At Esalen we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslows psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxleys belief in human potentialities the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.
Esalen isnt just a place to work its an invitation to help change the world.
OVERVIEW
The Safety Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of preparedness and protection at the Esalen Institute. This role is responsible for maintaining and implementing Esalens emergency and crisis response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring consistent safety training and preparedness across the organization and serving as a key leader during incidents requiring coordination communication and rapid response. The Safety Manager oversees gate operations as the central hub for security and safety and supports the Director of Safety in both day-to-day protocols and high-stakes events. The Safety Manager also ensures that Esalen meets all relevant safety certifications and complies with applicable local state and federal codes and regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Emergency Preparedness & SOP Management
Maintain and regularly update Esalens emergency and crisis SOPs in coordination with the Director of Safety.
Ensure all SOPs are accessible current and effectively communicated across relevant departments.
Support real-time application of SOPs during crises or drills.
Training & Drills
Own the safety training calendar coordinating regular drills (e.g. fire earthquake evacuation) and ongoing education for staff and residents.
Schedule track and evaluate participation in training; revise programs as needed for improved engagement and efficacy.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure alignment with organizational needs and regulatory requirements.
Gate Operations Oversight
Manage the front gate personnel and schedule as Esalens 24/7 safety and security touchpoint.
Train and oversee gate personnel to ensure consistent protocols for access control check-ins incident reporting and emergency coordination.
Ensure the gate team acts as the first point of contact during emergencies and upholds a culture of calm clear and effective communication.
Incident & Crisis Leadership
Serve as a boots-on-the-ground leader during emergencies evacuations or high-risk incidents.
Activate and lead incident response protocols in alignment with SOPs.
Support communication and coordination with outside emergency services when applicable.
Compliance & Certifications
Ensure Esalens ongoing compliance with OSHA CAL/OSHA fire codes building codes and other applicable local state and federal safety regulations.
Maintain all required documentation and manage processes for inspections certifications and safety audits.
Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to resolve safety hazards and implement corrective actions.
Track and renew required certifications and licenses (e.g. AED CPR/First Aid fire extinguishers evacuation maps)
Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure all staff safety and training documentation is uploaded to employee files and along with Human Resources maintains the calendar for recurrent safety related training for all staff.
Support of Director of Safety
Assist the Director of Safety and Risk Management with planning compliance and real-time response coordination.
Serve as a deputy leader in their absence during emergencies or crises.
Collaborate in safety audits policy development and after-action reviews.
Assists the Safety Director in conducting regular inspections of all safety equipment on appropriate intervals including but not limited to: Fire hoses fire hydrants/standpipes AED kit First Aid kit fire extinguishers.
QUALIFICATIONS
35 years of experience in safety emergency response security or risk management.
Strong knowledge of emergency preparedness crisis response and safety protocols.
Familiarity with OSHA CAL/OSHA and fire/life safety codes.
Experience coordinating safety training and managing incident documentation.
Calm clear communicator and skilled organizer under pressure.
Ability to lead in urgent situations with a grounded professional demeanor.
CPR/First Aid certification required; ICS/NIMS or FEMA training preferred.
Experience in a residential retreat or nonprofit setting is a plus.
FLEXIBILITY
Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalens and your teams needs.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The pay for this position is commensurate with experience. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental and paid time off. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga dance tai chi and meditation) ongoing in-house education and training programs and scholarship for Esalen workshops and massage.
$63000 - $80000 a year
- Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
- All meals provided
- The pay for this position will be commensurate with experience and internal equity
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability genetics sexual orientation gender identity or gender expression.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
Required Experience:
Manager
At Esalen we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslows psychology of peak experiences an...
At Esalen we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslows psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxleys belief in human potentialities the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.
Esalen isnt just a place to work its an invitation to help change the world.
OVERVIEW
The Safety Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of preparedness and protection at the Esalen Institute. This role is responsible for maintaining and implementing Esalens emergency and crisis response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring consistent safety training and preparedness across the organization and serving as a key leader during incidents requiring coordination communication and rapid response. The Safety Manager oversees gate operations as the central hub for security and safety and supports the Director of Safety in both day-to-day protocols and high-stakes events. The Safety Manager also ensures that Esalen meets all relevant safety certifications and complies with applicable local state and federal codes and regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Emergency Preparedness & SOP Management
Maintain and regularly update Esalens emergency and crisis SOPs in coordination with the Director of Safety.
Ensure all SOPs are accessible current and effectively communicated across relevant departments.
Support real-time application of SOPs during crises or drills.
Training & Drills
Own the safety training calendar coordinating regular drills (e.g. fire earthquake evacuation) and ongoing education for staff and residents.
Schedule track and evaluate participation in training; revise programs as needed for improved engagement and efficacy.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure alignment with organizational needs and regulatory requirements.
Gate Operations Oversight
Manage the front gate personnel and schedule as Esalens 24/7 safety and security touchpoint.
Train and oversee gate personnel to ensure consistent protocols for access control check-ins incident reporting and emergency coordination.
Ensure the gate team acts as the first point of contact during emergencies and upholds a culture of calm clear and effective communication.
Incident & Crisis Leadership
Serve as a boots-on-the-ground leader during emergencies evacuations or high-risk incidents.
Activate and lead incident response protocols in alignment with SOPs.
Support communication and coordination with outside emergency services when applicable.
Compliance & Certifications
Ensure Esalens ongoing compliance with OSHA CAL/OSHA fire codes building codes and other applicable local state and federal safety regulations.
Maintain all required documentation and manage processes for inspections certifications and safety audits.
Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to resolve safety hazards and implement corrective actions.
Track and renew required certifications and licenses (e.g. AED CPR/First Aid fire extinguishers evacuation maps)
Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure all staff safety and training documentation is uploaded to employee files and along with Human Resources maintains the calendar for recurrent safety related training for all staff.
Support of Director of Safety
Assist the Director of Safety and Risk Management with planning compliance and real-time response coordination.
Serve as a deputy leader in their absence during emergencies or crises.
Collaborate in safety audits policy development and after-action reviews.
Assists the Safety Director in conducting regular inspections of all safety equipment on appropriate intervals including but not limited to: Fire hoses fire hydrants/standpipes AED kit First Aid kit fire extinguishers.
QUALIFICATIONS
35 years of experience in safety emergency response security or risk management.
Strong knowledge of emergency preparedness crisis response and safety protocols.
Familiarity with OSHA CAL/OSHA and fire/life safety codes.
Experience coordinating safety training and managing incident documentation.
Calm clear communicator and skilled organizer under pressure.
Ability to lead in urgent situations with a grounded professional demeanor.
CPR/First Aid certification required; ICS/NIMS or FEMA training preferred.
Experience in a residential retreat or nonprofit setting is a plus.
FLEXIBILITY
Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalens and your teams needs.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The pay for this position is commensurate with experience. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental and paid time off. Esalen gives teammates access to an extensive range of daily experiential classes (yoga dance tai chi and meditation) ongoing in-house education and training programs and scholarship for Esalen workshops and massage.
$63000 - $80000 a year
- Housing available on-site (residential fee charged)
- All meals provided
- The pay for this position will be commensurate with experience and internal equity
Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability genetics sexual orientation gender identity or gender expression.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
Required Experience:
Manager
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