Construction Safety Specialist

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority • San Diego, CA

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Airport Design & Construction department is looking for a Construction Safety Specialist with a proactive mindset and strong field presence to support safe construction practices across active projects at the airport. This role works closely with construction inspectors, project teams, contractors, and cross-functional partners to help maintain a strong culture of safety in a fast-moving and highly collaborative environment.
The Construction Safety Specialist supports a variety of construction safety activities ranging from field inspections and hazard identification to safety orientations, departmental training, documentation, and administrative coordination. The ideal candidate brings a strong sense of awareness, adaptability, and follow-through to both field and administrative responsibilities. They are observant in active construction environments, proactive in identifying concerns before they escalate, and thoughtful in how they communicate with contractors, inspectors, and project teams.
At the Airport Authority, construction projects take place within one of the most dynamic operational environments in the region, where safety extends beyond compliance and into partnership, accountability, and supporting people in doing their work safely and effectively. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced construction professionals while contributing to projects that help shape the future of the airport and the experience of the traveling public.

Requirements

• Four years of occupational health and employee safety programs experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in employee safety management, occupational health studies, or a closely related field.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certificates must be obtained within one year of appointment and maintained continuingly.
• Risk Assessment — Identifies workplace hazards, evaluates risks, and recommends practical safety solutions; knowledge of OSHA, CalOSHA, vehicle safety, and related safety regulations and standards.
• Business Acumen — Understands how safety programs support operational goals and day-to-day business functions across departments and project environments.
• Relationship Management — Builds trust and collaborates effectively with diverse teams, contractors, and stakeholders while navigating conflict and supporting safety objectives.
• Consultation — Communicates safety information clearly and professionally; provides guidance, problem-solving support, and practical recommendations to stakeholders.
• Critical Evaluation — Assesses situations thoughtfully, identifies concerns and root causes, and recommends effective solutions while collaborating across teams.
• Project Management — Effectively prioritizes responsibilities, manages multiple assignments, and supports safety initiatives within established timelines.
• Agility — Adapts to changing conditions, shifting priorities, and unexpected challenges in dynamic work environments.
• Technology — Utilizes industry-related systems and technology to maintain records, communicate with stakeholders, and support reporting and data tracking efforts.
• Driving is an Essential Function: This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role.

Nice To Haves

• Current CPR and First Aid Instructor certification.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Construction Training Certificate.
• Cal/OSHA 30-Hour Training for General Industry
• OSHA Hazard Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Certification
• OSHA 500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST), Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM), Safety Management Specialist (SMS), and/or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) designation.

Responsibilities

• Plans and delivers Authority-wide and project-specific safety training programs supporting Capital Improvement, Tenant Improvement, and major maintenance projects; helps promote safe construction practices that protect employees, contractors, and the traveling public.
• Reviews construction safety performance and contractor safety plans to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices; tracks and reports safety metrics and recommends corrective actions as needed.
• Assists in developing and maintaining construction safety programs, project safety plans, and injury and illness prevention procedures aligned with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conducts accident and incident investigations by gathering information through observations, interviews, and data collection; analyzes root causes and prepares required reports and recommendations.
• Provides guidance on safety reporting requirements, documentation practices, and preventative measures; analyzes safety trends and supports recommendations to reduce future risks and incidents.
• Conducts workplace audits, field inspections, and safety investigations; reviews work practices, recommends corrective actions, and helps ensure compliance with safety standards and safe work practices.
• Supports and delivers training on construction safety topics including fall protection, trenching/shoring, respiratory protection, vehicle safety, and accident prevention; participates in safety committees, project meetings, and pre-construction discussions.
• Coordinates safety-related activities with internal departments, contractors, consultants, and external partners while promoting strong safety practices across construction projects and field operations.
• Regular visits to new and ongoing construction sites throughout Airport campus that require operating an Airport Authority vehicle to enter.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO)
• Parental and child care benefits
• Salary continuance for family & parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan
• Annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees