Safety Specialist I - San Diego

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life ...

Job description

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location:  The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Salary: The hiring salary range for a Safety Specialist I is $67,620-$75,134. The full pay range for Safety Specialist I is $57,795-$92,472. The qualified School 2 SAN candidate will start at $59,037.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Human Resources department is looking for a Safety Specialist I with a proactive, people-first mindset focused on building a strong culture of workplace safety across the organization. This role is about protecting people, strengthening accountability, and helping teams do great work in environments that are safe, compliant, and well-prepared. It serves as an official ambassador of safety at SAN by blending field presence, training delivery, program support, and on-call response in a dynamic airport environment where safety standards matter every single day.

As part of the Authority's career pathway program, School 2 SAN, this opportunity connects recent graduates and emerging professionals in occupational safety, public health, risk management, or related fields with meaningful, hands-on work at a globally recognized airport. Participants gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized certifications supported by the Authority, and build the foundation for long-term growth in workplace safety within a dynamic public agency environment.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, confident in delivering clear and respectful feedback when safety standards are at risk, and motivated to grow into a trusted ambassador of safety across the organization. This role provides unique access across the SAN campus, including terminal spaces, operational areas, and behind-the-scenes environments rarely seen by the public, offering firsthand insight into how safety systems function in a complex, high-traffic setting.

What is School 2 SAN? The School 2 SAN program provides entry-level opportunities for individuals with limited or no prior work experience. Our goal is to help students and recent graduates build their knowledge, skills, and confidence on the job, while gaining exposure to the wide range of careers available in aviation, public service, and infrastructure. You are eligible if you meet the minimum education requirements of the position. Individuals hired through this pathway begin at a lower salary and are automatically moved to the organization's benchmarked series hiring salary once the minimum years of experience have been met. No prior work experience required—you'll gain that here

What You'll Do:

• Workplace Safety Programs: Support and promote a culture of safety by identifying hazards, coordinating assessments, implementing the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), and participating in emergency response activities (on-call rotation as needed).
• Workers' Compensation & Case Management: Coordinate and track workers' compensation claims; manage return-to-work processes; and serve as a resource to employees, medical providers, and third-party administrators.
• Audits & Inspections: Conduct safety inspections and field visits; respond to incidents; document findings; and track corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Training & Safety Engagement: Develop and deliver safety training; facilitate committees and meetings; and promote safe work practices across departments.
• Vehicle & Ergonomics Programs: Support fleet driving safety initiatives and coordinate ergonomic evaluations and related equipment needs.
• Compliance & Reporting: Maintain OSHA records and required documentation; monitor program effectiveness; and recommend improvements aligned with regulatory standards.
• Operational Driving*: Drive an Airport Authority vehicle to perform field inspections, respond to safety incidents, access multiple work sites across the SAN campus, and support fleet and safety program operations.

The Skills You Need:

Risk Assessment & Regulatory Knowledge – Identify hazards, analyze risks, and apply OSHA, Cal/OSHA, workers' compensation, vehicle safety, ergonomics, and related safety standards to recommend practical solutions.

Safety Program Execution – Support the development and implementation of workplace safety programs with an understanding of how departments operate across the organization.

Relationship Management & Influence – Build trust with diverse stakeholders, provide clear guidance, resolve conflict professionally, and uphold safety standards with confidence.

Consultation & Communication – Communicate safety requirements clearly in writing and verbally; guide stakeholders through problem-solving and corrective actions.

Project & Time Management – Prioritize tasks, manage multiple assignments, and implement safety initiatives within established timelines.

Adaptability & Technology Proficiency – Adjust to changing conditions and use safety-related systems and reporting tools to track metrics and support decision-making.

About the Team:

Human Resources Department at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is a collaborative, people-focused team that partners across the organization to support both employees and leaders. Our work touches every stage of the employee experience from recruitment and onboarding to development, engagement, and retention. As a team, we value strong relationships, open communication, and the ability to meet people where they are. If you're someone who enjoys connecting with people, navigating complex situations, and contributing to a culture of belonging, you'll find meaningful work here.

The Safety team is focused on creating an environment where people can do their best work and operate safely every day. In a complex, 24/7 airport environment, safety is not just a priority—it's a shared responsibility that shapes how we work, communicate, and support one another.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Two years of occupational health and employee safety experience
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in occupational health & safety, employee safety management, loss control, risk management, construction management, or a closely related field.
• This position is part of our School 2 SAN program, which supports early-career professionals in gaining hands-on experience in public service. Candidates may qualify with a relevant degree even if they have not yet met the minimum years of experience. .

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Completed OSHA 30-hour general industry course  
• Current CPR and First Aid Instructor certification
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Experience in Airport Operations or previous work in an Airport environment 

*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. 

**Don't meet every requirement? That's okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don't—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it's not the right fit, we'll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections , public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.