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 Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, 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: Facilities Management Department (FMD) Administration Building, located on San Diego International Airport campus’s north end and sits adjacent to the rental car facility, providing one-of-a-kind views of our runway, along with several outdoor terraces and courtyards for employees to engage with nature. 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: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: May 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The 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 You Need:

1. Risk Assessment — Identifies workplace hazards, evaluates risks, and recommends practical safety solutions; knowledge of OSHA, CalOSHA, vehicle safety, and related safety regulations and standards.
2. Business Acumen — Understands how safety programs support operational goals and day-to-day business functions across departments and project environments.
3. Relationship Management — Builds trust and collaborates effectively with diverse teams, contractors, and stakeholders while navigating conflict and supporting safety objectives.
4. Consultation — Communicates safety information clearly and professionally; provides guidance, problem-solving support, and practical recommendations to stakeholders.
5. Critical Evaluation — Assesses situations thoughtfully, identifies concerns and root causes, and recommends effective solutions while collaborating across teams.
6. Project Management — Effectively prioritizes responsibilities, manages multiple assignments, and supports safety initiatives within established timelines.
7. Agility — Adapts to changing conditions, shifting priorities, and unexpected challenges in dynamic work environments.
8. Technology — Utilizes industry-related systems and technology to maintain records, communicate with stakeholders, and support reporting and data tracking efforts.

About the Team:

The Airport Design & Construction Department is where ideas become infrastructure. This team is responsible for delivering tenant improvements, capital projects, and new builds that shape the airport experience for millions of passengers each year. From multi-million-dollar terminal renovations to critical airfield and landside improvements, the department manages the planning, coordination, and execution of projects that keep the airport modern, safe, and operating at the highest level, all with the goal of enhancing the passenger experience.

Within the department, the Construction Safety team plays a critical role in supporting the culture of safety woven throughout every phase of a project. From early planning discussions to active construction in the field, the team helps ensure safety remains at the forefront as projects move from concept to completion. Working closely with inspectors, project teams, contractors, and operational partners, the Construction Safety team helps identify risks, reinforce safe work practices, support compliance efforts, and promote accountability across active jobsites in one of the most complex operational environments in the region.

For those looking to contribute to projects that shape the future of the airport while working alongside a collaborative team of engineers, inspectors, and project managers, the Airport Design & Construction Department offers a unique opportunity to help build infrastructure that keeps the region connected to the world.

Requirements

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.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certificates must be obtained within one year of appointment and maintained continuingly.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• 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 Industry
• OSHA Hazard Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Certification
• OSHA 500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry
• Associate 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.

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It 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.