OPT Safety Coordinator Jobs
Safety Coordinator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in occupational health, environmental science, or engineering. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT extension categories, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare regularly hire for this position.
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Proposed Start Date 08/31/2026
Classification Title Advising and Student Services
Rank N - No Rank
Working Title Aquatics & Safety Coordinator
Department 332601 - REC Fitness Administration
Position Number D94419
Representation AU - AAUP
Renewable Renewable
Position FTE 1
Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our unwavering purpose is to support learners in following their dreams and achieving their goals for a better life for their families and communities. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. Approximately 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs.
Celebrating its 16th year, Portland State’s Rec Center is located in the heart of campus on the Urban Plaza. Our facilities and programs are universally designed to provide opportunities for everyone to accomplish their health and wellbeing goals. All students enrolled in at least one credit have access to Campus Rec. We also offer memberships for PSU faculty, staff, and alums. A foundational piece of our operations, the aquatic facilities include a lap pool and a 10-person whirlpool spa, both offering natural light and views of downtown Portland. The swimming pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide.
The Aquatic and Safety Coordinator provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the daily operations and programming of the Campus Rec Aquatics & Safety Program. This includes supervising organized and informal aquatics activities, a comprehensive safety response and training program for medical emergencies, and water safety. In addition to administrative functions necessary within the department and university, responsibilities include supervising student employees, teaching or coordinating non-credit instruction, pool maintenance as needed, and training American Red Cross-certified instructors and lifeguards.
This position reports to the Associate Director of Operations in Campus Rec. To ensure success, this position collaborates with all other Campus Recreation staff members, especially the Associate Director of Programs. This position plays an integral role in Campus Rec’s strategic plan and student success, while also serving as an active member of the Portland State Community by serving on committees and attending events.
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M06dEVNc5Um7oaxRBeZvfQd2dtC6L4jS/view
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS from an accredited university and 3 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 1 year of full-time, relevant professional experience in the operations of an Aquatics and Safety Program.
- Certifications and advanced skills associated:
- Must possess and provide the following certifications:
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
- Must possess and provide a Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certificate from the National Swimming Pool Foundation within six months of hire.
- Have the skills and ability to be accepted to a Red Cross Training Academy within 6 months of hire AND
- Possess and provide American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer within 12 months of hire
- Possess, provide, and maintain a valid certificate and authorization as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and support staff.
- Demonstrated experience working in and creating an inclusive and culturally respectful environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within established and ad hoc teams.
- A self-starter able to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and have exceptional attention to detail.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Ability to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree from an accredited university.
- Three or more years of professional experience in the administration of an Aquatics & Safety program.
- Possess and provide the following certifications:
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
- Work experience in a public setting, preferably at a university.
- Experience in supervising or coordinating student leaders.
- Experience providing programs and services to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Demonstrates experience with Campus Rec’s mission and values.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary depends on several factors, and new employees typically start at the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation that takes into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge, and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position is $58,596, but may be negotiated above this rate, depending on the factors above, the hiring department’s budget, and HR approval.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium-paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rate for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M06dEVNc5Um7oaxRBeZvfQd2dtC6L4jS/view
internal
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 professional references.
Additionally, please submit copies of your Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications under “other.”
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No
Background Check Required Yes
If you have questions
Question can be directed to Peter Kramer at pkramer@pdx.edu.
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 08/31/2026
Classification Title Advising and Student Services
Rank N - No Rank
Working Title Aquatics & Safety Coordinator
Department 332601 - REC Fitness Administration
Position Number D94419
Representation AU - AAUP
Renewable Renewable
Position FTE 1
Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our unwavering purpose is to support learners in following their dreams and achieving their goals for a better life for their families and communities. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. Approximately 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs.
Celebrating its 16th year, Portland State’s Rec Center is located in the heart of campus on the Urban Plaza. Our facilities and programs are universally designed to provide opportunities for everyone to accomplish their health and wellbeing goals. All students enrolled in at least one credit have access to Campus Rec. We also offer memberships for PSU faculty, staff, and alums. A foundational piece of our operations, the aquatic facilities include a lap pool and a 10-person whirlpool spa, both offering natural light and views of downtown Portland. The swimming pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide.
The Aquatic and Safety Coordinator provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the daily operations and programming of the Campus Rec Aquatics & Safety Program. This includes supervising organized and informal aquatics activities, a comprehensive safety response and training program for medical emergencies, and water safety. In addition to administrative functions necessary within the department and university, responsibilities include supervising student employees, teaching or coordinating non-credit instruction, pool maintenance as needed, and training American Red Cross-certified instructors and lifeguards.
This position reports to the Associate Director of Operations in Campus Rec. To ensure success, this position collaborates with all other Campus Recreation staff members, especially the Associate Director of Programs. This position plays an integral role in Campus Rec’s strategic plan and student success, while also serving as an active member of the Portland State Community by serving on committees and attending events.
