Environmental Health & Safety Officer - Limited Term

Tracking Code: req1508

Faculty/Department: Human Resources Department

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Limited Term

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week 

Salary Range:  - Annual Hiring Salary, $86,176, with annual step progression in accordance with the Salary Grid.

Posting Date: March 12, 2025

Closing Date: March 31, 2025 (7:00 pm EST)
 

Job Summary: Reporting to the Employee Health and Wellness Manager, the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Officer functions as a specialist advisor to Ontario Tech University in occupational health and safety legislation, associated regulations, and industry best practices. The EHS Officer coordinates the development, delivery and creation of the health and safety program ensuring compliance with the Internal Responsibility System (IRS), including incident investigations, hazard identifications, safe work procedures, preparation of strong reports, policies, and manuals. The incumbent contributes to the review and development of health and safety guidelines and assists university personnel in understanding occupational health and safety hazards and appropriate legislation.

Responsibilities/accountabilities: 

1. Provides technical support for the development and implementation of Health and Safety (H&S) programming
 

• Review existing programs and develop H&S policies, procedures in key areas which require further development (e.g. Chemical Inventory, Compressed Gas-Safe Storage and Handling, Working Alone Procedures, and Workplace Violence Risk Assessments)
   
• Provide advice on hazard and injury prevention strategies
   
• Work with all areas to ensure compliance with regulations such as WHMIS, Lab Safety and others applicable to post-secondary environments
   
• Work with Faculty and Departments to ensure adequate H&S orientation and documentation is in place for students and employees
   

2. Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Ministry of Labour, Training and Skill Development (MLTSD) and associated regulations
 

• Provide leadership and resources to Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) to ensure compliance to OHSA and maintain JHSC Terms of Reference
   
• Coordinate hazard assessments and lead accident/injury/hazard investigations and reporting as necessary through to completion
   
• Provide oversight/management of campus workspace inspections as well as complete regular safety inspections and initiate corrective actions
   
• Consult with all staff on interpretation of OHSA
   
• Work with Risk, Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability, and Radiation Safety Officer during on-site inspections for continued pro-active approach to hazard identification and make appropriate recommendations
   
• Maintain Hazardous Waste Program and ensure MOE compliance
   

3. Lead the development and enhancements of health and safety training for institution
 

• Develops, conducts and/or sources training workshops
   
• Ensure mandatory H&S training programs are in place and regularly review to ensure their compliance with existing legislation
   
• Regularly review existing H&S compliance training records and work in collaboration with the Health and Disability Management Specialist to ensure institutional compliance
   

4. Proactive Health and Safety Promotion
 

• Complete ergonomic assessments as requested and make recommendations based on the workspace
   
• Actively engage and support health, safety and wellness programming which contributes to proactive efforts to increase awareness about health and safety principles across campus
   
• Review best practices from other universities and adopt appropriately for Ontario Tech
   
• Continue to work with university stakeholders and campus community to develop core principles that reflect commitment to a safety culture
   

5. Health and Safety Administrative Support and Office Management
 

• Maintain regular updates to H&S website content to ensure relevant and up-to-date resources for staff and faculty
   
• Coordinate the deliverables of work study students, as necessary
   

6. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Reporting and Case Management
 

• Ensure union leadership and JHSC is informed of all reportable WSIB workplace injuries per the Act
   
• Provide guidance with accommodation requests related to H&S or return to work, post workplace accident or injury
   
• File appropriate forms with WSIB as required

Required Skills: 

• In addition to a relevant educational background, the incumbent requires a professional safety or occupational health designation such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

Required Education: 

• Three-year college diploma/degree in a related field
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience: 

• Minimum is 5-7 years of experience directly related to working in Occupational Health and Safety and performing hazard risk assessments
   
• Experience working in a hazardous environment dealing with various chemicals is an asset – clear understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and routes of entry to mitigate risk
   
• Analytical skills required to identify root causes and appropriate short- to long-term and permanent risk reduction strategies
   
• Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders to develop and promote health & safety programs and procedures which involves building a relationship of trust and confidence
   
• Functional and technical expertise in H&S management with the ability to reconcile significant and diverse viewpoints and deliver and receive feedback effectively to foster cooperation

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.
 

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.
 

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 4/21/2025

Expected End Date: 3/31/2026

Link to apply: https://ontariotechu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/1508?c=ontariotechu