Safety Officer (Term, Full time)

Westbank First Nation • Westbank, BC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Westbank First Nation is seeking a Safety Officer to join the Public Works & Utilities (PW&U) departments. Reporting to the Director of Capital Projects, Assets & Infrastructure, this role is crucial for promoting and maintaining a strong safety culture within the PW&U operations. The Safety Officer will be embedded within the operations, focusing on driving a proactive, field-focused safety culture, ensuring safe work practices are consistently implemented, monitored, and enforced. This position requires a strong presence in the field and direct engagement with crews.

Requirements

• Post secondary education in Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Management, Engineering or Public Works
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety role
• Experience working in Public Works, Utilities, construction, or heavy operations environments
• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN
• Valid BC Drivers’ License Class 5
• First Aid Certification
• Must wear and use Personal Protective Equipment, which may include a respirator
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation
• Working knowledge of the Worker’s Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Human Rights Code and any other legislation, regulations, or applicable laws
• Strong knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations and safety requirements applicable to municipal or First Nation infrastructure operations
• Proficient in office technology, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (MS Office Suite)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate and coordinate in a professional, clear, articulate and accurate manner, both verbally and in writing
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills with an ability to think strategically
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with an ability to work quickly, while prioritizing and multi-tasking
• Proven ability to research subject matter and to provide recommendations to ensure an effective and efficient local government service
• Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality in interpersonal interaction
• Working knowledge of the history of colonization in Canada and its ongoing impact on modern issues affecting Indigenous Peoples
• Working knowledge in communicating with Indigenous Peoples, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy, and awareness of how language choices can influence and impact conversations.

Nice To Haves

• Occupational Health & Safety certification (e.g., CRSP or NCSO) is an asset
• Professional designation or membership such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC), or Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE) would be an asset
• Accident/Incident Investigation and Prevention training preferred
• Risk management training preferred
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
• Stay current with latest trends on workplace safety and applicable legislative Acts (e.g., and Standards as required

Responsibilities

• Attends the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee as a representative of Public Works & Utilities.
• Participates in crew talks and safety meetings to reinforce safe work practices.
• Issues stop-work orders where imminent hazards/unsafe work conditions are identified.
• Provides information to the Director of Capital Projects, Assets and Infrastructure related to disciplinary investigations where safety investigations show employee(s) not adhering to policy, program, procedure or WorkSafe BC regulation.
• Adheres to processes and practices established by the Health & Safety Department.
• Conducts regular safety training/informational sessions with Public Works & Utilities staff.
• Coordinates and implements safety training, including evaluating requirements, organizing a training calendar, and ensuring compliance with First Aid attendant requirements.
• Assists the department in maintaining Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) controlled products inventories and online database of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Develops and conducts in-house safety training as required.
• Conducts emergency response drills.
• Assists the Director of Capital Projects, Assets and Infrastructure with the inspection of contractors for compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
• Supports the Director of Capital Projects, Assets and Infrastructure with product research, evaluation, and recommendation for safety equipment purchases.
• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safe work procedures specific to Public Works and Utilities operations (e.g., confined space entry, trenching/excavation, traffic control, chemical handling, equipment operation).
• Maintains a strong and visible presence in the field, working directly with crews to reinforce safe work practices and address hazards in real time.
• Conducts regular field inspections, safety audits, and hazard assessments, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and WFN safety standards.
• Investigates incidents, near misses, and safety concerns, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Works closely with PW&U leadership to embed safety accountability into daily operations, planning, and performance expectations.
• Supports and guides supervisors and crew leads in fulfilling their safety responsibilities, including toolbox talks, job hazard analyses, and safe work planning.
• Tracks and reports on safety performance metrics, trends, and areas for improvement to leadership.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards, and procedures, and as assigned by the Director of Capital Projects, Assets and Infrastructure.

Benefits

• Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period
• Comprehensive extended health and dental coverage
• Generous flexible time-off provisions
• Investment in meaningful education and professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree