Construction Safety Specialist

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 DevelopmentTransform the Customer ExperienceOptimize Ongoing BusinessCultivate Our CultureHere, 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: Project Management Complex, located on the San Diego International Airport campus. Work alongside with our Construction JV partners on the waterfront, providing stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. Regular visits to new and ongoing construction sites throughout Airport campus.Salary: The hiring salary for Safety Specialists II is $92,195-$98,648. The full pay range for Safety Specialist II is $70,919-$113,471.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: May 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.About the JobThe 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.What You’ll Do:Construction Safety Training: 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.Contractor Safety Compliance: 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.Safety Program Development: Assists in developing and maintaining construction safety programs, project safety plans, and injury and illness prevention procedures aligned with federal, state, and local regulations.Accident Investigation: Conducts accident and incident investigations by gathering information through observations, interviews, and data collection; analyzes root causes and prepares required reports and recommendations.Safety Reporting & Prevention: Provides guidance on safety reporting requirements, documentation practices, and preventative measures; analyzes safety trends and supports recommendations to reduce future risks and incidents.Field Audits & Inspections: 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.Safety Meetings & Technical Training: 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.Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinates safety-related activities with internal departments, contractors, consultants, and external partners while promoting strong safety practices across construction projects and field operations.Work-Related Driving (or Operational Driving)*: Regular visits to new and ongoing construction sites throughout Airport campus that require operating an Airport Authority vehicle to enter.The Skills We Are Looking For: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.The Experience You Need to Have**: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.Preferred Education, Certification, and Licenses: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 IndustryOSHA Hazard Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) CertificationOSHA 500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction IndustryAssociate 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.EEO StatementIt 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 3100 - 3109, 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.