Job Information
Iowa State University Assistant Director Environmental Health and Safety in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Assistant Director Environmental Health and Safety
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Biology/Molecular/Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Occupational Safety/Health, Health Physics, or related field
Technical training covering OSHA, EPA, NFPA, or related workplace regulations, guidelines, and standards
Experience developing and administering safety training, written safety publications, and policy development
Cross-functional experience in general safety, industrial hygiene, occupational safety/health, chemical, radiological, or biological safety
Research experience or work-related experience at a college, university, or research institution
Relevant professional certification, such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Job Description:
Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety, responsible for leading the university’s Radiation Safety program within the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department. As a key member of the EH&S management team, this role oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of radiation safety initiatives across campus. The Assistant Director ensures compliance with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (as an agreement state of the NRC) and supports the safe integration of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices into ISU’s teaching, research, veterinary, and laboratory operations. This role also supervises professional staff, manages program resources, and leads strategic initiatives to support a strong culture of safety and compliance across Iowa State University.
Main Duties of the Role Program Leadership & Administration
Advise campus stakeholders to safeguard life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Establish program budgets, approve purchases, and coordinate monthly activity reports.
Determine programmatic and staff work assignments and areas of responsibility.
Lead program planning, goal setting, performance measurement, and quality assurance/quality control activities.
Manage performance evaluations, monitor/approve leave, and oversee professional skills development.
Provide mentoring and guidance to junior and new staff.
Radiation Safety Program Management (RSO Responsibilities)
Serve as Iowa State University’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and primary radiation safety contact.
Manage and maintain the institution’s broad-scope radioactive materials license.
Ensure ALARA principles are implemented across all programs.
Support over 150 radioactive material users in 80 laboratories, including 100 radioactive material shipments annually.
Conduct laboratory audits, contamination surveys, dosimetry, training, instrument calibrations, and inventory control activities.
Oversee x-ray devices, lasers, calibration units, and other radiation-emitting equipment.
Support veterinary nuclear medicine and radiology programs, including oversight for diagnostic X-ray systems and the therapeutic linear accelerator.
Review radiation-related research submissions to university committees.
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
Establish and maintain programs that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Interface with the Radiation Safety Committee and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Radiological Health.
Draft, maintain, and distribute compliance manuals, procedures, guidelines, and web-based resources.
Prepare and submit regulatory reports and updates within required timeframes.
Manage IT systems and processes that support regulatory-required records and safety training.
Campus Engagement & Technical Guidance
Meet with campus clients to assess needs, expectations, and staff performance.
Assist research personnel in meeting regulatory requirements and mitigating radiological hazards.
Develop and deliver safety training, outreach materials, and resource documents.
Analyze program metrics and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Represent the Radiation Safety Group at internal and external meetings.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Support ISU’s emergency response program for nuclear and radiological incidents.
Identify risk-based processes, materials, and areas requiring enhanced emergency preparedness.
Assist with campus preparedness for fire, chemical, radiological, biological, and gas-related hazards.
Participate in emergency drills and review associated SOPs, plans, and response strategies.
Provide guidance during university emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Serve as departmental duty officer for at least two weeks each year, coordinating emergency response outside regular business hours.
Who We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented leader who can manage complex regulatory programs with accuracy and sound judgment. They will communicate effectively and work collaboratively with university partners, including researchers, department chairs, administrators, technicians, and regulatory officials. The successful candidate can translate regulatory requirements into practical policies and procedures that support ISU’s research and high-tech operations. Strong analytical skills, the ability to make data- and risk-based decisions, and proficiency with safety systems and technical documentation are essential. The candidate should also foster a strong safety culture, mentor staff, and support strategic program development.
About Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
EH&S is an employing unit that reports to the Office of General Counsel and supports the Iowa State University community by preventing illness and injury, protecting the environment, and promoting a proactive culture of safety and preparedness. The department provides effective training, fosters collaborative partnerships, maintains technical expertise, and delivers exemplary service in support of the university’s mission. The Radiation Safety program is a critical part of EH&S, supporting scientific research, teaching, veterinary medicine, and high-tech campus operations.
Level Guidelines• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals• Supervises a small department or work team• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy
For guaranteed consideration, please apply before April 25, 2026.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS811
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: April 10, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R18966
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.