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 .

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

and questions may be sent to

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 . 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