DIR Now Hiring: Cal/OSHA Chief

The Organization

The mission of the Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH, also known as Cal/OSHA) is to protect and improve the health and safety of workers in California through the following activities:

  • Setting and enforcing standards
  • Providing outreach, education, and assistance
  • Issuing permits, licenses, certifications, registrations, and approvals.

The Department of Industrial Relations is seeking an innovative and service-minded individual to lead the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Please join us in building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace at all levels of the Department.

The Position

Duties

The Chief of Cal/OSHA reports to the Director and Chief Deputy Director, and serves as a vital member of the DIR Executive team. The Chief directs the policy-setting, enforcement, compliance, and administrative work for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. This includes formulating policies, developing work plan strategies, and directing the Cal/OSHA team to ensure compliance with California’s nation-leading health and safety laws and regulations.

The Chief is responsible for providing oversight of Federal OSHA State Plan administration to ensure alignment with federal reporting requirements and health and safety mandates. The incumbent will collaborate and coordinate with Federal, State, County and City governments and other stakeholders in accident and illness prevention; oversee the division’s outreach and consultation efforts; and oversee the preparation of annual, biennial, or other reports for the Legislature, Governor or Federal OSHA as appropriate.

The Chief will organize the work of the Division and provide leadership and direction to the diverse Cal/OSHA team which includes deputies, attorneys, managers, safety engineers and industrial hygienists. The Chief will develop strategies for the division to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, as well as meet the changing industrial conditions in the state as new devices, means and procedures are introduced to ensure worker health and safety are protected. The Chief will also oversee the training of safety engineers in the recognition of health hazards and appropriate response; review and analyze new hazards as they develop and plan the means of dealing with such hazards such as advising on safety and health rules. The Chief will also represent the Director and the Division before legislative and constituency groups, provide testimony before the Legislature, and lead advisory committees.

Location

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is headquartered in the Elihu Harris Building in Oakland, CA. The position consists of both in-office and telework and may be located in Santa Ana, Downtown Los Angeles, or Oakland, depending on the selected candidate's location. The Oakland headquarters is centrally situated in the Bay Area with easy access to the state capitol in Sacramento, historic San Francisco, Napa wine country, Lake Tahoe winter sports, and other opportunities for enjoyment and connection. The Santa Ana and LA offices are both located in Los Angeles County. Southern California boasts access to oceans perfect for water activities, beautiful natural parks, outstanding universities, ethnic diversity, and numerous cultural, artistic, and entertainment offerings.

The Ideal Candidate

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is looking for a diplomatic individual with exceptional interpersonal skills. A viable candidate would have a high level of personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, and quality decision making skills. In addition, the DIR is seeking a seasoned professional with:

  • Demonstrated commitment to transparency and strong communication
  • Experience with efficient and effective policy development and rule-making in the areas of health and safety
  • Demonstrated utilization of improvement methodologies including: data, metrics, and measurements
  • Experience in testifying in local, legislative, executive or judicial bodies, on policy matters
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups including labor and management groups, federal, state, and local communities•
  • Demonstrated commitment and innovation related to diversity, inclusion, and equity policies.

The Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $181,656 - 202,368.

A comprehensive benefits package is also offered which includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pension plan
  • 401(k)/457 retirement plans
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending account to save on medical and child care expenses
  • Paid vacation and holidays

To Apply

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply online at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/application-for-appointment/

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Elissa Ouchida at Elissa.Ouchida@gov.ca.gov

January 2024