Reporting to the Director of People & Workplace Culture, the Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing and managing workplace health & safety programs for ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (AFN). This role ensures compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation while creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all staff, contractors and community members. The OHS Coordinator provides expertise in risk assessment, training, policy development, and emergency preparedness for both indoor and outdoor work settings across AFN programs, services, and operations.
ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.
Job Type: This role is full-time working 35 hours per week onsite.
The primary responsibilities include:
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Design, implement and manage an Occupational Health & Safety program tailored to AFN’s diverse operations.
- Develop and implement health and safety programs, including standard operating procedures, policies, booking and tracking of training to mitigate risk, optimize worker’s health and safety and foster a positive occupational health and safety culture.
- Respond to safety issues, minimize safety risks, and keep accurate records of all incidents, accidents and near-misses. Report as required to the appropriate governing body.
- Oversee health and safety assessments in compliance with provincial and federal guidelines.
- Attend the AFN Emergency Operations Centre when activated, as needed.
- Lead and participate in on-site first aid and medical incidents. Contact the appropriate agencies as required (ie ambulance, fire, SAR, RCMP, etc).
- Create and coordinate a first aid team and fire marshal for each building/work area.
- Develop evacuation procedures, mapping, muster points and accountability for each building/work area.
- Lead and participate in workplace audits and investigations of safety concerns, incidents and accidents.
- Lead and participate in workplace inspections to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do not present a safety or health hazard to employees.
- Conduct regular field visits, workplace inspections, hazard assessments and risk analyses for worksites.
- Ensure AFN staff and third-party contractors are working in compliance with all procedures and protocols (ie construction crews, cultural & prevention burn crews, etc).
- Provide training to employers, employees and the general public (as needed) on issues of workplace safety.
- Communicate, engage and influence decision-makers and workers to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations.
- Maintain training records for staff members and arrange third party training opportunities.
- Create and implement new safe work procedures as workplace and job scope growth occurs.
- Collaborate with all other departments as needed. Consult with Healthcare staff and/or Emergency staff to execute joint projects.
- Conduct all work in compliance with AFN Governance Policy and all applicable governing bodies rules and regulations.
- Collaborate with the JOHS committee and participate in regular safety meetings and training.
- Keep up-to-date on all required certifications and accreditations to maintain job position qualifications.
- Maintain privacy expectation, quality of care standards and integrity at all times.
Qualifications:
- Diploma or certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in occupational health and safety, workplace safety coordination, or a related role
- Working knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations, Workers Compensation Act requirements, and occupational health and safety best practices
- Experience supporting incident investigations, safety inspections, hazard assessments, and return-to-work processes
- Strong understanding of safety policies, procedures, and workplace compliance requirements
- Occupational First Aid certification considered an asset
- COR (Certificate of Recognition) training or experience considered an asset
- Experience developing and delivering safety training and orientation programs is an asset
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to maintain accurate records and reporting documentation
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and ability to travel locally
- Experience working with First Nations/Aboriginal/Indigenous communities
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
What we offer:
- Competitive base salary (starting salary $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with education and experience)
- Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year
- Paid annual vacation
- Paid sick days
- Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Short- and Long-Term Disability, available after 3 months of service
- Matched RRSP program with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service
- Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia
Akisqnuk supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
