Project Health and Safety Specialist

RailWorks; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transit systems expert in Abbotsford seeks a Health & Safety Specialist. Responsibilities include conducting safety inspections, managing training, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Candidates should have a post-secondary degree in Occupational Health and Safety and at least five years of relevant experience. The role offers a competitive salary range and various benefits including an Employee Assistance Program and competitive time off policy.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Employer RRSP match

Competitive Time Off Policy

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in a safety-related role.
• Experience in railway or heavy civil construction is an asset.
• Knowledge of WorkSafeBC Health and Safety Regulation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular safety inspections and field observations.
• Assist in incident investigations with root cause analysis.
• Coordinate and deliver site-specific safety training.

Skills

Communication skills

Understanding of safety regulations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary education in Occupational Health and Safety

Accredited HSE certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Location: Abbotsford, British Columbia, CA

Company: RailWorks

Benefits Offering

• Salary Range: $98,000 - $110,000
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer RRSP match
• Competitive Time Off Policy

Position Summary

This position plays a key role in supporting PNR RailWorks in achieving the highest standards of safe production on a Provincial Major Project expanding the local transit network.

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager and HSE Area Manager, the Health & Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting the Project Team in maintaining a safe work environment and fostering a proactive, positive safety culture across all site activities.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop project-specific risk assessments, safe work practices, and safe work procedures in collaboration with project teams.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and field observations to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Assist in determining corrective and preventative actions and manage or track the implementation and completion of these actions.
• Take a lead role in incident investigations, ensuring thorough documentation, root cause analysis, and implementation of effective corrective measures.
• Deliver safety communications and updates to workers and supervisors in the field.
• Assist in the development and implementation of safety management and emergency response plans for the project.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, client requirements, and government health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate and deliver site‑specific safety training and maintain associated records.
• Audit and coordinate the purchasing and inventory of safety supplies and PPE to ensure availability and compliance.
• Assist with drug and alcohol testing programs and ensure adherence to company policies.
• Coordinate the Modified Return to Work Program for the project, including documentation and communication with Operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe project execution and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Completion of post‑secondary education in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field, combined with relevant field experience.
• Accredited HSE certification (e.g., CSO, NCSO, CRSP, or equivalent) required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a safety‑related role within construction, industrial, or similar environments.
• Experience in the railway or heavy civil construction industry considered a strong asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of WorkSafeBC Health and Safety Regulation, the Workers Compensation Act, and other applicable legislation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills—oral, written, and presentation—with the ability to influence and build positive relationships within the operation.
• Possession of a valid Class 5 Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet project and operational demands.
• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, with exposure to various weather conditions and active construction sites.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and speaking are required, along with the use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to work effectively within a safety‑sensitive environment, adhering to all company and client safety protocols.
• Pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing is required, with ongoing compliance to company Fitness for Duty Program.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. Unplanned activities and other duties may be assigned as needed to support the project and organizational objectives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with PNR RailWorks without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

About RailWorks

RailWorks is North America’s leading track and transit systems expert, with over 100 years of experience and 45 offices across Canada and the United States. We take on challenging projects every day, and our success relies on a collaborative and open‑minded work environment that fosters teamwork, positivity, and ingenuity.

We are committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion, and we provide opportunities for employees to grow their careers, develop their skills, and achieve professional success.

PNR RailWorks is committed to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace. As such, PNR RailWorks will ensure reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process, including the interview. If selected for an interview, requests for accommodation can be confidentially made to a member of the recruitment team who will arrange in advance for reasonable and appropriate accommodation for fair and equitable assessment throughout the process.