Associate Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University seeks an Associate Environmental Health and Safety Specialist to advance campus safety programs and regulatory compliance. You will perform inspections, investigations, and training, applying professional judgment to minimize risk and enhance safety across university operations.

Under supervision, you will develop and update EH&S policies, monitor regulatory changes, coordinate hazardous waste activities, and analyze safety metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two years of experience in an environmental health and safety role.
• Advanced degree may substitute for required experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement EH&S programs, procedures, and compliance initiatives.
• Conduct facility inspections, hazard assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near-misses to identify root causes.
• Develop, deliver, and support EH&S training for campus stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update policies and procedures.
• Coordinate hazardous waste management activities and routine inspections.
• Prepare reports and analyze EH&S metrics and program performance.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned EH&S programs.
• Respond to emergency incidents and urgent campus safety needs.
• Provide lead work direction and training to staff and student employees.

Skills

EHS knowledge

Inspections

Incident investigations

Training delivery

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Documentation & reporting

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree substitution

Tools

EH&S software

Information systems

Reporting tools

Job description

Job no: 560365
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Safety

Job Summary

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.

Key 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

License

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.
• Working in an EHS role in higher education

Compensation

Classification: Environmental Health & Safety Professional II
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)
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.

Contact Information

People and Culture

[e-mail]

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 [e-mail].

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.

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: July 31, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled