The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer will provide support in maintaining the health and safety of university personnel, students and campus grounds. Focus will be overseeing and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices throughout campus and within the portfolio of the Medical, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine programs. The role involves implementing strategies to safeguard the health and safety of staff, faculty, students, and visitors while ensuring a conducive learning, teaching, and research environment. 

The officer will support the university in adhering to occupational health and safety laws, university policies, and best practices for laboratory and clinical safety, as well as environmental sustainability. Key responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, providing health and safety training, reviewing safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety, and ensuring university activities align with relevant regulatory standards. The HSE Officer will also collaborate closely with academic departments, research teams, and Facilities Management to ensure the safe operation of facilities. The position requires knowledge of medical and veterinary practices, as well as a strong understanding of safety protocols in laboratory settings, clinical environments, and animal care facilities.
 

What we offer: 

• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Comprehensive Health and Dental 
• RRSP Contribution
• Tuition Waivers 
• Health and Wellness on Campus available to staff 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant provincial and federal health and safety regulations including PEI Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, UPEI policies and procedures, and the PEI Environmental Protection Act
• Ensure the university follows environmentally sustainable practices and monitors the environmental impact of research projects and clinical activities, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations
• Ensure animal care facilities meet regulatory standards for ventilation, waste management, and safety
• Review health, safety, and environmental policies
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, researchers, and animal care staff to develop safety protocols specific to their areas of work
• Conduct regular health and safety risk assessments across clinical and laboratory environments, ensuring hazards are identified, evaluated, and mitigated. Evaluate risks associated with medical and veterinary procedures, equipment, and chemicals in use within the Medical, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine programs
• Recommend preventive measures and safe practices to minimize the likelihood of accidents or health incidents
• Support accreditation processes and audits related to safety and environmental standards
• Deliver health, safety, and environmental training programs, tailored to students, faculty, and staff in departments such as the Medical, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine programs. Ensure all students, staff, and faculty are properly trained in the safe use of medical equipment, laboratory tools, and animal handling procedures
• Ensure compliance with infection control processes and biosecurity
• Assist in incident investigation, workplace inspections, HSE programming, training and presentations
• Maintain Main Campus safety compliance and communication as part of HSE profile management
• Remain current with OHS and other provincial and federal legislation and maintain a working knowledge of all UPEI policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-Secondary education with a focus on health management, clinical practice, and Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
• Previous experience in a health, safety, and environmental role, preferably in an academic, medical, or veterinary setting 
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols
• Knowledge of the PEI Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, PEI Workers’ Compensation Act and Regulations
• Familiarity with the specific safety challenges in medical and veterinary environments, including infection control, handling biological and chemical hazards, and working with animals
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with a demonstrated ability to build strong, positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders with a focus on customer service
• Demonstrated problem solving skills with the ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues, conflict resolution training is an asset.
• Strong presentation skills
• Computer competence and proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience in a unionized environment is preferred
• Experience in an academic environment is an asset