Occupation Health & Safety Officer (Inspector (Specialist) 3)

About Us

At the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, we are responsible for delivering effective and efficient regulatory management for the protection of the public and workers’ safety through education, outreach, inspection and enforcement, equipment registration, permits, and licenses.  Our staff of over 115 employees, located throughout Nova Scotia, do this by using the Pathways to Compliance to enhance compliance of provincially regulated employees, employers and contractors through setting, promoting, verifying and enforcing requirements under various pieces of legislation.

LSI works to provide fairness, safety, and prosperity for all Nova Scotians by helping them live, learn and work to their highest potential. We have a staff of more than 500 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia. Together we are responsible for safety, labour standards, apprenticeship, immigration and population growth, and many other facets of everyday life.

If you are searching for a rewarding career, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

About Our Opportunity

As the Occupational Health and Safety Officer you will be independently responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Internal Responsibility System within all workplaces (industrial, construction, institutional, forestry, fishery, mining, etc.) in an assigned district.

You will provide information, advice and guidance to employers, contractors, employees, unions, equipment suppliers, and professionals with respect to their duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. You will assist Labour and Management through compliance and promotion to work cooperatively to affect the highest possible standard of safety and health in the workplace.

As the Occupational Health and Safety Officer you will report directly to the Regional Director.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Occupational Health and Safety Officer duties also include:

• Performs inspections of industrial, commercial, construction and government operations for compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. 
• Investigates workplace accidents, fatalities, work refusals, health and safety complaints, and allegations of discriminatory action, as assigned by the Regional Director, which are not assigned to investigators. 
• Assesses and enforces compliance with the employer’s internal responsibility system, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations by issuing workplace warnings, orders and stop work orders. 
• Recommends preventative measures to ensure workplace safety through education. 
• Prepares inspection reports and detailed written reports and recommendations. 
• Reviews employer generated documentation such as hazard assessments, safe work procedures, accident/incident investigation reports, and occupational health and safety programs. 
• Responds to requests for service and interpretation of legislated requirements for employers, employees and the general public.
   

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed high school as well as a related trade or technical training in the area of specialty (Occupational Health & Safety) with 7 years of related experience after the course completion.

You must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team, exhibiting collaborative behaviors. The ability to exercise professional discretion, manage competing interests, and maintain and build effective stakeholder relationships is critical. Previous experience in dealing with difficult clients is a must. You must be able to understand, interpret and explain legislation in plain language terms for clients. You must be comfortable, and able to communicate effectively, in a variety of settings including one-on-one and larger gatherings.

Demonstrated proficiency in various computer programs, (i.e. Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook) as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills, is required. This position requires access to a reliable motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Offer of employment is contingent on an appropriate background and criminal records check.

While not required, it is considered an asset if you have a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation, P. Eng designation, or acceptable equivalency.

Additional Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. 
• Knowledge of inspection and investigation procedures. 
• Knowledge of industry sectors including mining, forestry, fishing, health care and manufacturing.
• Must be capable of carrying out duties and responsibilities independently and often immediately in frequently stressful and/or adverse environmental conditions which will require maturity, integrity, tact, intelligence and excellent judgement respecting the factual and human dimensions of the situation.
   

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
 

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

• 2 year diploma in a related area of specialty (Occupational Health & Safety) with 6 years of related experience

• 4 year bachelor degree in a related area of specialty (Occupational Health & Safety) with 4 years of related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

• You must be able to work irregular hours, to travel and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must be eligible for Special Constable Status, which requires a criminal record check.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires the wearing of identifiable clothing
• May be required to work overtime and perform standby duties

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of December 31, 2025.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules