Occupational Hygienist and OHS Advisor

Please note: Only Canadian Citizens, legal residents or residents with a legal work permit will be considered.

STATUS:  This is a regular full-time position

JOB START DATE: As soon as Possible

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Minimum: $85,000
Maximum: $130,000 annually

LOCATION: Hope to Health Primary Care Clinic and Supervised Consumption Site

BENEFITS: Employee benefits include medical, dental, as well as accrued vacation and sick time

ORGANIZATION: The BC-CfE is a world-renowned HIV/AIDS Centre with an innovative, low-barrier approach to healthcare delivery in clinical practice and an integrated group of research concentrations in Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Trials, Population Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics and Professional Education Programs. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians including Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and Peers and researchers including Health Economists, Epidemiologists, Clinical Researchers, Statisticians, Programmers, and Data Analysts work collaboratively to improve the health of British Columbians with HIV and communities facing socio-economic barriers in accessing healthcare through the development, ongoing monitoring and dissemination of comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related diseases.

ROLE SUMMARY: Working within a strong team environment and reporting to the HR Manager, the Occupational Hygienist and OHS Advisor is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of occupational hygiene and health and safety initiatives for the organization.  Using an evidence-based approach, acts as a resource and provides consultation, research, and educational support on occupational hygiene for the Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) committee, managers, and staff.  Working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, the Occupational Hygienist and OHS Advisor works to implement and improve organization-wide systems, programs, and services to ensure the health, safety and wellness needs of BC-CfE staff, volunteers and physicians are met.
Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Occupational Hygienist and OHS Advisor assists with the day-to-day Occupational Health and Safety operations and contributes to the accomplishment of OHS goals and objectives.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, plans, delivers, facilitates, implements, evaluates and improves occupational hygiene and safety services that meet or exceed regulatory requirements (WorkSafeBC, City of Vancouver, and others as applicable).
• Work with managers and injured workers to file injury reports and engaging to conduct a full investigation for each workplace injury and OHS incident.
• Actively participate OHS meeting and act as an integral part of the safety committee.
• Works cooperatively and collegially on teams and task forces with other members of staff to ensure that occupational hygiene and safety requirements are included in work processes and systems.
• Interprets and provides advice on the application of WorkSafeBC regulations, CSA/ANSI standards of practice and other applicable local, provincial and federal regulations and standards, appropriate intervention and/or prevention measures.
• In consultation with HR Manager and other staff, develops standards and guidelines for occupational hygiene and safety practices and activities for areas such as preventative maintenance, fall-arrest equipment, lockout, chemical spill control, electrical equipment failure, accident investigation, and workplace inspection.
• Facilitates agreements and advises on decisions regarding process redesign, equipment purchase/maintenance, construction projects, chemical use, waste (biohazardous/chemical) use and/or disposal.
• Conducts exposure monitoring to quantify exposures using statistical methods and modelling, prepares technical reports and other requirements.  Determines effective measures to limit workers by advising on controls, which may include facility modifications, equipment purchases, changes in practice/training and/or protective equipment.
• Develop cooperative and collaborative working relationships with external contacts including but not limited to:  WorkSafeBC, City of Vancouver, Safety Professionals in Healthcare, Unions, Educational Facilities, Health and Safety Consultants.
• Prevents the reoccurrence of injury by conducting worksite inspections and accident investigations.  Monitors compliance with the BC-CfE safety programs and provides reports and recommendations on (incidents, inspections, WSBC orders, etc.
• Reviews and analyzes safety data and reports and achievement of indicators with BC-CfE leaders and assists them to develop action plans to address those issues in collaboration with Joint OH&S Committee and other stakeholders.
• Act as a resource for the provision of existing or specialized occupational health and safety programming to internal and external contacts.  Participates in internal/external working groups or committees as required.
• Develops training programs and instructional materials and delivers training using a variety of methods.
• Develops communication strategies and promotional materials to enhance awareness and promote occupational hygiene and workplace safety issues and encourage employee engagement in new initiatives.
• Represents BC-CfE’s interests in dealing with regulatory agencies such as WorkSafeBC and liaises with area specific WSBC officers.
• Supports the local joint occupational Health and Safety committees, and assists them to fulfill their role as determined under the Workers Compensation Act and Regulations.
• Participates in relevant research projects and the development of project proposals and submissions related to occupational hygiene issues.
• Acts as Radiation Safety Officer or Laser Safety Officer as required.

Collaboration with SWITCH BC and the Ministry of Health on special projects and initiatives.

• Performs other related duties as required.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience
Master of Science degree in Occupational Hygiene or equivalent education plus three (3) to five (5) years’ recent related experience (in healthcare environment preferred) including experience with maintenance and highly sophisticated technical equipment and air systems, asbestos abatement and construction projects and Radiation and/or Laser safety and demonstrated experience with WorkSafeBC issues and systems.

Registered member of appropriate professional organization (e.g., AIHA, ACGIH).
Eligible for registration as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH) and Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).

Experience working within health care settings is considered an asset.

Current valid Class V BC Driver’s License and unrestricted access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the Workers Compensation Act.
• Aptitude to listen, ascertain the needs of clients, and respond accordingly in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, positive relationships and effectively work with various stakeholders and colleagues.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collect data from a variety of sources, analyze, produce reports and make recommendations.
• Ability to embraces innovation and change.
• Proven ability as a practiced public speaker.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
• Able to multi-task, organize and prioritize workload to management concurrent projects and successfully meet deadlines.
• Work well with frequent interruptions. Commitment to the value of continuous learning and an open curiosity for new ideas and innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to engage others to ensure success in the workplace.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to utilize related equipment and computerized software packages such as the Microsoft Office suite at an advanced level.

Please include resume and cover letter in your application, and include the job title you are applying for in your email subject line.

CONTACT: Human Resources Coordinator; careers@bccfe.ca

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until the position is filled

Note: We thank all applicants; however, only candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.