The Columbus Zoological Park Association

Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Job Locations US-OH-Powell
ID 2025-2956
Category
Safety
Type
Year Round Full-Time
Park
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Overview

Columbus Zoo Gate Guests 2809 - Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Join a mission-driven team committed to empowering people and saving wildlife by creating safe, engaging environments for team members and guests.
 
The Environmental Health and Safety Manager plays a vital role in overseeing and coordinating safety programs across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, and serves as a subject matter expert for The Wilds.
This position is responsible for establishing safety standards, ensuring compliance with legal and industry-specific regulations, and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. The manager continuously monitors workplace conditions, proactively addresses safety concerns, and leads initiatives that support a secure, welcoming atmosphere for all.

Responsibilities

Safety Program Leadership & Compliance
  • Responsible for leading and championing a safety culture across the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) including program management, vision, goals, and reporting.
  • Leads by planning, establishing, implementing, and maintaining a variety of occupational health, safety, and environmental programs to assure the highest possible degree of safety for employees.
  • Maintains subject matter expertise on state and federal laws governing Safety and Healthy Workplace.
  • Prepares written safety and health Standard Operating Procedures and programs with Department Directors’ input and oversight – to be reviewed and revised annually.
  • Review, interpret, and comment on new and proposed health and safety regulations (federal, state, and local) for impacts on the Columbus Zoo’s operations and advise management of the regulatory requirements.
  • Assist in compliance with all OSHA, local, state, federal, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and corporate guidelines.
  • Manage and maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Hazard Communication Program.
Risk Management & Incident Response
  • Acts as the primary contact for insurance claims and risk management partners, initiating claims following the completion of injury investigations.
  • Responds promptly to staff or guest injury calls and conducts thorough investigations to determine the cause
  • Shares the results of safety audits, inspections, and investigations with the Director of Safety and Security and relevant departments, ensuring that corrective actions are implemented.
  • Acts as the safety liaison between the Zoo and both the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Division of Safety and Hygiene and Zoo’s insurance carrier’s adjuster to ensure compliance with all safety requirements and proper disposition of claims against the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay.
Audits, Inspections & Reporting
  • Performs both scheduled and unannounced daily safety audits and inspections of buildings, stands, carts, and grounds to identify violations and potential hazards.
  • Proactively identifies potential safety risks and implements preventative strategies to mitigate hazards before incidents occur.
  • Prepares reports such as annual OSHA 300 Log, semi-annual Delaware Safety Council Report, monthly Employee Injury Report, and daily inspection/Safety Audit reports to track, analyze, and distribute information as needed.
  • Performs monthly spot checks on fire detection systems in alarmed buildings and schedules preventative maintenance; acts as liaison with Liberty Township Fire Department to establish annual inspection of all buildings.
  • Coordinates annual fire extinguisher/sprinkler system backflow inspection and repair.
Training, Communication & Operational Support
  • Identify, develop, and conduct safety training of all new, current, and seasonal Zoo and Zoombezi Bay staff and assist Human Resources with orientation training and Drug Free Workplace training.
  • Leads the Zoo’s Safety Committee and participates in Delaware County Safety Council meetings.
  • Communicates appropriate safety information to CZFP staff through direct mail, newsletter articles, bulletin boards, staff meetings, and internal/external workshops and other viable means.
  • Coordinates project specifications, bids, orders, and payment of safety products and vendors (i.e. smoke detection systems).
  • Reports as a member of Zoo and Zoombezi Bay’s Emergency Response Team to emergency situations including adverse weather and animal escapes.
  • Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds.
  • Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Certification
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety & health or equivalent degree OR 7 years proven, progressive safety responsibility/experience required.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, an OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Certification in Construction or General Industry Safety.
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Safety Management Specialist (SMS) preferred.
  • First aid, CPR, and AED certification preferred.
  • Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
  • Possession of a valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
Experience & Technical Knowledge
  • Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in workplace health and safety within a mid- to large-sized organization required; experience in a zoo or similar environment is a plus.
  • Experience conducting safety audits required.
  • Ability to reference OSHA and Ohio Administrative codes and apply them to the workplace.
  • General computer skills required.
Communication & Leadership
  • Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
  • Ability to create and present safety-related topics to small and large audiences.
  • Ability to develop, implement, communicate, and execute strategic projects and goals related to Safety programs and initiatives required.
  • Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
  • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) team members and contacts regarding company business required.
Commitment & Compliance
  • Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards required.
  • Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays required.
  • Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks’ drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up treatment required.
  • Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

Options

Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later.
Share on your newsfeed