Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce; Canada; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager to lead HSE programs across our construction projects in Whitehorse, Yukon. This in-the-field role from May to October emphasizes trench safety, site inspections, and regulatory compliance, with off-season policy development and program improvement.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in HSE management within construction, COR certification experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in an HSE management role within construction
• Extensive trench safety knowledge and practices
• Experience with COR Certification processes
• Post-secondary education in OHS or related field is an asset, certifications preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Proficiency with HSE software and incident reporting tools
• Ability to communicate in English with diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee health, safety, and environmental programs for sewer and water construction projects
• Conduct regular job site inspections and hazard assessments
• Plan and perform safety audits; report findings and recommendations
• Lead trench safety training and ensure compliance with protective systems
• Develop corrective actions and safety improvement plans; monitor effectiveness
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and maintain documentation for audits
• Lead COR Certification activities and continuous improvement
• Deliver safety training and promote a strong HSE culture
• Lead safety meetings and coordinate with project teams and subcontractors
• Prepare field forms, Tailgate templates, and job hazard assessments with Project Manager
• Monitor environmental practices including spill reporting and waste management

Skills

HSE management

Construction safety

Trench safety

COR Certification

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Post-secondary Education in Occupational Health and Safety / related field

Certifications (NCSO/CRSP/GSC-CSC/CSO)

Tools

HSE software

Incident reporting tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager

Position: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Position Summary
The Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all health, safety, and environmental programs across all our projects. This role requires a minimum of several year’s experience in construction safety, including trench safety, and a strong understanding of COR (Certificate of Recognition) Certification processes. The HSE Manager will work closely with site teams to promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. This is a primarily 'in the field' role during the May to October construction season, including an expectation of job site visits most days, with program and policy development during the off-season.

Key Responsibilities

HSE Program Management:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive health, safety, and environmental programs tailored to the unique risks of sewer and water construction projects. Ensure that all HSE policies and procedures align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Job Site Inspections and Hazard Assessment:

• Job Site Inspections: Conduct regular and thorough inspections of all job sites to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify any potential hazards.
• Hazard Assessment: Perform comprehensive hazard assessments at the planning stage of projects and throughout the construction process. Implement proactive measures to mitigate risks identified during assessments.
• Corrective Actions: Develop and oversee the implementation of corrective actions to address identified hazards, ensuring timely resolution and ongoing monitoring.

Safety Audits:

• Internal Audits: Plan and execute regular safety audits to evaluate the effectiveness of HSE policies and procedures. Identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Audit Reporting: Prepare detailed audit reports, including findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions. Present audit results to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Excavation and Trench Safety:

• Training and Compliance: Ensure that all site personnel are trained in trench safety, including proper excavation and protective systems. Maintain compliance with relevant safety standards for trenching and excavation.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop and enforce emergency response plans specific to trench-related incidents, ensuring that all personnel are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations of accidents, near misses, and incidents to determine root causes and identify preventive measures. Ensure thorough documentation and reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Corrective Actions: Develop and implement corrective actions and safety improvement plans based on investigation findings. Monitor the effectiveness of these actions to prevent recurrence. Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality for issues being addressed.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, ensuring that all construction activities comply with local, territorial, and federal HSE regulations.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, training, incidents, and compliance activities. Ensure that all documentation is up to date and readily available for audits.

COR Certification:

• Certification Process: Lead the company’s efforts in maintaining COR Certification. Coordinate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance with COR standards and documentation requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety performance and ensure ongoing compliance with COR Certification standards.

Training and Development:

• Safety Training: Develop and deliver safety training programs for all levels of the organization, focusing on high-risk areas such as trenching, confined spaces, and heavy equipment operation.
• HSE Culture: Promote a positive safety culture by engaging employees in safety initiatives, encouraging the reporting of hazards, and recognizing safe work practices.
• Sustainability Practices: Oversee environmental management practices, including waste management, pollution prevention, and sustainable construction methods. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
• Site Monitoring: Conduct regular environmental audits and inspections to identify and mitigate environmental risks associated with sewer and water construction and earthworks activities. Spill reporting.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the HSE team, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Collaborate with project managers, site supervisors, and subcontractors to integrate HSE practices into all aspects of project execution.
• Safety Meetings: Conduct regular safety meetings with site teams, ensuring that safety concerns are addressed promptly and that all team members are informed of current HSE initiatives.

Safety Administration:

• Review and improve on a regular basis:
• Health & Safety Manual
• Safe Work Procedures
• Field forms and paperwork, including Tailgate templates, Field Level Risk and Inspection forms
• Development of Job Hazard Assessments with Project Manager

Qualifications

• Track record of success with 3 or more years in an HSE management role within the construction industry, with specific experience in sewer and water projects preferred, who can hit the ground running and advance and evolve our safety program with a continuous improvement outlook. This is a full cycle role that includes program development, implementation and hands‑on management and delivery.
• Extensive knowledge of trench safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience with COR Certification processes, including achieving and maintaining certification.
• Post-secondary education in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field is an asset. Completion of a recognized certification or designation such as NCSO, CRSP, GSC-CSC, CSO, etc., preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage all levels of the organization. A relationship builder who can position themselves as an approachable coach and mentor, but who can also hold people accountable when necessary.
• Proficiency in HSE management software, incident reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to conduct technical communications in English with internal and external parties, both written and verbal.
• A passion for construction.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada – no work permit sponsorship is available for this position.

As a 100% First Nation‑owned business, we strongly encourage submissions from First Nation, Metis and Inuit Peoples.