all University-generated regulated waste streams.
• Manages relationships with licensed waste disposal contractors and Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs); oversees contractor performance.
• Provides executive direction, operational oversight, and strategic planning for the Universitys environmental programs, establishing clear program goals, performance metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Serves as the primary environmental management liaison to the AVP of EERS and senior University leadership, providing regular program status updates, risk reporting, and resource advocacy.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates assigned staff; manages hiring, performance, and professional development.
• Meets regularly with direct reports to discuss work progress, accomplishments, challenges, and solutions; sets team priorities and goals aligned with EHSS departmental objectives.
• Represents EERS in University governance bodies, planning meetings, and cross-functional working groups, providing environmental compliance input and expertise.
• Works collaboratively with campus partners to advance a coordinated and comprehensive approach to environmental management across the University.
• Provides oversight and participates in EHSS response to environmental incidents, hazardous material spills, and regulated waste emergencies including 24-hour emergency response or notification.
• Coordinates with regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders as required.
• Leads and participates in emergency planning and exercises related to hazardous materials.
• Other duties as assigned.