REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• A university degree in a relevant field with a minimum of eight (8) years of health and safety experience.
• A professional certification in Occupational Health and Safety. A certification in Industrial/Occupational Hygiene (C.I.H. or R.O.H.) is considered an asset.
• Minimum of five (5) years of management experience, including supervision of technical staff in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of collective agreements and working in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Strong understanding of health & safety laws and regulations as well as experience managing health and safety programs in a complex organizational environment, preferably in health & safety within Academics or research settings.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills to effectively manage a team and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Several years of experience in an organizationally relevant environment, preferably in a health and safety or research setting.
• Previous work in a university or other academic environment is considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). Must be able to interact effectively with diverse groups of individuals at all levels within the university organizational structure. Able to convey information that has an adverse impact on stakeholders in a candid and clear manner.
• Able to confidently present to leaders across diverse audiences on behalf of the department and the Director.
• Supervisory skills and ability to motivate staff and create a positive work environment.
• High degree of initiative and a high level of organizational skills is needed to develop, plan and coordinate the operations and activities of the health and safety programs.
• Strong team player who works well under pressure, with the ability to adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility and initiative. This includes the ability to respond to tight deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources. Ability to conceptualize creative plans and workable solutions for dealing with a wide array of management problems.
• Planning skills to propose new initiatives and to improve the efficiency of health and safety programs.
• Sound judgement, tact, and discretion.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Proven ability to prioritize and delegate work/responsibilities as required.
• Proven accuracy and attention to detail, creativity, resourcefulness and task completion.
• Advanced administrative skills, including using computers for data analysis, spreadsheets, and word processing. Ability to adapt to and support the implementation of new technologies.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and have the initiative and creativity to develop innovative and value-added solutions to issues.
• Leadership skills with a commitment to promoting positive, inclusive working relationships.

DECISION MAKING:
• Makes decisions regarding policies of the department and the legislation governing the health and safety programs.
• Solve unexpected problems as they arise, referring only very complex problems to the Director. Determine when to advise the Director of any situation that might impact negatively on the department and formulates strategies for remedial action.
• Decide on the significance of problems and make recommendations for action, identifying potential risks and benefits; determine options or range of solutions to problems.
• Display sound judgment and effective time management to determine priorities and meet firm deadlines.
• Review and implement new procedures and changes to existing procedures as deemed necessary.
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Makes effective recommendations on the level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on an appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.