Environmental Health & Safety Officer - (998758.1)

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity in the Heath and Safety field? Are you looking to join one of Canada’s leading universities? Facilities Management is currently looking to connect with qualified applicants specializing in Health and Safety. Could this be you?

You will rely on your excellent interpersonal skills and relationship building talents to collaborate with clients and colleagues throughout the University of Victoria. You’re a flexible, effective problem solver, and a confident and self-motivated individual who enjoys networking with the university community and maintaining autonomy, with a keen desire to learn and provide exceptional client service.

The University is like a small city, therefore no two days are alike. If you appreciate a job with variety then this is the position for you.

In return, you will be rewarded with working for a university that has earned a reputation for its commitment to research, scholarship and experiential learning as well as for providing a diverse and welcoming learning community. UVic isn’t just a workplace – it’s a community. In addition to competitive salaries, UVic contributes to you and your family’s health and wellness through comprehensive medical, dental and pension benefits. We also offer:

• generous time off package:
• generous leave compensation including maternity, parental, adoption, sick, and personal;
• equity and diversity support and initiatives including religious observances
• on-site childcare: infant – 5 years
• discounted athletic facility memberships
• sustainability initiatives, including discounted transit passes
• support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

*This position is eligible for a hybrid flex arrangement*

Mandate:
Reporting to the Director, Finance and Administration, the Environmental Health and Safety Officer provides leadership, technical expertise, and coordination for occupational health and safety, hazardous materials management, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness initiatives within Facilities Management (FMGT). The role leads the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of departmental occupational health and safety programs, policies, procedures, and compliance practices to support safe and compliant facilities operations.

The Environmental Health and Safety Officer acts as the primary Facilities Management resource on occupational health and safety, hazardous materials management, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance matters. The position provides advice and guidance to Facilities Management leadership, supervisors, project teams, and operational staff regarding the interpretation and application of applicable legislation, regulations, standards, and departmental safety practices.

The role works closely with the university’s central Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) office, Emergency Management program, Campus Security, and other university departments to support coordinated approaches to workplace safety, emergency preparedness, hazardous materials management, and regulatory compliance within Facilities Management operations. The position also liaises with external agencies including WorkSafeBC, Technical Safety BC, consultants, contractors, and emergency response agencies regarding operational safety and compliance matters.

Objectives:

• Lead and continuously improve Facilities Management occupational health and safety, hazardous materials management, and emergency preparedness programs to support safe and compliant operations.
• Provide guidance and support to Facilities Management leadership and staff regarding occupational health and safety requirements, operational risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance obligations.
• Support coordinated approaches to workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity through collaboration with OHSE, Emergency Management, and other university stakeholders.
• Lead inspections, investigations, audits, and risk assessments to identify risks, improve safety performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote a positive workplace safety culture through training, communication, consultation, and ongoing engagement with Facilities Management staff and stakeholders.

Working Conditions:
This position works in both office and operational environments and regularly attends active construction sites, mechanical spaces, rooftops, maintenance areas, and occupied university buildings. The role may require occasional attendance outside regular business hours in response to operational or emergency situations. Personal protective equipment is required when attending operational or hazardous work environments.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, industrial hygiene, engineering, or a related field, together with a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in occupational health and safety, hazardous materials management, regulatory compliance, or industrial hygiene within a complex operational environment. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Professional certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or equivalent professional designation is preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying occupational health, environmental, and safety legislation, regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating occupational health and safety programs, policies, procedures, and compliance practices.
• Experience leading workplace investigations, inspections, hazard assessments, audits, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials management practices, including asbestos-related regulatory requirements and compliance processes.
• Experience supporting emergency preparedness, business continuity, and operational risk management activities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex operational environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, procedures, presentations, and training materials.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with internal stakeholders, external regulators, contractors, and consultants.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.