Environmental Health & Safety Compliance Analyst, Research Support

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Environmental Health & Safety Compliance Analyst, Research Support at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Environmental Health and Safety Compliance (EHS) Analyst bridges the gap between research and operations, serving as a technical lead for the chemical inventory program and coordinating annual regulatory compliance requirements across university infrastructure. The Analyst manages inventory reconciliation and verifies safety conditions, prioritizing operational facilities (non-research spaces such as mechanical rooms, workshops, boiler plants, etc.) while providing secondary compliance oversight in assigned laboratories. Operating as a flexible technical resource and Incident Investigation Coordinator, the Analyst validates inventory data completeness, supports the implementation of high-hazard operational programs (e.g., fall protection, energy control, cranes, asbestos management, etc.), and partners with team members to verify corrective actions and close the loop on safety deficiencies. This position will report to the Director, Office of Environmental Health, and Safety (OEHS).

Essential Functions:

• Leads the physical execution and data management of the university’s chemical inventory program, reconciling physical stock against digital records to ensure regulatory reporting accuracy.

• Under the guidance of OEHS leadership, independently manage and coordinate high-risk operational safety program compliance (including asbestos surveillance, fall protection systems, energy control, crane/hoist regulations, etc.) by managing the facility audit schedule, executing technical field inspections, along with developing and delivering targeted safety training to operational personnel. Additionally, serve as the Incident Investigation Coordinator by conducting initial investigations and either completing the final report or transitioning preliminary findings to OEHS personnel for further review, depending on the incident type.

• Provides technical field support for industrial hygiene investigations (indoor air quality, noise dosimetry, respirator fit testing) and serves as an active member of the hazardous materials emergency response team.

• Partners with other department staff during high-volume inspection cycles assist with data collection, chemical inventory finalization, and administrative recordkeeping. Conduct post-inspection field visits to physically confirm that corrective actions have been successfully implemented and documented.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline is required.

Must possess a recognized professional safety certification (e.g., Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)) OR meet the prerequisite qualifications and successfully obtain certification within 12 months of hire. Possession of a current 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, or the ability to successfully obtain the certification within the first six months of employment.

Possession of current State of Michigan Asbestos Building Inspector accreditation, or the willingness to obtain after hire.

Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

Demonstrated experience independently conducting complex safety audits, compliance inspections, and incident investigations within research, academic, or industrial environments.

Experience designing, developing, and delivering safety training presentations to diverse groups of operational and technical personnel.

Experience handling, segregating, and identifying hazardous chemicals at scale to support institutional compliance.

Experience utilizing Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) management software for inspection tracking and chemical inventory reconciliation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Comprehensive working knowledge of occupational safety standards, chemical safety regulations, and asbestos management principles, with the ability to independently interpret and apply these rules for both laboratory and operational environments to mitigate institutional risk.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the proven ability to act as a consultative bridge between diverse groups (e.g., academic researchers and skilled trades). Communicate clearly and accurately in challenging situations, such as dealing with compliance issues. Communicate effectively with management in a timely manner regarding sensitive issues using both verbal and written methods.

Demonstrated skill in managing complex databases and software to reconcile large datasets, specifically for the purpose of maintaining accurate chemical inventories, tracking compliance metrics, and regulatory reporting.

Proficiency in the operation and calibration of industrial hygiene monitoring equipment (e.g., air pumps, noise dosimeters) and the ability to evaluate field data to support preliminary incident investigations and safety compliance determinations under the guidance of OEHS leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduate degree preferred.

School/College/Division:

H69 - Research Support

Primary Department:

H6903 - Environmental Health/Safety

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary minimum: $63,763
• Salary hire maximum: $76,519

Working Conditions:

Work is split between an office environment and active field settings including laboratories, mechanical rooms, construction sites, and rooftops. Requires physical agility to independently climb ladders, navigate tight mechanical spaces, carry equipment (up to 30 pounds), and stand for extended periods during inventory audits. Must be physically able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, to support field inspections and hazardous materials emergency response.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: Yes
• Reposted reason: Supercedes Previous Requisition
• Prior posting/requisition number: REQ 3190

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.