Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States.
Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the HSE Director, the Senior HSE Advisor provides leadership, expertise, and strategic HSE support to project and operations teams across assigned regions in North America. Working closely with Operations, Project Management, field leadership, clients, and HSE leadership, the Senior HSE Advisor serves as a key HSE resource responsible for driving compliance, strengthening safety culture, and improving HSE performance across projects and worksites.
The Senior HSE Advisor provides guidance and mentorship to HSE Advisors and field leadership, leads complex HSE initiatives, and acts as a trusted partner to Operations and clients in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards and improving overall safety performance.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety & Compliance
- Demonstrate and champion Forbes Bros.' core value of "WE WORK SAFE" in all activities and interactions.
- Provide senior-level HSE leadership, guidance, and expertise to field employees, Foremen, Supervisors, Managers, and Project Leadership.
- Act as a change agent in developing and sustaining an interdependent safety culture across projects and operations.
- Lead and oversee hazard assessments, workplace inspections, incident investigations, audits, and compliance activities in accordance with applicable legislation, client requirements, and company standards.
- Provide direction and support on complex or high-risk HSE matters and ensure appropriate corrective actions are identified, implemented, and tracked to completion.
- Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of HSE performance measures and initiatives in alignment with the Forbes Bros. Group HSE Strategic Business Plan.
- Lead and facilitate tailboard meetings, HSE orientations, training initiatives, toolbox talks, and other safety programs as required.
- Lead the development and review of Project Safety Plans, Hazard/Risk Registries, Job Safety Analyses (JSA), Safe Work Procedures, and other HSE documentation.
- Lead or support HSE audits and inspections, including client and regulatory audits, and ensure findings are effectively addressed.
- Partner with Operations and Project Management to proactively identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities to improve HSE performance.
- Support the management of workplace injuries, WCB claims, return-to-work processes, and other occupational health and safety matters.
- Work closely with Operations Management to monitor HSE performance, training compliance, incident prevention, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead or support investigations of serious incidents, high-potential events, and recurring incidents, ensuring root causes and corrective actions are identified.
- Report significant incidents, client HSE concerns, regulatory involvement, trends, and performance metrics to the HSE Director and Operational Leadership.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable legislation, industry standards, client requirements, and emerging HSE best practices.
Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to HSE Advisors and other HSE personnel.
- Support the development of HSE team members through knowledge sharing, field coaching, and identification of professional development opportunities.
- Promote consistency in the application of HSE programs, processes, and standards across projects and regions.
- Lead by example and demonstrate a visible, proactive field presence.
- Build strong relationships with project leadership, field employees, clients, and other stakeholders to influence positive safety outcomes.
- Serve as a senior HSE representative for the company on complex projects and client engagements.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain a strong field presence to engage workers and supervisors, identify hazards, and address safety concerns in real time.
- Collaborate with Operations, Project Management, and field leadership to develop and implement practical HSE solutions.
- Analyze HSE data, incident trends, inspection findings, and leading/lagging indicators to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safety performance, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness.
- Support the implementation and ongoing improvement of HSE systems, processes, programs, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead lessons-learned initiatives and communicate key findings and preventative actions across projects and operations.
- Work collaboratively with clients and other stakeholders to achieve shared HSE objectives and maintain strong client relationships.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- 5+ years of progressive experience in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), preferably within construction, utilities, electrical, transmission/distribution, or other high-risk industrial environments.
- Demonstrated experience providing HSE leadership on complex, multi-site, or large-scale projects, including incident investigations, audits, hazard/risk assessments, and corrective action processes.
- Proven experience developing and implementing HSE programs, procedures, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), project safety plans, and other safety initiatives.
- Experience providing mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to HSE professionals, supervisors, field leadership, and employees.
- Experience working collaboratively with clients, operational leadership, and regulatory bodies on HSE matters.
- Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- BCSP certification or similar professional designation is preferred. Experience as a Journeyman Lineman or Apprentice is also preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills.
- Ability to influence and engage employees and leaders at all levels of an organization.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to identify root causes and develop effective corrective actions.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of HSE outcomes.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across projects and locations.
- Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex HSE requirements in a practical and understandable manner.
- Strong conflict-resolution and influencing skills.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with clients, project teams, field employees, and senior leadership.
- Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced, changing, and geographically dispersed environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Additional Details
This is a field-based position and requires candidates to:
- Have and maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driver's abstract.
- Successfully complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
- Successfully complete background screening and criminal record check.
- Travel extensively as required, approximately 50–75%.
- Work in a variety of field, construction, and project environments and be comfortable engaging directly with field personnel and project leadership.
Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process.
Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, driver abstract, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client/site access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.
Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the recruitment team.
