Safety Manager

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Safety Manager.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety and health programs across the university campus. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations while fostering a culture of safety among students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Safety Manager collaborates with campus departments, emergency services, and leadership to minimize risks and ensure a safe learning and working environment

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develop, implement, and maintain campus-wide environmental health and safety (EHS) programs.
• Establish policies and procedures to comply with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.
• Conduct regular reviews and updates of safety programs.
• Identify potential hazards through inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Recommend and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Monitor safety performance and track incident trends.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws and university policies.
• Maintain required safety documentation, records, and reporting.
• Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and audits.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate mandatory safety training (e.g., fire safety, lab safety, emergency procedures).
• Promote safety awareness campaigns and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain emergency response and evacuation plans.
• Coordinate emergency drills and exercises (fire, active threat, severe weather, etc.).
• Work closely with campus police, local emergency responders, and leadership during incidents.
• Investigate accidents and incidents to determine root causes.
• Prepare reports and recommend preventive measures.
• Track and analyze incident data for continuous improvement.
• Oversee programs related to hazardous materials, chemical safety, and waste disposal.
• Ensure safety in labs, workshops, and maintenance operations.
• Monitor indoor air quality, ergonomics, and occupational health concerns.
• Partner with academic departments, facilities, HR, and administration.
• Serve on safety committees and lead safety initiatives.
• Provide guidance to department safety coordinators.
• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed through a combination of sitting at a desk or table and intermittently sitting, along with frequent standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects.
• The work is performed in an office, outside in various weather, in dorms, and buildings. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts.
• Operate motor vehicles, auto, truck or van.
• Availability for after-hours emergencies or incident response

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in occupational safety & health or related field
• 1 - 3 years of experience in safety management or EHS
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety compliance standards
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and training abilities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional certifications such as:
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Occupational
  • Health & Safety Technician (OHST)
  • Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Experience in higher education or large campus environments

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.