Position Summary

If you’re passionate about workplace safety, enjoy building collaborative partnerships, and want to make a meaningful impact across a vibrant university campus, this could be the opportunity for you. San Diego State University is seeking an Occupational Safety Manager to help foster a culture of safety, wellness, and continuous improvement within the Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) department. In this role, you’ll contribute to programs and initiatives that support the health and well-being of the SDSU community while partnering with teams across campus to create safe and supportive work environments.

The Occupational Safety Manager will provide oversight for key occupational safety programs, including workers’ compensation return-to-work initiatives, accident and incident investigations, ergonomics program development, and safety training administration through the University’s Learning Management System. Reporting to the EH&S Assistant Director, this position works closely with campus stakeholders and the EH&S leadership team to strengthen safety practices, support regulatory compliance efforts, and promote a culture of workplace well-being across the University community.

This opportunity is ideal for a proactive and relationship-focused professional who enjoys program development, collaboration, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact in a dynamic higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee occupational safety programs, including return-to-work, ergonomics, incident investigations, and safety training initiatives.
• Partner with campus departments and EH&S staff to support regulatory compliance and workplace safety best practices.
• Support the development and implementation of safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Supervise and support professional staff while promoting a collaborative and service-centered environment.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a collaborative EH&S team that values inclusion, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Help create a safer and healthier campus environment for the SDSU community.
• Enjoy a dynamic role supporting safety training, ergonomics, workplace safety, and employee wellness programs.
• Work closely with campus partners across Facilities Services, Human Resources, and university leadership.
• Grow your career within the CSU system with supportive leadership, professional development opportunities, and excellent benefits.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Environment, Health and Safety department celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We understand that representation is essential to our success, which is why we strive to recruit and retain highly skilled, compassionate leaders. By prioritizing listening and learning, engaging in critical conversations, and thoughtfully considering the needs of our different populations, we are creating a culture of belonging. We aim to offer opportunities for advancement and foster an inclusive environment, so all are valued and empowered to thrive.

Environment, Health and Safety is responsible for developing and implementing programs to protect the campus community and ensure compliance with numerous federal, state, and local regulations. This department reports to the Senior Associate Vice President for Administration in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs.

For more information regarding the Environment, Health and Safety department, click here.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health or Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, or related STEM field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the following areas: Occupational Safety (e.g.- safety inspections, PPE, and hazard assessments), Worker’s Compensation support, Ergonomics, and Safety Training and Learning Management Systems.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of occupational safety regulations, compliance standards, and workplace safety programs.
• Experience managing safety inspections, hazard assessments, accident investigations, and Cal/OSHA reporting.
• Leadership experience supervising, training, and mentoring staff in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with experience managing multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and corrective actions that support workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to $100,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 12, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, 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 SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Eurick Hilario at echilario@sdsu.edu.