Ohs Specialist, Utilities

Reporting to and supporting the Utilities Occupational Health and Safety Supervisor; the OHS Specialist, Utilities plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors. This position is a key advocate for safety culture within Strathcona County, promoting a safe working environment, and assisting in the prevention of incidents and injuries. This position will be responsible for both OHS field and office work.

This position supports the department to create and maintain a positive safety culture by cultivating strong and effective relationships with department management, supervisors and staff; advising and providing guidance on the effective implementation of the County Occupational Health and Safety program and instilling the principles of the internal responsibility system. This role actively participates to support and champion departmental goals and also ensures decisions and actions are completed in alignment with the department, corporate strategic priorities, culture, values and the people plan.

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide recommendations, training, and expert advice to support continuous improvement of the County OHS program
- Plan, organize and conduct safety training that aligns with Utilities training requirements
- Update and communicate key OHS procedures and standards (e.g. Standard Operating Procedures, Safe Job Procedures, Hazard Assessments, Emergency Plans)
- Provide advice and guidance to management, supervisors and staff in the completion of new, and revision of existing, formal and field level hazard assessments
- Support stakeholders in each branch by researching, developing, analyzing and explaining legislation and best practices for their work and assisting in the development of safe work practices and procedures
- Provide advice and guidance to management, supervisors and staff conducting facility and worksite inspections, incident investigations, and competency assessments
- Participate in regular site visits to observe work conditions and worker behaviours with the intent of identifying uncontrolled hazards, evaluate effectiveness of existing controls and prove advice to reduce risk
- Assist supervisors with incident investigations and follow-up on action items through the safety management platform (i.e. iTrak)
- Coordinate and track OHS activities as required (e.g. track certfications, work orders for equipment, track and order supplies, ,maintain chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheets)
- Coordinate with supervisory staff and suppliers to schedule appointments for audiograms, respiratory evaluations, immunizations and any mandatory OHS training, equipment training, fit testing or competency assessments for operational staff

**Qualifications and Skills**
- Completion of a post-secondary diploma in occupational health and safety, environmental science, or occupational hygiene from a recognized academic institution, or related field with four (4) years of recent professional level experience implementing occupational health and safety practices within operational work areas
- Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) preferred; Eligibility for a CRST or Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
- Experience with, or certification within, the Incident Command System is an asset
- Previous experience working in the public sector is an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge or the Alberta OHS Act, Regulations and Code, industry standards and other related legislation
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of OHSMS and the internal responsibility system
- Working knowledge of core OHS functions such as, but not limited to, inspections, investigations, health and safety committees, emergency response plans and procedures, contractor safety management and auditing
- This position requires strong interpersonal skills, relationship building, group facilitation and leadership behaviours in a non-supervisory role
- Strong communication skills (listening, paraphrasing, and engaging others) are critical
- This position requires the ability to work effectively with individuals, groups, other departments, and outside agencies for problem solving, negotiation, facilitation, interpretation and implementation
- Planning, process and legislative review abilities are critical
- Must be highly self-motivated and able to function with mínimal direct supervision

**Conditions of Employment**
- Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s license and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits

**Who We Are**:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.

**Why Join Strathcona County**:(depending on position)
- Competitive salary an