Safety Specialist

About The Role

The Safety Specialist will provide comprehensive environmental health and safety (EHS) support for one of the nation’s premier research organizations, focused on developing a compact, cost-effective commercial fusion power source capable of meeting our long-term clean energy needs. This is a full-time position that requires a proactive approach to maintaining workplace safety and ensuring compliance with EHS standards.

• Maintain a Safe Worksite: Perform daily site walks, conduct risk assessments, and facilitate EHS communications to ensure a safe working environment.
• Conduct Inspections: Regularly inspect the workplace to evaluate compliance with applicable EHS requirements and identify hazardous conditions or situations.
• Recommend Corrective Measures: Document and recommend corrective actions for any identified hazards.
• Project Oversight: Provide oversight and guidance on EHS-related matters for various projects.
• Promote Safety Culture: Engage management, staff, and contract workers to foster a positive safety culture across the organization.
• Train Employees: Develop and deliver health and safety training programs to ensure all employees are knowledgeable about safety procedures and best practices.
• Professional Interaction: Effectively and professionally interact with all levels of employees, vendors, clients, and other stakeholders to maintain worksite safety.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall safety goals.

About You

• 3-5 years of experience in health and safety roles, preferably in a lab setting.
• Detailed knowledge of NFPA 70E, laboratory safety standards, and relevant EHS regulations
• Prior experience managing or working with chemical waste and hazardous materials.
• Experience developing and delivering safety training content, particularly for toolbox talks.
• Proficient in conducting risk assessments and Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) in a research environment.
• Comfortable training large groups and interacting with researchers, lab technicians, and other scientific staff.
• Experience managing multiple safety-related projects and effectively prioritizing tasks with limited oversight. Must be able to work autonomously.
• Ability to stay organized in a constantly evolving environment with a strong commitment to following up on action items.
• Willingness to engage hands-on in safety-related tasks when necessary.
• Big plus for holding certifications such as GSP, ASP, CSP (from BCSP), CSMC, CEM, or EHS (from NASP).
• Understanding and experience applying NFPA 70E.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory practices, including chemical handling and biological safety.
• Basic understanding of electrical theory principles.
• Prior experience with OSHA, Cal OSHA, Cal CUPA, and other regulatory bodies is preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn new software and adapt to changing technology.
• Reliable transportation is required to ensure timely travel between offices (Irvine & Foothill Ranch), particularly in urgent situations.

Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a safety-related discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.

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