Main Purpose of role:
The James Hutton Institute HSQE department offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Health, Safety, and Environmental professional to join our team. The HSQE team is responsible for managing the Institute's Management Systems and providing support, advice, and guidance to management and staff.
The ideal candidate will have experience across various health, safety, and environmental topics and be a strong communicator capable of guiding, influencing, and promoting compliance to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
The role is based at our Craigiebuckler site in Aberdeen, with responsibilities covering all sites and work locations. The postholder will be expected to travel regularly, so a clean driving license is essential.
Main Duties of Postholder:
- Support managers and staff in risk assessments and method statements across different areas, including laboratories (COSHH), farm and agricultural operations, and estate/facility maintenance, ensuring operations are assessed and control measures are in place.
- Develop, implement, and review H&S and environmental emergency plans and testing schedules.
- Lead or coordinate HSE training across all sites, including procurement, development, and delivery.
- Investigate accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences, near misses, and work-related ill health.
- Perform risk and COSHH assessments and support staff in the risk assessment process.
- Collaborate with research, estate maintenance, and farm staff to develop and enforce safe working practices.
- Regularly inspect facilities, equipment, and vehicles to maintain safety standards and address any issues.
- Support the operation and continual improvement of Management Systems.
- Assist staff in the safe handling and storage of chemicals and gases.
- Coordinate waste disposal procedures for chemicals and biological materials.
- Conduct internal audits to ensure legal compliance and effective management systems, implementing remedial actions as needed.
- Review and update health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
- Report on environmental management performance to the Board and contribute to HSQE reports.
- Facilitate external ISO audits and represent the HSQE department in meetings.
- Monitor and report on HSE performance proactively and reactively.
- Advise managers and staff on HSE processes and facilitate procurement of PPE and consumables.
- Exercise authority to halt processes or activities that pose serious harm.
- Work collaboratively with the team to meet objectives.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Essential:
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Health and Safety or equivalent.
- Experience with COSHH management systems such as Alcumus-Sypol or EcoOnline.
- Knowledge of compliance with legislation and codes of practice like asbestos, vibration, and noise regulations.
Essential Skills:
- Organizational H&S training coordination skills.
- Knowledge of ISO management systems.
- Effective written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to build effective relationships.
- Strong argumentation skills for influencing others.
- Motivated and committed work approach.
- Focus on continual H&S performance improvement.
Verbal Communication:
- Confident public speaker capable of delivering engaging presentations and training.
Planning and Organisation:
- Effective time management and planning skills.
Resilience:
- Ability to maintain performance under pressure and adapt to change.
Flexibility:
- Adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to embrace new approaches.
Desirable Qualifications/Skills/Experience:
- NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate or similar.
- Experience with fire risk assessments and regulatory compliance.
- Health and safety/environmental/quality auditor qualifications.
- Procurement experience and familiarity with SharePoint.
- A clean driving license and access to personal transport.