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Technical Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Classification Information

Environmental Health & Safety
Environmental Health and Safety identifies and assesses risks to the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community. Recommends, develops, and administers effective programs to protect occupational health, environmental health, and physical assets of the university. Safely manages hazardous materials, radiation, and biosafety, and minimizes the impact of university operations on natural resources and public health.
Management / Leadership
Manager: The positions work is achieved through the direction of others. Managers have direct accountability for setting goals and using resources. They are responsible for administrative oversight of individuals, including conducting recommendations for hiring and termination, writing evaluations, disciplinary actions, day-to-day oversight as well as long-term goal setting and accountability for the performance and productivity of the employees. Managerial positions are reflected in the M1-M3 career track levels in the management/leadership track.
Level 3
Director: Directs and controls the activities of multiple university units or leads a team of professionals with significant university wide impact. Typically has indirect reports. In charge of overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, etc. for the unit. Collaborates with executive leadership on establishing strategic goals across the function.
T - Technical/STEM
Technical roles, including technology and research.

Position Summary

The Technical Director within Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at Virginia Tech plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding the technical aspects of the university's environmental health and safety programs. This position involves providing leadership and direction for a team of professionals responsible for identifying and assessing health and safety risks across campus. The Technical Director develops, implements, and ensures the effectiveness of safety programs and policies related to occupational health, environmental protection, and hazardous material management. The Technical Director is accountable for managing complex safety initiatives and ensures that all activities comply with state, federal, and university regulations. They are also responsible for overseeing the proper handling and management of hazardous materials, radiation, and biosafety practices, minimizing the environmental impact of the university's operations. In addition to technical expertise, this role requires strong leadership skills, as the Technical Director collaborates with other departments to integrate safety measures into the university’s operations. This position involves direct oversight of the planning, staffing, budgeting, and overall control of the technical aspects of the EHS unit. The Technical Director is responsible for setting strategic goals, evaluating the performance of staff, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. They provide guidance and mentorship to their team, manage day-to-day operations, and contribute to the development of long-term strategies for the continuous improvement of the university's health and safety standards. The Technical Director also works closely with executive leadership to align departmental objectives with broader institutional goals, ensuring that EHS initiatives contribute to the overall well-being of the campus community.