SAFETY MANAGER

Esalen Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available on-site

All meals provided

Job summary

A wellness retreat in California is seeking a Safety Manager to develop and oversee emergency protocols, lead safety training, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The role includes managing gate operations and supporting the Director of Safety during emergencies. The ideal candidate should have 3–5 years of experience in safety management, possess CPR/First Aid certification, and exhibit calm communication under pressure. Compensation ranges from $63,000 to $80,000 per year, with on-site housing and meals provided.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in safety, emergency response, or risk management.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, CAL/OSHA, and safety codes.
• Experience in managing incident documentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update emergency SOPs.
• Coordinate safety drills and training programs.
• Oversee gate operations for safety and security.

Skills

Emergency preparedness

Crisis response

Safety protocols

Calm communication

Organizational skills

Education

CPR/First Aid certification

ICS/NIMS or FEMA training preferred

Job description

Overview

The Safety Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of preparedness and protection at the Esalen Institute. This role is responsible for maintaining and implementing Esalen’s emergency and crisis response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring consistent safety training and preparedness across the organization, and serving as a key leader during incidents requiring coordination, communication, and rapid response. The Safety Manager oversees gate operations as the central hub for security and safety and supports the Director of Safety in both day‑to‑day protocols and high‑stakes events. The Safety Manager also ensures that Esalen meets all relevant safety certifications and complies with applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Preparedness & SOP Management

• Maintain and regularly update Esalen’s emergency and crisis SOPs in coordination with the Director of Safety.
• Ensure all SOPs are accessible, current, and effectively communicated across relevant departments.
• Support real‑time application of SOPs during crises or drills.

Training & Drills

• Own the safety training calendar, coordinating regular drills (e.g., fire, earthquake, evacuation) and ongoing education for staff and residents.
• Schedule, track, and evaluate participation in training; revise programs as needed for improved engagement and efficacy.
• Collaborate cross‑departmentally to ensure alignment with organizational needs and regulatory requirements.

Gate Operations Oversight

• Manage the front gate personnel and schedule as Esalen’s 24/7 safety and security touchpoint.
• Train and oversee gate personnel to ensure consistent protocols for access control, check‑ins, incident reporting, and emergency coordination.
• Ensure the gate team acts as the first point of contact during emergencies and upholds a culture of calm, clear, and effective communication.

Incident & Crisis Leadership

• Serve as a boots‑on‑the‑ground leader during emergencies, evacuations, or high‑risk incidents.
• Activate and lead incident response protocols in alignment with SOPs.
• Support communication and coordination with outside emergency services when applicable.

Compliance & Certifications

• Ensure Esalen’s ongoing compliance with OSHA, CAL/OSHA, fire codes, building codes, and other applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations.
• Maintain all required documentation and manage processes for inspections, certifications, and safety audits.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to resolve safety hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Track and renew required certifications and licenses (e.g., AED, CPR/First Aid, fire extinguishers, evacuation maps).
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure all staff safety and training documentation is uploaded to employee files, and together maintain the calendar for recurrent safety‑related training for all staff.

Support of Director of Safety

• Assist the Director of Safety and Risk Management with planning, compliance, and real‑time response coordination.
• Serve as a deputy leader in their absence during emergencies or crises.
• Collaborate in safety audits, policy development, and after‑action reviews.
• Assist in conducting regular inspections of all safety equipment on appropriate intervals, including, but not limited to: fire hoses, fire hydrants/standpipes, AED kit, First Aid kit, fire extinguishers.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in safety, emergency response, security, or risk management.
• Strong knowledge of emergency preparedness, crisis response, and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with OSHA, CAL/OSHA, and fire/life safety codes.
• Experience coordinating safety training and managing incident documentation.
• Calm, clear communicator and skilled organizer under pressure.
• Ability to lead in urgent situations with a grounded, professional demeanor.
• CPR/First Aid certification required; ICS/NIMS or FEMA training preferred.
• Experience in a residential, retreat, or nonprofit setting is a plus.

Flexibility

Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all‑encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

Compensation and Benefits

$63,000 - $80,000 a year

• Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
• All meals provided
• The pay for this position will be commensurate with experience and internal equity

Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.