Interim Manager Environmental, Health and Safety
Salary: $100,572.84 - $145,644.48 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: INTERIM
Job Number: 2600282
Division: Administrative Services
Department:
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
- The Community - Coachella Valley
- College of the Desert
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
BASIC FUNCTION
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for the planning, coordinating and supporting the District's comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety programs. This position ensures compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, including California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CAL/OSHA), while promoting a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, students, and visitors.
The incumbent oversees EHS operations, including fleet management, safety programs, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives direct supervision from the Vice President of Administrative Services or designee. The incumbent is expected to work independently, exercising professional judgement and initiative to achieve departmental goals.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The duties listed are intended to provide examples of the types of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties consistent with the classification.
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position:
- Coordinates and assists in planning, directing, and training of the District's equipment, vehicle and cart maintenance program services and activities; Oversee licenses, insurance, approvals, training programs associated with vehicle, carts and equipment operations and/or carts; coordinates the District's cart training program.
- Provides communications link between maintenance and College personnel; creates and processes work requests, plans, discusses and executes proposed projects to determine feasibility.
- Coordinate diagnosis, maintenance, repair, or replacement of various equipment, including fleet, grounds, and maintenance vehicles, carts, energy management equipment, elevators, fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems, and other general building safety-related equipment.
- Oversee the District's ergonomic program, assessments, and collaborates with Human Resources in coordination of accommodations. Coordinate training as needed.
- Assists with coordinating the work of outside contractors, architects, and engineers on current and proposed EH&S projects; collaborate with district leadership and insurance providers on property insurance coverage, certificate of insurance, risk exposure; support claim management, insurance renewals, and loss prevention strategies, and evaluate risks to district facilities, assets, and operations.
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Train and provide guidance to faculty, managers and classified staff as assigned; conduct loss control and safety training for various college activities and programs in accordance with District policies; develop loss control training programs.
- Coordinates and conducts routine inspections, testing and servicing of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment in the District to ensure functionality and compliance with applicable regulations and in accordance with local, state, and city fire code. Assess facilities to determine appropriate types of fire extinguishers based on environmental risks and operational needs.
- Develop and implement training programs to ensure a culture of professional, empathetic, and effective customer service across all user interactions.
- Assemble, oversee, and maintain all District first aid and chemical spill kits; assist in selecting location for and in installing portable eye wash stations and first aid stations; map all stations; inventory, order, and stock first aid supplies and protective safety equipment
- Ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA, including not limited to Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Hazard Communication, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Workplace Violence Prevention requirements; facilitate, conduct, and assist in accident investigations; including taking statements, prepare reports, and recommend corrective action.
- Coordinate removal of hazardous and biological waste materials using federal, state, and county guidelines; assist in the enforcement of federal, state, county, and city regulations regarding health and safety hazards; apply CAL/OSHA and MSDS information of products used on all sites; provide advice and assistance as necessary; maintain OSHA injury logs and reporting requirements.
- Arrange for the production and procurement of safety and informational signage for employees and the public in accordance with federal, state, county, and city ordinances; assist in the preparation and distribution of safety informational packets and materials for staff; and coordinate the labeling, tracking, and checkout of safety and first aid equipment for departmental use; coordinate and as appropriate.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the fire department, alarm services, hazardous waste vendors, and other external partners; and work collaboratively with District and campus stakeholders in the design, implementation, and maintenance of an a comprehensive EHS program that improves conditions and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Extracts, compiles, prepares and analyze data from various information systems; develops, maintains, and updates statistical files, reports, documents and spreadsheets related to environmental, health and safety, property and liability programs and preventive maintenance, inventory, and stock control; ensures all records and files are accurate, current, organized, properly documented, using word processing and spreadsheet software; and prepare and present reports and recommendations.
- Assist with the planning and monitoring of the departmental budget and annual reports; assist in the preparation of state, federal, city, county and College reports as required.
- Stay current with emerging trends, developments, innovations, and regulations in occupational, community, and environmental health and safety; attend and actively participate in relevant training sessions.
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Chair or Co-Chair assigned governance committees and serve on the District's Emergency Operations Team; collaborate and participate on the District Safety Committee on all site inspection concerns/issues and report employee injury statistics.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience:
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Fire Science or Occupational Safety Technology, Environmental Science or Environmental Technology, Business, or a related field; AND
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a technical support environment, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.
OR
- An Associate's degree from an accredited institution in Fire Science or Occupational Safety Technology, Environmental Science or Environmental Technology or Human Resources, Business or a related field; AND
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory, lead, or managerial role.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Required within one (1) year of hire:
- HazMat/OSHA Certification and/or training, EPA 609 Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour (General Industry)
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including those related to hazardous materials, environmental health and safety procedures, and the State Fire Marshall as well as general safety orders, OSHA standards, and a variety of building and safety codes; principles and procedures of record-keeping and report writing.
- District policies and administrative regulations and operating procedures.
- Occupational hazards, basic principles and practices used in the administration of environmental health and safety programs.
- Materials, methods, techniques, and equipment used in environmental health and safety inspections and investigations.
- Measurement, screening, and evaluation procedures, techniques, tools, and equipment used in an environmental health and safety program.
- Basic research methods.
- Regulations, policies and procedures related to section 508.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software.
Ability to:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.
- Coordinate and assist in planning and directing the District's building and vehicle maintenance program services and activities.
- Interpret, apply and explain complex and technical District policies and procedures, State and federal laws and regulations related to assigned programs.
- Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance consistent with District standards and operational needs.
- Communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees and District leadership and stakeholders, especially during stressful situations; de-escalate difficult customer interactions with empathy and tact.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work independently, confidentially, organize work to meet schedules, timelines and with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
- Maintain accurate and complete records and files; prepare comprehensive reports; and learn District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
- Exercise good judgment in the performance of specialized duties related to the District's environmental health and safety program.
- Organize, develop, and deliver effective informational presentations and training sessions that clearly communicate key concepts, enhance employee understanding, and support program objectives.
- Supervise, coach, evaluate and motivate a team of professionals and foster a collaborative, customer-focused team culture.
- Read, interpret, and explain blueprints, building plans and specifications.
- Conduct accident investigations; take statements, prepare reports, and recommend corrective action as appropriate.
- Analyze and manage multiple complex technical projects and develop effective solutions simultaneously; and adopt an effective course of action.
- Ensure compliance with Section 508 by conducting accessibility audits, remediating digital content, and providing training to staff, resulting in improved accessibility of institutional materials and reduced compliance risk.
- Conduct and interpret surveys and studies.
- Operate various hand tools, equipment, and vehicles used in area of assignment.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- Interim Classified Supervisor
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Leadership Salary Schedule: Range 7
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Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
- Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
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(POSITION FUNDING): Continued employment is dependent upon the ongoing availability of funding. This position is supported by a designated funding source that is separate from the General Fund.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: District office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); repetitive use of upper extremities including hand coordination activities; requires some evening and weekend responsibility; occasional travel to other locations to attend meetings or conduct work. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift (up to 20 pounds), carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight, work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others.
Hazards: Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, mist, and gases.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
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This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
- The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
- The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
- Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
- College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
- List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
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Employment is contingent on residence in California.
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Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
- For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
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FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
TIMELINES:
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For consideration, please apply by August 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
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Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
Attendance Requirement:
All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
Additional Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
- COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5448622/interim-manager-environmental-health-and-safety
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