Associate Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

About the Role

The Associate Environmental Health and Safety Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental health and safety programs that promote regulatory compliance and a safe campus environment. Working under general supervision, the incumbent independently performs technical assignments, conducts inspections and investigations, develops training, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to identify and mitigate environmental health and safety risks. The position applies professional judgment to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, enhance operational safety, and contribute to university-wide environmental health and safety initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve environmental health and safety programs, procedures, and compliance initiatives.
• Conduct facility inspections, hazard assessments, and risk evaluations; document findings and recommend corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, complaints, and near-misses to identify root causes and support corrective action implementation.
• Develop, deliver, and support environmental health and safety training and educational programs for campus stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in environmental health and safety regulations and assist with updating policies, procedures, and compliance practices.
• Coordinate hazardous waste management activities, routine waste inspections, and equipment calibration in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare reports, maintain accurate records, and analyze environmental health and safety metrics, trends, and program performance.
• Serve as a primary contact for assigned environmental health and safety programs while providing technical guidance to university departments and external agencies.
• Respond to emergency incidents and urgent campus safety needs to minimize risk and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide lead work direction, training, and guidance to staff and student employees, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of experience working in an environmental health and safety role. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired, the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• One or more EHS related certifications such as CSP, ASP, CIH, CHMM, REHS.
• Experience working in an EHS role in higher education.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of environmental health and safety principles, programs, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to conduct inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations while developing effective corrective actions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Knowledge of applicable environmental health and safety laws, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and deliver training.
• Proficiency using environmental health and safety software, information systems, and reporting tools.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships, influence decision-making, and provide high-quality customer service.
• Ability to work independently while adapting to changing priorities and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,618/month - $6,750/month (Step 7 – Step 8). CSU Salary Range: $5,877/month - $8,561/month (Step 1 – Step 20).

Benefits

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.