Safety Specialist

Overview

Job ID
37885254

Category
Facilities Development and Environmental Health & Safety

Organization
Planning Budget & Administration

Department
Environmental Health & Safety Dept

Location
Main Campus – UCR

Salary
$79,699 – $144,156

Date Posted
2026-08-18T12:00:00.000Z

Application Deadline
Open Until Filled

Schedule
8AM – 5PM

Full/Part Time
Full-time(100%)

Other Information
Qalifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No
UC Internal Job: No

Position Information

The full salary range for the Safety Specialist is $79,698.96 – $144,155.52 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is $79,698.96 – $106,000.00 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Under the direction of the Director of Occupational Safety and Environmental Programs, the incumbent will serve as the campus Safety Specialist. As the Safety Specialist, this individual will collaborate with various campus units and departmental staff in the efficient and integrated administration of environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) compliance programs and delivery of EH&S services. The Safety Specialist will oversee the administration of EH&S programs, perform routine and impromptu audits of campus work locations, provide training and outreach, apply technical knowledge in all campus related EH&S issues and ensures procedures are properly followed. Follows up with EH&S leadership and campus management as appropriate. In support of the campus EH&S program, the incumbent will work as a safety liaison to multiple departments ensuring that each department has a strong safety program. The incumbent will work with other EH&S subject matter experts, Risk and Insurance Management, Occupational Health, Office of Emergency Management and Training to ensure a comprehensive and holistic safety program is in place and maintained. Strong analytical skills will assist in identifying trends and offering solutions to challenging and complex safety issues. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Requirements

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Master’s degree in a related field

Experience

• 4 – 7 years of related experience.

Minimum Requirements

Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required. Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill to communicate effectively in a diverse environment. Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Thorough knowledge/understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge/understanding of all EH&S fields. Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.

Additional Information

In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities’ air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

• UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine’s 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
• UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. – U.S. News 2020
• UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
• Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. – Business Insider 2019
• Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR’s Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. – Center for World University Rankings
• UCR’s distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview

Certification Requirements

• Professional certification.
• Certified Safety Professional

Job Description Details

General Information

Job Title

EHS SPEC 3 RX

Job Code

005303

Grade

113

Department Head

Sheila Hedayati

Supervisor

Andrea Jacobson-Reid

Generic Scope

Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.

Custom Scope

Applies professional knowledge or expertise in one or more specialty areas within EH&S and serves as lead person on one or more program(s) within a single discipline. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure predetermined objectives are adequately met and that application of professional/technical judgment is sound. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides regulatory interpretation and technical advice. Decision-making is based on established procedures; relevant laws; regulations and organizational policy; professional best practices; relevant science methodology; impact on other EH&S programs, and senior management approvals as required. Decisions may impact individual work, other EH&S programs, other departments and/or segments of the organization.

Department Custom Scope

Under the direction of the Director of Occupational Safety and Environmental Programs, the incumbent will serve as the campus Safety Specialist. As the Safety Specialist, this individual will collaborate with various campus units and departmental staff in the efficient and integrated administration of environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) compliance programs and delivery of EH&S services. The Safety Specialist will oversee the administration of EH&S programs, perform routine and impromptu audits of campus work locations, provide training and outreach, apply technical knowledge in all campus-related EH&S issues and ensures procedures are properly followed. Follows up with EH&S leadership and campus management as appropriate. In support of the campus EH&S program, the incumbent will work as a safety liaison to multiple departments ensuring that each department has a strong safety program. The incumbent will work with other EH&S subject matter experts, Risk and Insurance Management, Occupational Health, Office of Emergency Management and Training to ensure a comprehensive and holistic safety program is in place and maintained. Strong analytical skills will assist in identifying trends and offering solutions to challenging and complex safety issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and monitors environmental and safety programs, systems, procedures, and training in one or more of the following fields: industrial hygiene, environmental health, pest control, occupational safety, ergonomics, laboratory safety, biosafety, controlled substances, environmental protection, fire safety, radiation safety, hazardous materials control and hazardous waste management (may include shipping).
• Perform risk and hazard assessments to develop controls and best practices to prevent or reduce workplace injuries and exposures and ensure those controls are exercised and sustained. Ensure the whole lifecycle of safety management is integrated into the work process.



30%

• Performs outreach and communication to organization within relevant field.
• Lead safety committees in areas of responsibilities to improve general aspects environmental health and safety and to promote safety culture. Serve as the coordinating point in the Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Division to obtain relevant metrics, measures and KPIs for each area of responsibility. Set measurable safety goals and ensure timely and successful completion.



20%

• Performs technical work related to field(s) of expertise.
• Perform simple and complex job hazard analysis for various units across unique departments in a University setting. Identify safety gaps and see corrective actions to completion.



15%

• Designs new and/or recommends improvements to existing processes and procedures.
• Audit current work practices and processes to determine potential safety improvements and incorporate improvements into formal standard operating procedures and equipment operating documents.



10%

• Monitors compliance and may serve as organization liaison with regulatory agencies.



5%

• Inspects, investigates incidents and complaints, and recommends corrective action as needed.
• Perform duties and responsibilities during the workday and during after hours as part of an incident response team.



5%

• Drafts reports and other documentation, including use of relevant scientific data.



5%

• Provides training within several EH&S areas.
• Conduct safety training for employees in areas of responsibility. Collaborate with the training department to develop specific trainings focused on improving employee safety knowledge to prevent or reduce the risk of injuries and exposures.



5%

• May perform additional duties and take on responsibilities as directed by EHS management.



5%

Special Conditions

• Must pass a background check prior to appointment date.
• Shift Work (hours outside standard Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM work hours)
• Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours
• Perform duties and responsibilities during the workday and during after hours as part of an incident response team.

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