Health & Safety Specialist

The Health and Safety Specialist supports production activities by ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently while ensuring compliance with the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act & Regulations, Irving Shipbuilding (ISI) Policy & Procedures along with Industry Best Practices. 

The Health and Safety Specialist will also act as the gas free certification subject matter expert for all ISI Production and Facilities/Maintenance operations in designated areas for confined spaces and hot work. This role will ensure that suitable risk assessments are performed, and all hazards are controlled and communicated on the gas free certificate prior to any work commencing / required for operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough focus inspections across all departments and facilities to identify potential health and safety risks within the assigned work location (e.g. paint booth, PPE, ventilation).
• Complete updates and reviews of HSE Policies and Procedures for compliance with the latest version of applicable Provincial Regulations and CSA Standards. 
• Assist in the education of employees and development of training programs to support proper understanding and implementation of OHS practices and procedures.
• Actively control and monitor gas testing operations in their assigned areas, with flexibility to move around site as required to meet business needs.
• Facilitate completion of Risk Assessments and Hazard Identification with Hazard Owner(s) by examining physical hazards, chemical exposures, ergonomic issues, and other factors. Carry out a thorough risk assessment, and ensure all required mitigations are in place, before certifying hot work activities and confined space entries for the requested scope of work, i.e. hot work, painting, inspection. Based on associated risks, determine the frequency of certification/testing required. This includes entering confined space/compartments to test atmospheres and evaluate the space for hazards such as flammables and combustibles.
• Calibrating/maintaining the instruments used for atmospheric testing Gas Monitors.

Qualifications

• Post Secondary OHS Diploma or certification. 
  • A combination of knowledge and experience would also be considered.
  • Ability to obtain National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) designation (or equivalent), Authorized Gas Free Testing qualification, First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, and WHMIS training & certifications.
• 2-5 years of demonstrated success in a safety role in an industrial environment.
• An ability to facilitate training and conduct effective presentations to provide sound professional advice and direction for health and safety related matters within various levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of provincial and federal OHS legislation.
• Experience in root cause analysis with keen investigation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with various Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to communicate with and influence front line workers and supervision.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). 

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history. 

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.  

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities. 

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.