Program Leader, Environmental Health and Safety: UT Space Institute

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Tullahoma, TN, USA

USD 87k-90k / year

Posted on Jul 12, 2026

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking an Environmental Health and Safety Manager to lead the Institute’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure and Facilities, this position provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of UTSI’s Environmental Health and Safety Department. The successful candidate will oversee regulatory compliance, supervise EHS personnel, develop campus safety programs, advise university leadership on risk management, coordinate emergency preparedness activities, and represent UTSI with regulatory agencies and external partners.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking an Environmental Health and Safety Manager to lead the Institute’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure and Facilities, this position provides leadership for environmental compliance, occupational safety, emergency management, fire and life safety, hazardous materials, and regulatory compliance programs that support UTSI’s research, education, and campus operations.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental health, environmental engineering, safety management, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management, occupational health and safety, or a related field.

  • Minimum of three years of progressively responsible environmental health and safety experience.

  • Previous supervisory experience.

  • Valid driver’s license.

  • Strong knowledge of OSHA/TOSHA, EPA, TDEC, DOT, NFPA, and other applicable regulations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, CHMM, HAZWOPER, or equivalent.

  • Experience in higher education, research, laboratory, or industrial environments.

  • Experience conducting safety inspections, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance programs.

Work Location

  • Location: Tullahoma, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR13

  • Anticipated hiring range: $87,000 - $90,000

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Why Join UTSI?

  • Lead and shape the Institute’s environmental health and safety program.

  • Support world-class research and education in a collaborative environment.

  • Work with university leadership to strengthen campus safety and regulatory compliance.

  • Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive University of Tennessee benefits package.

Department Leadership, Management, and Regulatory Compliance (50%)

  • Lead and manage the Environmental Health and Safety Department.

  • Supervise EHS personnel, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and staff development.

  • Develop and implement campus safety policies, procedures, and compliance programs.

  • Advise executive leadership on institutional safety risks and regulatory compliance.

  • Manage departmental budget, contracts, and resources.

Inspections and Incident Management (20%)

  • Oversee workplace safety inspections and investigations.

  • Evaluate hazards and recommend corrective actions.

  • Monitor regulatory compliance and program effectiveness.

Emergency Management and Campus Preparedness (10%)

  • Lead campus emergency planning, drills, and exercises.

  • Coordinate with emergency response agencies and university partners.

Safety Training and Regulatory Compliance (10%)

  • Develop and deliver EHS training.

  • Maintain required records, reports, and documentation.

Program Oversight and Continuous Improvement (10%)

  • Oversee incident investigations and corrective actions.

  • Continuously improve safety programs and reduce institutional risk.

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