Health & Safety Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:Reporting to the Director of Protective Services, the position ensures Town of Hay River workplaces are safe and healthy for employees, contractors, and the public.
The Health & Safety Specialist manages the continual improvement of the Health & Safety Management System (HSMS), developing and enhancing system documents to enable continued compliance with health & safety legislation, codes, standards, and best practice.
This position provides all staff with coaching, assistance, and support with HSMS implementation and compliance. It supports workers in hazard identification and risk assessments across municipal operations and works to develop safety leaders throughout the organization and foster a growing culture of safety.
The Health & Safety Specialist schedules, facilitates, and tracks health & safety training as well as manages health & safety records, statistics, and reporting (both internal and regulatory) to ensure sustained compliance and continual improvement.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Health & Safety Management System (HSMS) Development. This includes but is not limited to:

• Consults with subject matter experts to develop and enhance HSMS documents (i.e., elements, policies, procedures, practices, forms, training programs).
• Ensures the HSMS remains in continued compliance with applicable Federal and Territorial legislation, WSCC requirements, codes, standards, and best practices.

Training. This includes but is not limited to:

• Works with management to schedule required health & safety training.
• Develops, or sources health & safety training.

HSMS Implementation. This includes but is not limited to:

• Provides management and workers with coaching, assistance, and support with HSMS implementation (e.g., hazard assessment and risk control, inspections, incident investigations, health & safety meetings), helping them to understand, comply with, and benefit from the HSMS.
• Attends Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee meetings to provide updates, guidance, and support.
• Works continuously to improve organizational safety culture and performance.

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Controls. This includes but is not limited to:

• Supports workers in the identification of hazards and the conducting of risk assessments. Reviews completed hazard assessments for effectiveness.
• Ensures monthly inspections are done and actionable items completed by conducting audits and inspections as required.
• Administers contractor safety management: orientation, and monitoring.

Incidents Response, Reporting and Investigation. This includes but is not limited to:

• Leads incident/near-miss investigations using root cause methods. Meets WSCC reporting requirements and maintains records and trend analyses.
• Follows up with management to ensure completion of corrective actions.

Records Management. This includes but is not limited to:

• Ensures proper completion of required health & safety documentation.
• Maintains health & safety records.
• Produces monthly health & safety statistics reports.
• Tracks required health & safety training, generates training reports.

Regulator Relations. This includes but is not limited to:

• Acts as the Town of Hay River’s primary contact with the regulator (the Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission).
• Conducts regulatory reporting.

Other Related Duties:

• Maintains the confidentiality of all sensitive information that comes to attention as a result of employment with the Town of Hay River.
• May be required to be a part of the response to community emergencies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director.

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:The following knowledge and skills are required for an individual to be able to perform the duties of this position:
Education and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in the health & safety field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and supervising occupational health & safety programs.
• Experience with the Certificate of Recognition program (COR) is considered an asset.
• Equivalencies may be considered.

Job Knowledge Requirements:

• Working knowledge of NWT Safety Act, Federal and Territorial legislation, WSCC requirements, codes, standard and best practices
• Working knowledge of the development, implementation, and maintenance of health & safety management systems.
• Ability to provide expert technical assistance to all levels of staff in the interpretation and application of health & safety legislation, codes, standards, and management systems.

Technical Skills & Abilities:Excellent computer skills, including the ability to apply Microsoft programs (Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, and other software applicable to the position.
Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a high attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong instructional, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• High degree of self-direction and motivation.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:The position does not supervise other positions
WORKING CONDITIONS:Physical Demands:The role involves a combination of office and field work, requiring periods of sitting, standing, and walking. The position may require light lifting of materials or equipment and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employee must perform repetitive tasks such as computer work while maintaining overall physical stamina. Environmental Conditions:The role involves work in both office and field environments with exposure to varying weather conditions. It includes time spent in municipal, industrial, and construction settings where hazards may be present. The position may involve exposure to noise, dust, and equipment, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employee must adapt to changing environments while maintaining awareness of safety risks.
Mental Demands:The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. It involves critical thinking and sound judgment when assessing risks, responding to incidents, and leading investigations. The position requires maintaining focus despite interruptions and changing demands. The employee may experience emotional stress related to incident investigations, supporting staff, and participation in community emergency response situations.
Sensory Demands:The role requires visual attention for inspections, documentation, and computer-based work in office and field settings, with exposure to varying noise levels and the need to recognize alarms and communicate effectively. It also involves occasional exposure to odours, dust, or environmental conditions, requiring the ability to maintain focus and respond appropriately in dynamic work environments.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license (or equivalent).
• Must have a satisfactory drivers abstract.