College of Engineering Safety Officer

San José State University•San Jose, CA

1d•$6,668 - $9,714•Onsite

About The Position

San José State University’s Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering is an innovative, collaborative, and supportive environment that empowers employees to achieve professional and personal goals while contributing to the university’s student-centered mission. A member of the 23-campus California State university system, San José State University (SJSU) is situated in the entrepreneurial heart of Silicon Valley. The College of Engineering at San Jose State University comprises ten departments and independent programs which employs nearly 400 faculty and staff to support more than 7,000 local and international students. Committed to excellence and service, the expert staff of the College of Engineering frequently work with multiple external stakeholders and partners from across campus and other institutions. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, the Safety Officer performs duties under general supervision but works independently to achieve specified outcomes in the critical areas of College of Engineering Safety Program implementation, emergency response, and hazardous material/equipment management. As Safety Officer for the College of Engineering, applies expertise to oversee the College of Engineering Programs in chemical, biological, equipment, fire, and other safety programs and manages the coordination and implementation of safety and safety training programs. Serves as a key technical advisor to department, college and university-level leaders with expertise in all of the above areas of safety as well as workshop, makerspace, laboratory and other engineering facilities. Uses effective communication skills to share expertise with all levels of users. Serves as a College liaison with SJSU Environmental Health and Safety, University Compliance Committees, and University Police Department to accomplish college safety goals and maintain compliance. Updates the College of Engineering web pages. Maintains safety equipment and supplies. Serves as an active member of the College Safety Committee. Oversees hazardous materials receiving, chemical inventory, hazardous materials storage, and hazardous waste within the college. Performs inspections in all college labs. Manages facilities coordination when needed in response to safety or other urgent facilities issues in the College of Engineering. This position advances strategic initiatives and ensures day-to-day business functions are aligned with the core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above Environmental Health and Safety Professional Series – 6 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.
Thorough knowledge of best practices in responding to hazardous materials emergency situations, incidents or accidents.
Working knowledge of industrial hygiene and occupational safety regulations and practices.
Extensive knowledge of chemical and biochemical 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.
Ability to wear a respirator and pass annual physical examination.
Strong written and oral communication skills needed to effectively interact with other team members, faculty and staff, and students.
Ability to effectively present ideas and training and gain buy-in from stakeholders to adopt and implement requirements.
Ability to organize and handle multiple priorities.
Working knowledge of computer as a tool, including ability to utilize database, spreadsheet, work-processing, project planning, and presentation software.
General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in science or engineering.
Demonstrated understanding of fundamental chemistry and Environmental Health and Safety.
Five to eight years of experience working in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil Engineering or similar research fields.
Previous experience serving as a research group manager or technical staff manager is highly desirable.
Previous experience serving as a safety officer in a research and development environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Uses expertise to oversee and implement College of Engineering safety programs in chemical, biological, equipment fire, and other safety areas.
Uses effective communication skills to serve as a liaison with SJSU Environmental Health & Safety, University Compliance Committees, and the University Police Department to maximize effectiveness of campus resources.
Oversees the management of chemical receiving, inventory software, labeling, storage, and waste processes for the College of Engineering.
Inputs new chemicals into inventories and assists with deliveries of biological materials in collaboration with Central Shops student workers.
Manages inspections of all College of Engineering teaching and research labs and workshops to ensure compliance with current regulatory standards in alignment with the SJSU Illness and Injury Prevention Plan and the SJSU Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Serves as the training coordinator who implements mandated training programs for the college.
Trains lab directors to reconcile chemical and biohazard inventories in collaboration with Central Shops student workers.
Serves as the Building Emergency Coordinator for the Engineering Building and oversees all College of Engineering Building Emergency Teams.
Leads, coordinates and trains the Hazardous Emergency Response/Spill control Teams and the Community Emergency Response Team program for the College.
Serves as an active member of the College of Engineering Safety Committee to promote a culture of safety and establish and communicate safety protocols, procedures and practices.