Coordinator of Thiel College’s environmental safety program joins Pittsburgh table of experts

Posted May 22, 2019 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College’s Environmental Safety Management program coordinator participated in the Pittsburgh Business Times Ask the Experts discussion about the “growing need for environmental safety management education.”

David Shafer, who has been leading the College’s new program since late last year, was among experts and industry leaders to participate in the forum.

Charles Schliebs, managing director of Pittsburgh-based investment banking firm Stone Pier Capital Advisors, LP, moderated the discussion. Shafer was joined by Dave Mulvihill and Josh Cress from Zelienople, Pa.-based Deep Well Services, an oil and gas well services company that worked closely with the College to develop and launch the program.

“It was interesting to hear Charlie Schliebs’ perception of the importance of our program based on his experience across many industries. The participants from Deep Well Services are excellent examples of how an environmental health and safety degree can lead to greater responsibility and authority,” Shafer said. “Both Dave Mulvihill and Josh Cress have safety management degrees and are now managers and leaders in their organization.”

Shafer has been active in the field of environmental safety for nearly 40 years as a consultant, government contractor, college educator and employer. As a certified safety professional and certified environmental, safety and health trainer, he has led safety training sessions and programs across the United States. During the discussion, he profiled what makes Thiel College’s environmental safety program unique, such as the internship and job shadowing opportunities and the major’s use of environmental science as its core component. He also indicated the major’s value for a region the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has cited as a potential hotbed for professional growth. New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania are all in the top five for employment opportunities for occupational health and safety specialists, according to the bureau. The major is part of the College’s Department of Environmental Science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for occupational and environmental safety professionals ranges from $48,820 to $70,920.

Environmental safety management graduates can work in a variety of fields and locations including healthcare facilities, construction sites, oil and gas operations and manufacturing plants.