Health and Safety Officer

Position Summary

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. The Health and Safety Officer position is instrumental in building a strong safety culture that aligns with our commitments to the well-being of our employees, following WorkSafeBC standards and other regulatory compliance. We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Health and Safety Officer to join our team, working collaboratively to develop and implement a safety program to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our employees.

Under the direction of the Human Resources Manager, the Health and Safety Officer is dedicated to ensuring that health and safety practices are established, communicated, and followed throughout our organization as well as overseeing our accommodations practices, return to work, and injury management to ensure continued staff wellbeing. This role is vital in maintaining a safe workplace that respects and integrates First Nations perspectives and practices, promoting a culture of health and safety through a collaborative and consultative approach.

The Health and Safety Officer has the authority to stop work when it is being conducted in an unsafe manner, including impairment

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values Indigenous knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

• Supportive and inclusive work environment that values Indigenous knowledge and perspectives,
• Competitive salary, pension with employer contributions, as well as health and dental benefits package. (Pension and benefits package may vary, apply after a successful probationary period, and will be confirmed during the interview and hiring process.)
• 13 statutory holidays, accrued vacation, accrued sick time, 3 paid personal leave days, and bereavement leave that understands family connections,
• Opportunities for professional development and training,
• Casual dress code.

• Develop, review, implement and communicate health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with applicable laws and regulations, including WorkSafeBC and Ministry of Labour standards.
• Act as a primary contact and expert for all health and safety matters, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Provide safety orientation and training programs for employees and young workers, including but not limited to focusing on safety, hazards, risk assessments, personal protective equipment, reporting practices, and emergency procedures.
• Serve as a case manager for occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses, liaising with WorkSafeBC and insurance providers, and collaborating with the Human Resources Manager on accommodation and returns to work.

• Engage with staff and stakeholders to foster a culture of safety that respects First Nations values and traditions.
• Promote awareness of intergenerational trauma and its impact on health and safety practices.
• Ensure that safety initiatives and training incorporate First Nations knowledge and approaches to wellbeing.

• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential hazards, recommending appropriate control measures.
• Perform inspections, audits, and monitoring of employees and contractors to ensure adherence to safety standards.
• Investigate and report on hazards, incidents, accidents, injuries, and near-misses, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions, including leading disciplinary meetings in collaboration with…