Site Administrator & Safety Watcher - Petrochemical Industry

InvisionHR; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

InvisionHR is seeking a capable Site Administrator / Safety Watcher to support petrochemical projects across South Africa and Namibia. The role combines on-site administration, procurement, and HR support while enforcing ISO 45001 and HSE standards.

You will monitor hazard controls, ensure permit-to-work compliance, and coordinate with Construction, Mechanical, QA/QC, and HR teams to maintain safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent required.
• Recognised SHE Representative Training (MERSETA, CETA, HWSETA or equivalent).
• Diploma in Administration or Construction Management is advantageous.
• First Aid, Firefighting, and Emergency Response training.
• Strong understanding of Permit-to-Work Systems, Legal Liability, Risk Assessment, and Incident Investigation.
• Valid Working at Heights & Confined Space Entry training certificates; driver's license.
• Knowledge of ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain site administration records, filing systems, and project documentation for audits.
• Ensure ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and HSE compliance in all on-site activities.
• Submit safety checklists, compliance logs, and administrative reports.
• Prepare management-friendly project updates and correspondence.
• Monitor high-risk activities and enforce permit-to-work, LOTO, and risk controls.
• Ensure PPE usage and that safety and emergency equipment are operational.
• Support emergency response, track incidents, and report hazards or deviations.
• Manage procurement activities and coordinate material logistics under supervision.
• Assist with site HR duties including attendance tracking and induction records.
• Facilitate communication between Construction, Mechanical, QA/QC, HSE, and HR teams.

Skills

MS Office

Google Suite

SHEQ reporting

Hazard identification

LOTO / isolation procedures

Documentation

Communication skills

Project support

HR attendance tracking

Education

Matric / Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate

SHE Representative Training

Diploma in Administration or Construction Management

First Aid, Firefighting, Emergency Response training

Tools

None specified

Job description

We are looking for a highly capable dual-function Site Administrator / Safety Watcher to join upcoming petrochemical projects across South Africa and Namibia.

This role plays a key part in ensuring smooth administrative, procurement, and HR support functions on site while maintaining compliance with ISO standards and HSE protocols.

The ideal candidate will ensure efficient site operations while simultaneously enforcing safety requirements and identifying hazards in high-risk industrial environments such as fuel storage depots and refineries.

Department: Projects

Reporting to: Construction Manager

Position Type: Fixed Term Contract

Occupational Level: Intermediate / Supervisory Support

Location: Various regions within South Africa and/or Namibia

Key Responsibilities

Site Administration

• Maintain accurate records, filing systems, and project documentation for internal and external audits.
• Ensure all documentation is highly accurate and aligned with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and HSE standards.
• Complete and submit required safety checklists, compliance logs, and administrative reports.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and project updates for management.

Safety Monitoring and Hazard Control

• Monitor high-risk activities (confined spaces, hot work, working at heights) to ensure strict compliance with permit-to-work systems.
• Maintain continuous vigilance over assigned work areas, enforcing isolation, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and risk control procedures.
• Ensure correct usage of required PPE and verify that safety and emergency equipment is fully operational.
• Support emergency response efforts, track site incidents, and promptly report hazards, non-conformances, or deviations.

Procurement and Logistics

• Perform project procurement activities and coordinate material logistics and deliveries under Construction Manager supervision.
• Manage and replenish office supplies and site administrative resources.

HR Support and Team Coordination

• Assist with site HR duties, including daily attendance tracking, induction records, and maintaining staff documentation.
• Support employee coordination and facilitate seamless communication between Construction, Mechanical, QA/QC, HSE, and HR teams.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate.
• Recognised SHE Representative Training (MERSETA, CETA, HWSETA or equivalent).
• Diploma in Administration or Construction Management is advantageous.
• First Aid, Firefighting, and Emergency Response training.
• Strong understanding of Permit-to-Work Systems, Legal Liability, Risk Assessment, and
• Incident Investigation.
• Valid Working at Heights & Confined Space Entry training certificates; driver's license.
• Knowledge of ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 is highly advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 - 3 years’ combined experience in site administration, project support, or as a Safety Watcher in petrochemical, oil & gas, or heavy industrial environments.
• Prior experience in high-risk industrial environments (e.g., tank repair, turnarounds, and piping installation) is preferred.
• Cross-functional experience coordinating with Construction, Mechanical, QA/QC, HSE, and HR teams.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, and basic SHEQ reporting systems.
• Expertise in procurement processes, HR attendance tracking, and maintaining ISO-compliant records.
• Strong hazard identification, knowledge of LOTO/isolation procedures, and proper PPE enforcement.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, read basic scaffolding drawings, and interpret legal/client SHEQ requirements.
• Strong communication, documentation, conflict management, and presentation skills.