Environmental Affairs Specialist (Environmental Health & Safety Professional II)

Looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact on the health, safety, and sustainability of an entire campus? San Diego State University is seeking an Environmental Affairs Specialist to help support environmental compliance programs that keep our campus running safely and responsibly. In this role, you'll collaborate with campus partners, laboratories, facilities teams, vendors, and regulatory agencies to support hazardous waste management, environmental compliance, emergency response, and regulatory reporting efforts.

From hazardous waste operations and chemical management to stormwater, wastewater, and air quality programs, this position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports SDSU's commitment to environmental stewardship and campus safety.

• →Coordinate hazardous waste operations, disposal activities, and environmental compliance programs across campus.
• →Support regulatory reporting, inspections, audits, and documentation to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• →Partner with campus stakeholders on laboratory cleanouts, chemical management, training, and environmental initiatives.
• →Conduct inspections, support corrective action efforts, and contribute to continuous program improvement.
• →Provide guidance and day-to-day coordination for environmental affairs activities and operational priorities.

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for development and implementation of programs aimed at protecting the campus community and providing compliance with numerous federal, state and local regulatory statutes. This department reports to the Associate Vice President for Administration in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs.

For more information regarding the Environment, Health and Safety department, click here.

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Stormwater and Air Pollution program awareness
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local hazardous waste management regulations
• Working knowledge of good laboratory practices, safe chemical handling, storage and packaging procedures
• Understanding of basic chemical principles including hazards associated with different types of chemicals
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills; Microsoft Office and G-Suite Applications
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unaided and manipulate 55-gallon drums of hazardous waste
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass an annual physical examination.

• Experience in the following areas: hazardous waste management, environmental compliance, research safety, health and safety.
• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, chemical sciences or a related discipline.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

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• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
• Current 40-hr. HAZWOPER certification

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.