Safety Manager

Safety ManagerThe City of San Luis Obispo is recruiting for a Safety Manager to coordinate and advance citywide occupational health and safety programs! If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, May 7, 2026, so please hold that date. The successful candidate for the Safety Manager position is a collaborative, field-engaged safety professional who applies strong technical expertise to build trusted relationships across diverse operational teams. They demonstrate a deep understanding of occupational safety, environmental health compliance, and Cal/OSHA regulations, and they effectively support employees working in Utilities, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Community Development. This individual successfully develops and delivers engaging safety training programs, evaluates incident trends, and implements strategies that reduce risk and support safe work practices. They conduct thorough workplace audits, investigations, and hazard assessments, and they interact confidently with staff and supervisors in daily field operations. The successful candidate accurately interprets regulations related to heavy equipment operation, construction practices, hazardous materials, industrial hygiene, and environmental hazards. A strong communicator and relationship builder, the successful candidate partners effectively with managers and safety committees to promote a positive safety culture. They influence supervisors and employees toward safe work behaviors and maintain organized, detailed, and compliant documentation, training records, reporting requirements, and safety-related materials. They stay current with industry developments, emerging technology, and evolving safety standards, and they are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and serving diverse populations. Ultimately, the successful candidate is a proactive problem solver and trusted advisor who applies regulatory knowledge, training expertise, and practical field awareness to support a safe, compliant, and high-performing organization. Performs a variety of technical and professional duties in the implementation and coordination of the occupational health and safety programs, policies, and safety-related training programs for the Community Services Group (CSG) Departments; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local occupational safety, health, and environmental laws and regulations; ensures the tracking and maintenance of safety-related documentation; interacts on a daily basis, primarily in the field, with staff and supervisors performing safety-related work; conducts risk assessments and near miss evaluations and completes after action reports; and performs related work as required. The CSG departments include Public Works and Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development. This single-position classification develops and administers policies and procedures, supporting implementation as well as training activities in the areas of occupational safety and environmental health compliance. This technical/professional class plans and coordinates training programs, interacts regularly with staff and supervisors performing safety-related work, serves as a contact person for employees regarding safety requirements and resources, develops safety policies and procedures, and promotes safe work practices and compliance. This classification is distinguished from public safety classifications in the Police and Fire departments by the nature, scope, and diversity of responsibilities involved in occupational safety, environmental health, and related regulatory compliance. This classification is distinguished from the Risk and Benefits Manager in that the latter manages the City's comprehensive risk management and loss control programs. This position reports to and receives general direction from the Risk and Benefits Manager. The position receives functional direction from senior managers in CSG Departments. Incumbents in this position may provide project or day-to-day guidance to operational, contract, or administrative support staff, in consultation with program managers. Develops training content, objectives, methods, and materials and conducts training workshops to meet identified training needs; researches and recommends outside training services, vendors, products, and materials. Interprets and applies safety and training regulations from Cal/OSHA as they relate to the operation of heavy equipment, water and waste water system operations and maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, traffic control, excavation, and safe work practices for field maintenance and construction activities; assists with and responds to inspections and investigations conducted by Cal/OSHA and other regulatory agencies as assigned. Ensures compliance with safety regulations, policies, and procedures; conducts occupational safety audits, evaluations, and investigations. Keeps current with developments and changes in the areas of occupational safety, industrial hygiene, and work-related injuries and makes recommendations for improvements in these programs. Coordinates with departmental safety representatives to periodically check the operation and use of equipment to ensure performance and adherence to City standards and expectations. Knowledge of policies, regulations, specifications, and requirements governing occupational safety, environmental compliance, and accident prevention for occupational environments. Industry best practices for job safety, education and training. Cal/OSHA regulations, including Injury and Illness Prevention Programs, construction practices, excavation safety, industrial hygiene, and hazard communication. Reporting requirements for Cal/OSHA and other regulatory agencies. Common technical safety programs (e.g., confined space entry, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, chemical hygiene, hazardous materials, outdoor environmental hazards, and personal protection). Methods and practices for conducting accident and workplace safety audits and investigations. Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II Regulations Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), other federal and state accessibility standards and regulations as they relate to access to programs, services, and activities for persons with disabilities. Develop, modify, implement, and coordinate the provision of a variety of safety training operations, including emergency preparedness and environmental health compliance. Investigate and analyze a variety of operations to implement and provide effective training and safety programs for staff. Research, understand, interpret, and apply specific rules, laws, ordinances, and policies to applicable safety management programs. Develop new safety policies and procedures. Evaluate workplace safety programs and practices and make sound recommendations for improvement. Exercise leadership and influence to increase manager, supervisor, and employee commitment to an effective health and safety culture. Advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations. Analyze emergency situations as they occur and respond appropriately to ensure the protection of staff and the public. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in industrial safety, occupational health, safety engineering, or a related field; and three years of experience in developing or administering occupational safety and training programs, which involved interpreting and complying with Cal/OSHA. Experience in a governmental or public agency is desirable. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Safety Management Professional (SMP) professional certification within two years of hire is required. Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is highly desirable. 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification is highly desirable. National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace certification is highly desirable. This position will be required to complete the following before a final offer is made: Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ) Pre-employment Physical