Senior Safety Engineer

Job Description and Duties

In this role, you will serve as a driving force in enhancing the safety standards of our state. Your primary responsibilities include:

• Innovative Leadership: Develop and refine cutting-edge safety standards and serve as a technical advisor during public hearings.
• Collaboration: Partner with labor, management, and community stakeholders to address and resolve complex safety challenges.
• Program Development: Design, implement, and manage proactive safety programs that reduce risk and promote a culture of safety.
• Technical Expertise: Evaluate and respond to intricate safety engineering issues, contributing to the evolution of California’s safety regulations

Our mission is to promote, adopt, and maintain safety standards that ensure a safe and healthful workplace for all Californians. As the only state agency authorized to adopt, amend, or repeal occupational safety and health standards, we play a pivotal role in protecting California’s workforce. Join us and be a key contributor to setting high standards for workplace safety across the state.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click e to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Location: Based at our Sacramento office at 2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 350, Sacramento, CA 95833. Enjoy the convenience of easy freeway access, nearby restaurants and shops, and free parking.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Eligible applicants residing in California can take advantage of hybrid telework options under Government Code 14200—combining in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
• Office Setting: Work in a modern, temperature-controlled office with state-of-the-art facilities designed for both individual and collaborative work. Expect a dynamic environment where extended work hours may occasionally be required to meet project demands.

Special Requirements

A sample of your technical writing on an occupational safety or health issue such as an article, report, technical manual, recommendation letter or memo. The sample should be no more than 5 pages long and submitted in pdf format. Please use Arial with 12pt font

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

We are seeking a candidate who brings a balanced mix of technical expertise, communication skills, and a passion for public service. Ideal qualifications include:

• Technical Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge of safety engineering principles, operations, and methods.
  • Familiarity with Cal/OSHA Title 8 Regulations required. Some knowledge in EPA, FDA and DOT desired.
  • Knowledge in biology, chemistry, and agricultural education highly recommended.
• Certifications & Education:

• Certifications such as CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) and/or CSP (Certified Safety Professional) are preferred.
• A degree from an ABET-accredited program preferable in Occupational Health and Safety, Agricultural Science, or Environmental Health.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
  • Proven ability to explain complex safety issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills that help build trust with colleagues, public officials, and diverse teams.
  Problem-Solving & Innovation:
  • Demonstrated experience in developing creative solutions to mitigate construction and industrial safety hazards.
  • Strong analytical, consultation, and decision-making skills to manage time-sensitive projects effectively.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Working for the State of California comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave and Vacation
• Retirement Benefits via CalPERS
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Military Leave
• Reimbursement Accounts
• Public Transit Subsidy

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other -

  A sample of your technical writing on an occupational safety or health issue such as an article, report, technical manual, recommendation letter or memo. The sample should be no more than 5 pages long and submitted in pdf format. Please use Arial with 12pt font.