Health and Safety Advisor

Job Description

destinationone has partnered with the City of Maple Ridge to hire for this Health and Safety Advisor role.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, Employee & Labour Relations and Health & Safety, the Health & Safety Advisor provides strategic and operational leadership in the development, implementation, and oversight of the City’s health and safety programs. This role not only ensures compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements but also acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and management on complex health and safety issues.

The incumbent will lead initiatives that enhance workplace safety culture, drive continuous improvement, and integrate health and safety practices into organizational strategy. The Health & Safety Advisor collaborates with departments to assess risks, develop proactive solutions, implement safety programs, and manage complex incidents or claims. Work assignments are typically self-initiated and require advanced professional judgment, critical thinking, and leadership in accordance with established policies. Performance is evaluated based on achievement of departmental goals, organizational outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert advice and guidance to management, supervisors, and employees on complex health and safety matters, including regulatory interpretation, risk mitigation, and program implementation.
  
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the City’s Safety Management System, ensuring compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations.
  
• Develop, maintain, and communicate strategic health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring integration with corporate objectives and operational practices.
  
• Conduct high-level risk assessments across multiple departments and advise on proactive strategies to minimize hazards and improve workplace safety culture.
  
• Lead complex investigations of accidents, incidents, and near misses, analyzing root causes, recommending corrective actions, and reporting findings to senior leadership and regulatory authorities.
  
• Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive health and safety training programs, tailored to the needs of various employee groups, and provide coaching to supervisors on safety leadership.
  
• Assist with WSBC claims management, including return-to-work programs, accommodations, and appeals, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with City objectives.
  
• Conduct audits and inspections of City facilities, programs, and operations, providing strategic recommendations to enhance safety performance.
  
• Develop and coordinate emergency response plans, business continuity strategies, and safety drills; advise leadership on best practices and compliance.
  
• Plan and carry out regular and annual audits and inspections across City facilities and operations to identify non-compliance issues, assess risk, and recommend practical improvements to enhance overall safety performance.
  
• Lead and coordinate the City’s first aid program, ensuring staff are properly trained, certified, and equipped, and that practices align with current best-practice standards.
  
• Serve as a liaison with external regulatory bodies, industry associations, and training providers to influence health and safety standards and stay current on emerging trends.
  
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and projects that enhance employee safety, wellness, and compliance, including supporting HR programs that integrate disability, attendance, and wellness strategies.
  
• Prepare and present complex reports, analyses, and recommendations for senior management and external agencies.
  
• Mentor and provide guidance to JOHS committee members and staff, promoting professional development, knowledge sharing, and succession planning within the team.
  

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations, standards, and collective agreements, with ability to interpret and apply to complex operational situations.
  
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and collaboration, with a focus on achieving shared success and positive outcomes across teams.
  
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice and influence senior leadership and managers on health and safety matters.
  
• Skilled in leading complex workplace inspections, investigations, and occupational hygiene assessments.
  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and make sound judgments in high-pressure situations.
  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate trends, prepare reports, and recommend solutions based on data-driven insights.
  
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, HRIS, safety databases, and reporting tools.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external interest holders.
  
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
  
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills to support professional development of team members and promote a culture of safety.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources Management, Disability Management, or related field with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in health and safety within a unionized environment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  
• Thorough knowledge of WorkSafe BC, provincial and federal safety regulations, claims management, and risk mitigation strategies.
  
• Certification as a CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or BCRP (BC Registered Safety Professional) is preferred.
  
• Municipal or public sector experience is an asset.
  
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License in the Province of British Columbia.
  

About destinationone Consulting

destinationone Consulting is a North America–based strategic recruitment, executive search, and HR advisory firm serving purpose-led organizations across high-impact industries. Our sector expertise spans CleanTech, Education and EdTech, Health and Med Tech, Healthcare and Wellness, Government (Municipal, State, and Federal), Non Profit, Sustainability, and other public sector domains.

How to Apply

If this opportunity aligns with your skills and career goals, please apply with an updated resume in MS Word format. While we may not be able to contact everyone, we will connect with candidates whose profiles match the requirements of the role.

Rest assured, your profile will remain in our network, and we’ll reach out when a suitable opportunity arises.

To learn more about us and stay updated on opportunities, follow destinationone Consulting on LinkedIn.

Thank you for considering this opportunity—we’re excited to support you in your career journey.

Requirements
Diploma or degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources Management, Disability Management, or a related discipline. Minimum of three to five years of progressive experience in occupational health and safety within a unionized environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In-depth knowledge of WorkSafe BC regulations, claims management processes, and risk mitigation strategies. Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or BC Registered Safety Professional (BCRSP) preferred. Valid Class 5 Driver’s License in the Province of British Columbia. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Extensive knowledge of health and safety legislation, WorkSafe BC regulations, and industry standards, with the ability to apply them to complex operational environments. Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills to assess risks, evaluate data, and develop effective safety solutions. Proven ability to provide strategic advice and influence senior leadership on health and safety matters. Skilled in conducting workplace inspections, investigations, and occupational hygiene assessments. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and collaborate across all levels of the organization. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS, SharePoint, and safety reporting tools; ability to develop database reports and documentation. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and maintain professionalism in challenging situations. Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide committees and support continuous improvement in safety practices. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, maintaining professionalism and integrity at all times. About destinationone Consulting destinationone Consulting is a North America–based strategic recruitment, executive search, and HR advisory firm serving purpose-led organizations across high-impact industries. Our sector expertise spans CleanTech, Education and EdTech, Health and Med Tech, Healthcare and Wellness, Government (Municipal, State, and Federal), Non Profit, Sustainability, and other public sector domains. How to Apply If this opportunity aligns with your skills and career goals, please apply with an updated resume in MS Word format. While we may not be able to contact everyone, we will connect with candidates whose profiles match the requirements of the role. Rest assured, your profile will remain in our network, and we’ll reach out when a suitable opportunity arises. To learn more about us and stay updated on opportunities, follow destinationone Consulting on LinkedIn. Thank you for considering this opportunity—we’re excited to support you in your career journey.