Safety Specialist I

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:  The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Salary: The hiring salary range for a Safety Specialist I is $67,620-$75,134. The full pay range for Safety Specialist I is $57,795-$92,472. The qualified School 2 SAN candidate will start at $59,037.
• 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: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Human Resources department is looking for a Safety Specialist I with a proactive, people-first mindset focused on building a strong culture of workplace safety across the organization. This role is about protecting people, strengthening accountability, and helping teams do great work in environments that are safe, compliant, and well-prepared. It serves as an official ambassador of safety at SAN by blending field presence, training delivery, program support, and on-call response in a dynamic airport environment where safety standards matter every single day.

As part of the Authority’s career pathway program, School 2 SAN, this opportunity connects recent graduates and emerging professionals in occupational safety, public health, risk management, or related fields with meaningful, hands-on work at a globally recognized airport. Participants gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized certifications supported by the Authority, and build the foundation for long-term growth in workplace safety within a dynamic public agency environment.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, confident in delivering clear and respectful feedback when safety standards are at risk, and motivated to grow into a trusted ambassador of safety across the organization. This role provides unique access across the SAN campus, including terminal spaces, operational areas, and behind-the-scenes environments rarely seen by the public, offering firsthand insight into how safety systems function in a complex, high-traffic setting.

What is School 2 SAN? The School 2 SAN program provides entry-level opportunities for individuals with limited or no prior work experience. Our goal is to help students and recent graduates build their knowledge, skills, and confidence on the job, while gaining exposure to the wide range of careers available in aviation, public service, and infrastructure. You are eligible if you meet the minimum education requirements of the position. Individuals hired through this pathway begin at a lower salary and are automatically moved to the organization’s benchmarked series hiring salary once the minimum years of experience have been met. No prior work experience required—you’ll gain that here!

What You’ll Do:

• Workplace