Job Details

Director of Environmental Protection (0473U) - #81473

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About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan guide our work. We provide space for supportive colleague communities via employee resource groups and support professional growth with paid time off for development activities.

Departmental Overview
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) provides guidance and services to promote health, safety and environmental stewardship. EH&S is a dynamic, fast-paced organization focused on workplace safety and environmental protection, comprised of scientific, technical and administrative professionals dedicated to supporting UC Berkeley's teaching, research and public service mission.

For more information, visit the EH&S website.

Position Summary
The Director of Environmental Protection operates with broad and independent authority as determined by the EH&S Executive Director. The position directs Environmental Protection Programs at UC Berkeley, overseeing the environmental protection and hazardous materials management teams. The position represents the campus with state and federal regulators.

Application Review Date
The First Review Date is 10/09/2025. This position is open until filled.

Responsibilities
Plans, directs, and manages the Environmental Protection (EP) programs at UC Berkeley, including personnel administration and performance management. Responsibilities include:

• Develops and monitors operational plans.
• Represents EH&S at campus meetings and committees, and at UC-systemwide level.
• As part of the EH&S Senior Management Team, may establish and recommend policy changes.
• Develops, manages and oversees programs at other UC campuses when identified.
• Oversees work production and professional development of the EP team.
• Supervises and motivates staff; applies appropriate standards to duties.
• Recommends or approves hiring, promotions, reclassifications, salary actions, and terminations.
• Administers performance management to meet expectations and standards.
• Assesses staff development needs and provides development opportunities.
• Ensures staff training meets mandatory requirements.
• Establishes, enforces and promotes a culture of safety and compliance.

• Monitors budgets and expenses and implements budget for hazardous waste and recharge programs; recommends budget distributions.
• Participates in annual budget reviews and supports recharge program proposals.
• Provides technical input to recharge re-certification activities and monitors field work.

Directly or through staff, evaluates and implements policies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and campus requirements; monitors and prevents environmental hazards. This includes:

• Oversees implementation of federal, state, and local regulatory permits, reports, fees, and licensing (CUPA programs, hazardous materials business plans, medical waste registration, hazardous waste generator fees, EPA permits, storm and sanitary sewer programs, UST licensing, and air permits).
• Oversees hazardous waste management processes for labs and campus entities, including pickup, packaging, labeling, and tracking of waste (including medical waste and controlled substances).
• Ensures compliant shipments of hazardous materials.
• Oversees contaminated site cleanup requirements and remediation projects (e.g., Richmond Field Station).
• Negotiates cleanup requirements with state and federal agencies and advises on soil sampling and related management.
• Monitors and improves procedures to stay current with regulations; provides reports to agencies.
• Directs audits, follow-up and notification activities.

Communication and Outreach
Develops or oversees communication programs to ensure awareness of applicable rules and policies. Directs management of EP Team websites required to meet campus regulatory obligations.

Staff Knowledge and Development
Maintains professional knowledge of EH&S regulations; develops complex solutions using advanced knowledge and best practices. Participates in professional activities and may serve on committees or receive coaching for development. In a campus-wide disaster, serves as a key member of the EH&S Emergency Support Function or Emergency Operations Center.

Required Qualifications
Comprehensive knowledge of environmental and hazardous material management requirements, logistics, rules and laws; ability to create and implement EH&S projects and lead professional staff. Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching and relationship-building skills; ability to convey complex information with political awareness. Ability to engage with multiple constituencies and senior management. Strong organizational and customer service skills; ability to manage multiple priorities. Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues, develop solutions and provide written analyses. Ability to represent the campus to state and federal authorities and respond effectively to emergencies. An advanced degree in a related field or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing environmental contracts and field work; experience with contaminated property remediation and habitat assessment; Master's degree in environmental science, geology, engineering or related field and/or equivalent experience.

Salary & Benefits
Salary range: $112,400.00 – $175,000.00, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for UC Benefits. See the UC Berkeley compensation and benefits documentation for details on benefits and options.

How To Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter as part of your application.

Other Information
This is not a visa opportunity. This position may be eligible for up to 40% hybrid work, subject to supervisor approval and department needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

This finishing note retains the essential terms and responsibilities of the role without altering the original job information.