Safety Officer

Job Summary

The College of Science (CoS) is seeking a Safety Officer to lead and manage comprehensive safety programs across teaching, research, and laboratory environments within the College of Science. Working independently under general supervision, this position oversees chemical, biological, equipment, fire, and laboratory safety programs while supporting emergency response, compliance, and risk mitigation. The CoS Safety Officer serves as a key technical advisor to college and university leadership, collaborates closely with Environmental Health & Safety, University Police, and compliance committees, and promotes a strong culture of safety through training, inspections, and program oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement College of Science safety programs, including chemical, biological, laboratory, equipment, and fire safety
• Manage chemical receiving, inventory, storage, labeling, and hazardous waste processes
• Conduct safety inspections of teaching and research laboratories and initiate corrective actions as needed
• Coordinate emergency response efforts, including serving as Building Emergency Coordinator and leading spill response and emergency teams
• Develop and coordinate safety training programs and assist departments with standard operating procedures
• Serve as liaison with campus safety partners and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance
• Supervise College of Science safety staff and central shop personnel
• Coordinate facilities-related safety issues in collaboration with Facilities Development and Operations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Thorough knowledge of best practices in responding to hazardous materials emergency situations, incidents or accidents
• Thorough knowledge of the appropriate procedures and protocols for handling hazardous waste
• Extensive knowledge of chemical inventorying, labeling, storage, and waste disposal processes
• Knowledge of chemical hazard assessment, proper chemical storage environments and segregation strategies is essential, particularly in the laboratory environment
• Knowledge and expertise with the activities and functions of science instructional and research laboratories
• Working knowledge of computer as a tool, including ability to utilize database, spreadsheet, work-processing, project planning, and presentation software
• Ability to wear a respirator and pass annual physical examination
• Ability to appropriately handle communications with managers and co-workers
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic unit. Good interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of industrial hygiene and occupational safety regulations and practices
• Knowledge of and ability to follow and promote the University’s Mission Statement, Quality Policy and Core Values
• Ability to communicate and conduct self in a professional manner
• Knowledge of “Sterile Technique” is desirable but not essential
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling
• Ability to maintain and improve inventory reports, experimental protocols and documentation mandated by regulatory requirements
• Working knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database management
• Organize and plan work and projects within the scheduling demands and requirements of major College departments, while providing consistent waste management support for all College departments
• Strong oral communication skills needed to effectively interact with others in the unit, faculty submitting schedules and protocols for laboratory needs, and employees in other units who obtain material and service
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Ability to use considerable judgment and discretion in performing duties required to successfully complete work assignments

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Four (4) years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. A professional certification may be required for some positions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in science or engineering
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental chemistry and Environmental Health Safety
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of experience working in Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Engineering, or similar research fields is preferred
• Previous experience serving as a research group manager or technical staff manager is highly desirable

Compensation

Classification: Environmental Health and Safety Professional Exempt III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,969/month - $8,975/month (Step 10 - Step 16)
CSU Salary Range: $6,668/month - $9,714/month (Step 1 - Step 20)

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 .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: January 14, 2026 through January 28, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu .

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: Jan 14 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• Cal State University (CSU) San Jose

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