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M06dEVNc5Um7oaxRBeZvfQd2dtC6L4jS/view
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS from an accredited university and 3 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 1 year of full-time, relevant professional experience in the operations of an Aquatics and Safety Program.
- Certifications and advanced skills associated:
- Must possess and provide the following certifications:
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
- Must possess and provide a Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certificate from the National Swimming Pool Foundation within six months of hire.
- Have the skills and ability to be accepted to a Red Cross Training Academy within 6 months of hire AND
- Possess and provide American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer within 12 months of hire
- Possess, provide, and maintain a valid certificate and authorization as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and support staff.
- Demonstrated experience working in and creating an inclusive and culturally respectful environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within established and ad hoc teams.
- A self-starter able to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and have exceptional attention to detail.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Ability to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree from an accredited university.
- Three or more years of professional experience in the administration of an Aquatics & Safety program.
- Possess and provide the following certifications:
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
- Work experience in a public setting, preferably at a university.
- Experience in supervising or coordinating student leaders.
- Experience providing programs and services to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Demonstrates experience with Campus Rec’s mission and values.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary depends on several factors, and new employees typically start at the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation that takes into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge, and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position is $58,596, but may be negotiated above this rate, depending on the factors above, the hiring department’s budget, and HR approval.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium-paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rate for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information
In accordance with the AAUP collective bargaining agreement this position is open only to current PSU AAUP academic professionals. Article 17 Section 11 refers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M06dEVNc5Um7oaxRBeZvfQd2dtC6L4jS/view
internal
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 professional references.
Additionally, please submit copies of your Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certifications under “other.”
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No
Background Check Required Yes
If you have questions
Question can be directed to Peter Kramer at pkramer@pdx.edu.
See all 88+ OPT Safety Coordinator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Safety Coordinator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Safety Coordinator
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
USCIS requires OPT work to be directly related to your field of study. Degrees in occupational health, environmental science, or industrial engineering map cleanly to Safety Coordinator roles. Bring your transcript to interviews if asked to demonstrate the connection.
Target STEM-designated programs early
If your degree carries a STEM designation, you're eligible for a 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months. Identify this before accepting offers so you can plan your authorization timeline and give employers accurate information about how long you can work.
Understand what employers mean by sponsorship
Many Safety Coordinator postings say they don't sponsor visas but will hire OPT students without issue. OPT doesn't require employer sponsorship the way H-1B visa does. Clarify this distinction early in conversations so you don't self-select out of roles you actually qualify for.
Pursue OSHA certifications before applying
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications are widely recognized in safety hiring. Completing either before your job search demonstrates practical readiness and separates you from candidates without hands-on safety training, which matters in industries like construction and manufacturing.
Track your OPT start date against offer timelines
OPT authorization has a firm start date, and you must begin work within 90 days of that date. Coordinate your offer acceptance and start date carefully. Starting too early or too late relative to your EAD effective date creates compliance problems for both you and your employer.
Highlight internship and campus safety experience
Relevant experience doesn't have to come from full-time jobs. Campus emergency response roles, environmental health internships, or lab safety assistant positions all demonstrate competency. Document these clearly on your resume to show employers you've applied safety principles in real environments.
Safety Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Safety Coordinators?
Yes. Safety Coordinator roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in occupational health, environmental science, industrial hygiene, or engineering typically satisfy that requirement. You'll need a valid EAD before starting work, and your employer doesn't need to file any petition on your behalf during the OPT period.
Do Safety Coordinator roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree's CIP code, not the job title. If your degree in environmental science, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field carries a qualifying CIP code, you can apply for a 24-month extension after your initial 12-month OPT. Your DSO at your university's international student office can confirm whether your program qualifies before you accept an offer.
Which industries hire Safety Coordinators on OPT most frequently?
Construction, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are the most active industries for Safety Coordinator hiring. These sectors operate under strict OSHA compliance requirements, which creates consistent demand for safety staff. Government contractors and large industrial employers tend to have more structured onboarding processes that are familiar with OPT work authorization. You can browse open Safety Coordinator roles on Migrate Mate, filtered for OPT-friendly employers.
What happens to my OPT status if my Safety Coordinator job ends?
You enter a 90-day unemployment buffer, which is cumulative across your entire OPT period. During that window, you need to find new employment in your field or your OPT authorization ends. Report any job change to your DSO promptly through your school's SEVIS reporting system. Gaps between Safety Coordinator roles count against this 90-day limit, so it's worth starting your next job search before your current role ends.
Do I need to disclose my OPT status when applying for Safety Coordinator jobs?
Employers are legally permitted to ask whether you're authorized to work in the United States and whether you'll need sponsorship now or in the future. You should answer honestly: you're authorized through OPT and won't need sponsorship during that period. Many employers aren't familiar with OPT, so being prepared to briefly explain what it is, including your authorization timeline, helps avoid confusion and keeps your application moving forward.