JOB SUMMARY

Job Title: Assistant Director of Occupational Health and Safety
Reports To: Executive Director of OHS
Location: Halifax, NS
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

ABOUT SAFETY SERVICES NOVA SCOTIA

Safety Services Nova Scotia (SSNS) is seeking an Assistant Director of Occupational Health and Safety to join our dedicated and growing team in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
At SSNS, we are committed to building a safer Nova Scotia for everyone. For over 50 years, Safety Services Nova Scotia has been a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives across our province. We provide sector-leading training, education, and advocacy in crucial areas such as Road Safety, Occupational Safety, and Community Safety. Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of safety, ultimately creating healthier and more secure communities throughout Nova Scotia.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Director Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is responsible for delivering services to clients and managing daily operations. This role ensures that all operations meet or exceed applicable occupational health and safety legislation, industry standards, and internal policies, while fostering a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization and client organizations.
A key responsibility of this position is building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. This requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to listen actively, communicate clearly, and adapt messaging to the needs of diverse audiences. Strong communication skills are essential, particularly in the delivery of in-the-field training and courses, where engaging participants and ensuring that safety concepts are both understood and applied. By fostering open dialogue, demonstrating credibility, and addressing client needs with clarity and consistency, the Assistant Director of Occupational Health and Safety strengthens long-term partnerships and advances a culture of safety excellence and organizational reputation for Safety Services Nova Scotia.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Experience and skill in delivering OHS training.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Public speaking.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, or related field preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., CRSP, CSP) required.
• Minimum 10 years of OHS experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable OHS laws (Both Provincial and Federal), standards, and best practices.
• Proven ability to design and implement safety programs and initiatives in a variety of industries and sectors.
• Ability to deliver training, auditing and consulting services to clients across broad range of industries and sectors.
• Strong relationship-building, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, delivery of training, risk assessment, incident investigation, and regulatory liaison.