Department: Labour, Skills and Immigration
Location: PORT HAWKESBURY
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 11-Sep-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

At the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, we are responsible for delivering effective and efficient regulatory management for the protection of the public and workers’ safety through education, outreach, inspection and enforcement, equipment registration, permits, and licenses. Our staff of over 115 employees, located throughout Nova Scotia, do this by using the Pathways to Compliance to enhance compliance of provincially regulated employees, employers and contractors through setting, promoting, verifying and enforcing requirements under various pieces of legislation.
LSI works to provide fairness, safety, and prosperity for all Nova Scotians by helping them live, learn and work to their highest potential. We have a staff of more than 500 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia. Together we are responsible for safety, labour standards, apprenticeship, immigration and population growth, and many other facets of everyday life.
If you are searching for a rewarding career, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As the Occupational Health and Safety Officer duties also include:

• Performs inspections of all provincially regulated operations for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations.
• Investigates workplace accidents, fatalities, work refusals, health and safety complaints, and allegations of discriminatory action, as assigned by the Regional Director, which are not assigned to investigators.
• Assesses and enforces compliance with the employer’s internal responsibility system, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations by issuing workplace warnings, orders and stop work orders.
• Recommends preventative measures to ensure workplace safety through education.
• Prepares inspection reports and detailed written reports and recommendations.

• Reviews employer generated documentation such as hazard assessments, safe work procedures, accident/incident investigation reports, and occupational health and safety programs.Responds to requests for service and interpretation of legislated requirements for employers, employees and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed high school as well as a related trade or technical training in the area of specialty (Occupational Health & Safety) with 7 years of related experience after the course completion.
You must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team, exhibiting collaborative behaviors. The ability to exercise professional discretion, manage competing interests, and maintain and build effective stakeholder relationships is critical. Previous experience in dealing with difficult clients is a must. You must be able to understand, interpret and explain legislation in plain language terms for clients. You must be comfortable, and able to communicate effectively, in a variety of settings including one-on-one and larger gatherings.
You have experience conducting workplace inspections and complaint investigations, as well as investigations of accidents and incidents. You will also have experience reviewing employer generated documentation such as hazard assessments, safe work procedures, accident/incident investigation reports, and occupational health and safety programs.
You will have experience conducting safety inspections; safety audits and provides safety orientations; and identifies health and safety hazards.
Demonstrated proficiency in various computer programs, (i.e. Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook) as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills, is required. This position requires access to a reliable motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Offer of employment is contingent on an appropriate background and criminal records check.
While not required, it is considered an asset if you have a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation, P. Eng designation, or acceptable equivalency.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations.
• Knowledge of inspection and investigation procedures.
• Knowledge of industry sectors including mining, forestry, fishing, health care and manufacturing.Must be capable of carrying out duties and responsibilities independently and often immediately in frequently stressful and/or adverse environmental conditions which will require maturity, integrity, tact, intelligence and excellent judgement respecting the factual and human dimensions of the situation.

• Performs inspections of all provincially regulated operations for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations.
• Investigates workplace accidents, fatalities, work refusals, health and safety complaints, and allegations of discriminatory action, as assigned by the Regional Director, which are not assigned to investigators.
• Assesses and enforces compliance with the employer’s internal responsibility system, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations by issuing workplace warnings, orders and stop work orders.
• Recommends preventative measures to ensure workplace safety through education.
• Prepares inspection reports and detailed written reports and recommendations.
• Reviews employer generated documentation such as hazard assessments, safe work procedures, accident/incident investigation reports, and occupational health and safety programs.Responds to requests for service and interpretation of legislated requirements for employers, employees and the general public