Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

The California Academy of Sciences, founded in 1853, is a globally renowned, AZA-accredited non-profit scientific and cultural institution located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, research institute, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Our living collection reflects Earth’s vast biodiversity, with nearly 60,000 animals representing over 800 species, and our research collections span nearly 46 million specimens. Our team includes leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators passionate about advancing knowledge and catalyzing action through science and storytelling.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, the Occupational Health & Safety Specialist (“Safety Specialist”) implements, manages, and monitors safety programs, policies, procedures, and protocols to meet Cal/OSHA and other applicable legal requirements. As a key leader of the Health & Safety Committee, this role evaluates organizational procedures, facilities, and equipment through inspections to identify unsafe conditions and implement safeguards. The Safety Specialist ensures compliance with safety regulations, prepares employees to follow safety procedures, and analyzes safety events to recommend improvements. This position serves as the Academy’s Chemical Safety Officer, Respiratory Protection Officer, Radiation Safety Officer, leads the Hazardous Materials Committee, and supports emergency preparedness, environmental compliance, and incident management programs.

Organizational Culture

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Staff share a commitment to executing a strategic plan that strengthens financial foundations, cultivates a vibrant internal culture, and fosters smart growth. The Academy encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification.

This position is based in San Francisco, California, and follows a fully onsite schedule.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary assistant to the Academy’s head of health, safety, and risk management in health and safety matters.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Cal/OSHA regulations and other safety standards applicable to Academy activities.
• Provide expertise to the Health & Safety Committee, Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Pest Committee, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Security Department.
• Represent management in negotiations with the labor union on occupational health and safety matters.
• Modify and create health and safety programs, conduct risk assessments for employee activities, public-facing exhibits, educational programs, collections operations, and special events.
• Coordinate and document required health & safety meetings, trainings, assessments, certifications, permits, licenses, exposure tests, and equipment.
• Provide guidance to Academy Health and Safety Monitors and Hazardous Materials Monitors.
• Lead or assist with internal and external safety inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Negotiate compliance issues with regulatory agencies and track responses to citations or violations.
• Identify institutional and material resources needed for program management and develop annual budgetary requirements.
• Develop, implement, and update safety and environmental health policies and programs to comply with regulations.
• Review contractor, vendor, and fieldwork safety plans and provide guidance to ensure compliance.
• Investigate safety incidents, injuries, illnesses, and near misses; track safety data, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Create and deliver health & safety training modules for staff.
• Follow all Academy safety regulations and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in safety, occupational health, engineering, or a related field.
• 3 to 7 years of relevant experience in health and safety.
• Certifications in occupational health & safety are highly desirable.
• Passion for safety performance improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to locate and interpret relevant safety regulations.
• Strong track record of managing complex projects with diverse teams, tight deadlines, and set budgets.
• Experience creating, implementing, and managing programs to satisfy Cal/OSHA regulations and other safety standards.

Skills

• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Working knowledge of incident investigation methodologies, root cause analysis, and corrective action management.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials management, hazardous waste regulations, environmental compliance programs, and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, managers, contractors, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills: Google Suite, Windows, Microsoft Office, and ability to learn other online tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, and write documents in English, including safety regulations, reports, policies, and protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via teleconferencing with a diverse workforce and external stakeholders.

Physical Environment

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms frequently.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to perform repetitive motion 80% of the time.
• Required to work hours as project demands, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $85,000.00. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications.

Schedule

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with a Monday–Friday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., fully onsite.