Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), the Assistant Research Safety Specialist will support the regulatory oversight of all areas where chemicals are purchased, stored, and used. This incumbent will assist in ensuring all chemicals are managed in accordance with CSU and SDSU policy, Cal/OSHA and US EPA requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulations.

Day-to-day duties will include: performing safety evaluations to identify and evaluate potential hazards in the laboratories, independently performing follow-up activities, such as documenting, tracking, training, educating, labeling, storing, and purging of chemicals, and maintaining an online chemical inventory database. The ideal candidate is familiar with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and is an excellent verbal and written communicator. They are technologically savvy, able to navigate multiple software programs, train others in the use of an existing chemical inventory database and create solutions using available resources. The ideal candidate has some experience working in a laboratory setting involving hazardous materials.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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 Department of Environment, Health and Safety is responsible for development, guidance, and implementation of environmental, occupational health, and fire/life safety programs aimed at protecting the campus community and to achieve and maintain compliance with numerous federal, state, and local regulatory statutes that govern these programs. This department reports to the Associate Vice President for Administration in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs

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

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires general knowledge and skills in the applicable administrative and/or program field with a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and methods. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Valid California Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Key Qualifications

• Course work or work experience in chemistry, chemical management or hazardous materials safety.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training plus annual 8 hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, public health, or related field, or at least 3 years of experience in chemical management operations or hazardous materials handling is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,500 per month.

Future Salary Increase: July 2024 - 5% salary increase

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,518 - $6,791 per month.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

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. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on February 9, 2024.  To receive full consideration, apply by February 8, 2024. 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. 

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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu