Marine HSQE & Compliance Specialist

McKeil Marine is one of Canada’s leading marine service providers. Experienced and adaptive, we deliver turn-key solutions that support our customers success in a wide range of transportation and project challenges. Customer service, safety, quality, and respect for the environment are at the heart of our operations. When you join McKeil Marine you can look forward to a very competitive total compensation program and a team of passionate colleagues in a fast paced, growing organization that supports all communities in which we operate.

Marine HSQE & Compliance Specialist

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Operations Risk Management (ORM), the Marine HSQE & Compliance Specialist will be responsible for supporting and advancing the organization’s Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental, and regulatory compliance programs across fleet, vessel, and project site operations.

This role plays a key part in maintaining and improving the company’s Quality & Safety Management System (QSMS), supporting operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with vessel personnel, operational leaders, and shore-based departments to ensure regulatory and company standards are effectively implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.

This position is well suited for an individual with a marine operational background and demonstrated interest or experience in safety management systems, auditing, regulatory compliance, environmental management, and operational risk management within a marine environment.

The role includes regular interaction with vessels, operational teams, and project sites, including periodic vessel visits and travel as required to support operational and compliance activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Health, Safety, & Environmental Systems

• Perform audits, produce reports, review incidents, audit findings, and operational performance data to identify trends and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the maintenance of the Quality & Safety Management System (QSMS) to ensure health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements are documented, communicated, and effectively implemented.
• Coordinate and participate in operational and ORM meetings to communicate priorities, compliance requirements, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain current knowledge of HSQE legislation, Transport Canada and ESDC regulatory requirements specific to marine operations, industry standards, and best practices; recommend and implement program improvements as appropriate.
• Monitor and ensure maritime environmental compliances within our sphere of operations (Canada, USA, Europe) and assist to support environmental compliance initiatives, including spill prevention, waste management, environmental reporting, and related regulatory requirements.
• Conduct management system reviews and compliance assessments to strengthen operational performance and program effectiveness.
• Manage compliance calendars, reminders, action tracking logs, and regulatory deadlines to ensure timely completion of required activities.
• Conduct vessel visits, operational reviews, and non-audit site inspections to verify implementation of company standards, provide coaching, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Quality & Environmental Systems

• Support the ongoing administration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the company’s ISM program and Quality Management Systems.
• Support compliance activities associated with the company’s Document of Compliance (DoC) and Canadian Document of Compliance (CDoC).
• Serve as Alternate Company Security Officer (CSO), as assigned, supporting marine security and regulatory compliance activities.
• Lead and coordinate internal audits as Lead Auditor and support external audits involving regulatory authorities, clients, Class, and certification bodies.
• Support compliance audits with Masters, Chief Engineers, operational leaders, and project personnel; track findings, corrective actions, and close-out activities.
• Coordinate drill and exercise compliance activities to ensure scheduling, documentation, and follow-up requirements are met.
• Prepare audit summaries, management review inputs, compliance reports, and performance metrics to support operational and executive review processes.
• Support ISO-related compliance initiatives, including audit preparation, implementation support, and corrective action follow-up.
• Act as an interdepartmental liaison to support quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory initiatives across the organization.
• Support Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR) compliance activities and act as a regulatory support resource for operational teams.
• Maintain and promote operational safety, environmental stewardship, and equipment compliance standards throughout fleet and project operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualification, Skills and Key Competencies Required:

• Post-secondary education in marine studies, occupational health & safety, environmental management, engineering, or a related field, combined with progressive experience (preferably 3 plus years) within marine, transportation, industrial, or regulatory operations.
• Experience within the marine industry related to HSQE systems, quality management, environmental management, regulatory compliance, auditing, or operational risk management.
• Demonstrated experience planning, conducting, and reporting audits (internal and/or external); Lead Auditor designation or training considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of marine management systems and regulatory frameworks, including ISM Code, DoC/CDoC requirements, ISO standards, and related marine compliance programs.
• Familiarity with marine operations, vessel environments, and applicable regulatory bodies including Transport Canada, Class societies, and marine industry best practices.
• Strong organizational, documentation, report writing, and analytical skills with the ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical operational actions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across operational and shore-based teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and compliance tracking systems/databases.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and support multiple operational projects simultaneously.

Working Conditions/Special Notes:

• McKeil Marine Limited is a 24/7 operating business. This role will require after hours support for emergencies when business requirements dictate.
• Travel to vessels and operational sites as required will be necessary periodically for the purposes of conducting internal audits, vessel and site visits, and industry liaison or educational purposes.
• The ability to work remotely at home as outlined by current Hybrid WFH protocols and policies one day per week.

Join a dynamic organization making a tangible impact in the marine industry. McKeil Marine offers a very competitive total compensation program.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of a background check conducted through our third-party provider. The standard background check may include, depending on the position: criminal record clearance, employment and education verification, and a driver’s abstract review. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the background screening process, please contact our Recruitment team if you are invited for further consideration.

McKeil Marine is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports our people and culture. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. If you require accommodation or support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team at 1-800-454-4780 or email careers@mckeil.com.