Environmental Services Division Head

The Environmental Services Division Head provides strategic, technical, and managerial leadership to the Environmental Services Division in the Environment, Safety, & Health (ES&H) Department. Responsibilities include assisting with the development of Laboratory policies, program documents, and procedures; monitoring regulatory, technical, and program developments; and adapting PPPL programs to meet changing requirements, including local, state, and federal regulatory compliance. This role leads the management of staffing, budgets, and financial performance, focusing on building organizational resilience, empowering staff, and maintaining strict deadline discipline to ensure alignment with broader ES&H Department and institutional goals.

Provide technical and managerial leadership to the Environmental Services Division. Responsibilities include assisting with the development of Laboratory policies, program documents, and procedures; monitoring regulatory, technical, and program developments and the adaptation of PPPL programs to meet changing requirements, including local, state, and federal regulatory compliance. Develop programs and processes to meet changing mission needs, safety issues, compliance risks, and implement process improvements. Lead the management of staffing, budgets, and financial performance of the Environmental Services Division with a strong emphasis on delegation, upskilling staff, and strategic oversight rather than daily task execution.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Core Duties: 

Percentages are approximate.

Strategic Leadership & Division Management (40%)

• Serve as Head of Environmental Services Division, building resilience and capacity within the organization by avoiding single points of failure.
• Focus heavily on people management and leadership, actively upskilling staff and delegating programmatic elements (such as hazardous waste management and return manifest tracking) to lower-level staff to foster their development.
• Support the ES&H Department Head in advising Laboratory leadership on environmental matters.
• Facilitate strict deadline discipline across the division.
• Support building a team atmosphere that allows prioritization of safe operations and open collaborative discussions.

Regulatory Compliance & Oversight (35%)

• Maintain extensive knowledge of New Jersey specific environmental regulations, particularly concerning waste and environmental (e.g., air, waste, water, remediation) permit compliance.
• Interpret applicable statutes, regulations (local, state, federal), DOE Orders, and other documents to develop policies and programs for compliance.
• Provide expert oversight and guidance rather than hands-on task execution, ensuring compliance while empowering staff to manage daily operations.
• Support the development of Project Management Office (PMO) field supervisors, acting responsively to projects and enabling them to be good stewards of environmental expectations in the field.

Operations, Contract, & Financial Management (25%)

• Lead the management of division budgets and financial performance.
• Oversee critical environmental contracts, ensuring proper vendor management and compliance.
• Collaborate with PPPL, DOE, and University offices regarding sustainability issues and potential mission impacts, risks, and opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by ES&H Department Head.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an applicable subject area, such as environmental science, physical/earth sciences, environmental/civil engineering, or a related technical subject. Master’s Degree strongly preferred, but may be substituted with experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive technical and management experience in environmental management, waste management, safety or similar functional areas within industrial, technical, or experimental operations with at least 7 years managing staff. [2.1]
• Experience managing an environmental laboratory within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Laboratory Certification Program under both the State Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (ELCP) and the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) a plus.
• Experience in environmental consulting is a plus.
• Experience working with or within highly regulated federal environments, such as the EPA, DoD, or similar government agencies, is a strong plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Exceptional people management and leadership skills, with a proven ability to mentor staff, delegate effectively, and build a resilient organizational culture.
• Deep expertise in New Jersey state environmental regulations, particularly regarding waste and permit compliance.
• Experience leading by example to proactively promote principles of stewardship, safety, efficiency, quality, and accountability.
• Proficient public speaking and writing skills, with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multiple levels of stakeholders (Laboratory, University, DOE, and other officials) in both formal and informal settings.
• Strong computer competency, specifically in the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail), to maintain collaborative version control and team efficiency.
• Demonstrated competence in developing ES&H compliance programs, policies and procedures relative to local, state and federal regulations, and DOE directives.
• Experience with ISO14001 is a plus.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP), or similar preferred.
• IATA Dangerous Goods Shipper (Radiation Material, Hazardous Material, Radioactive Waste, Hazardous Waste) or able to obtain within 6 months.
• Membership in professional organizations is highly preferred.
• Advanced training and/or professional certification in one or more areas of responsibility.
• Training on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) preferred.
• Current Driver’s License and reliable transportation to working locations.
  

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to access all areas of Laboratory campus/buildings.
• May include outdoor and field work oversight in a variety of areas and all seasons.
• Ability to stoop, bend, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs as necessary to support environmental and waste management activities (e.g., handling samples, sampling equipment, or bank boxes of documents
  

Working Conditions: 

• Work collaboratively with all levels of stakeholders (Laboratory, University, DOE, and other officials) in both formal and informal settings.
• Work may occasionally require off-site travel to satellite locations within 15 miles of the laboratory.
• Occasional domestic travel (to other National Laboratories or possible (<5%).
• Includes both office and oversight of field activities (environmental sampling/cleanup, waste management, etc.).
• Off-hour emergency response may be required.
• Occasional work after hours and/or on weekends to meet deliverable deadlines or mission need.
• Working hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

• The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

   

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.