• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $95,000 to $125,000

Position Summary

The Manager oversees all Safety, Security, Telecommunications, and Custodial Services for the Observatory, ensuring a safe, secure, and compliant environment that supports research and operational excellence. This role maintains compliance with University policies and all federal, state, and local regulations, while serving as the primary liaison between the Observatory, the University?s Office of Environmental and Health Safety, and external regulatory and emergency agencies. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise in safety and facilities management, and the ability to coordinate multiple operational functions effectively.

Responsibilities

Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Manage all safety programs and environmental health initiatives, including hazard assessments, employee training, and the use of protective equipment.
• Oversee chemical and radiation safety, emergency preparedness, and response for incidents such as fire, hazardous materials spills, and medical emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and building regulations; oversee waste management, spill prevention, fire protection, and laboratory safety.
• Maintain accurate safety and compliance documentation; coordinate inspections, audits, and reports for agencies such as the EPA, DEC, and DOH.
• Serve as the primary contact with the University?s EH&S department and local emergency responders.

Security Management

• Direct campus security operations, including supervision of guards, emergency response, and coordination with local law enforcement.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, and upgrades of security systems, cameras, and access controls.
• Investigate security incidents and assess vulnerabilities to enhance campus safety.

Telecommunications

• Manage all telecommunications systems, including equipment acquisition, installation, and maintenance.
• Coordinate with IT on system repairs and upgrades; maintain current records of extensions, devices, and locations.

Custodial and Facilities Operations

• Oversee vendor-provided custodial services, ensuring cleanliness standards meet LEED Green Cleaning criteria.
• Supervise scheduling, supply management, and logistics to maintain a safe and sustainable environment.

Transportation and Institutional Coordination

• Liaise with Columbia University Transportation and shuttle operators to manage and adjust bus schedules for events and seasonal needs.
• Participate in University-wide initiatives such as Sustainable Columbia and represent the department at sustainability and health & safety meetings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Observatory operations and University objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.  Minimum of 5-7 years experience which includes supervisory experience. 
• Extensive knowledge of safety and security principles and practices and familiarity with applicable  U.S. government regulation required, as well  as, experience in a research or academic environment.

Other Requirements

• Priority consideration will be given to candidates who are lab safety professionals with experience and training in hazardous waste management and transportation certification (RCRA/DOT) and HAZWOPER training and who have prior responsibilities that include hazardous waste oversight, environmental compliance, and emergency response in a research setting. 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

Connections working at Columbia University