Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC

Position Type: Casual Position CUPE 401

Reports to: Station Operations Manager

Hourly Rate: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Hours Worked: While anticipated to be 37.5 hours per week during most weeks of the term, hours will fluctuate depending on operational requirements.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

About Us

For over 50 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported year-round education and research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. BMSC is owned and managed by a not-for-profit organization, the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), whose members are the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria. Our vision is to inspire transformational relationships with the ocean through science.

Position Overview

The On-Site Safety Coordinator is responsible for implementing, coordinating and maintaining the BMSC's Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) program. The Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring compliance with WorkSafeBC legislation, supporting departmental safety practices, and facilitating emergency preparedness and response.

This is a collaborative, operationally focused role suited to someone with a solid foundation in workplace safety, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work across multiple departments in a semi-remote, team-based setting.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Site Safety

Lead the implementation of the BMSC OHS Policy & overall program and ensure ongoing compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
Perform regular inspections of facilities, labs, housing, foreshore, and mechanical areas to identify hazards and monitor safe practices.
Ensure safety postings, documentation, first aid kits, MSDS binders, emergency contact lists, and signage are maintained and updated.

Emergency Response & Preparedness

Manage and ensure successful implementation of the BMSC Emergency Response Program.
Act as the Lead Emergency Responder and Occupational First Aid Attendant.
Maintain emergency equipment and supplies, including AEDs, trauma kits, and muster point signage.
Coordinate emergency drills (e.g., fire, earthquake/tsunami, marine incidents) at regular intervals.
Liaise with Occupational First Aid Attendants to ensure coverage and equipment readiness.

JOHSC Administration

Coordinate and attend monthly Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) meetings.
Prepare and circulate meeting agendas and minutes; ensure inspections and incident investigations are documented and followed up.
Track JOHSC member training requirements and ensure records are up to date.

Departmental Coordination & Support

Foreshore Support: Assist with hazard assessments, documentation, and compliance related to vessel operations, equipment use, and marine fieldwork preparation.
Programs (Education & Fieldwork): Review Field Risk Assessments (FRAs) for planned field activities and assist with remote work check-in protocols.

Training & Orientation

Assist with onboarding new staff, contractors, students, and researchers with tailored safety orientations.
Track and maintain training records for certifications such as WHMIS, Bear Safety, Marine Safety, and First Aid.
Deliver or coordinate periodic refresher sessions for seasonal and permanent staff.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate safety records, including incident logs, inspections, safety meetings, and training completion.
Submit injury reports to Site Operations Manager and support WorkSafeBC reporting as needed.
Assist with audit readiness and documentation for external reviews or funding compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

Completion of a Diploma or Certificate Program in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, or a related field (required).
Current Occupational First Aid Level 2 (or willingness to obtain).
Valid Class 5 driver's licence (required)
Valid Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification is considered an asset.

Skills & Experience

3-5+ years in a safety coordination role in an industrial, education, or research setting.
Experience in applying WorkSafeBC legislation and supporting JOHSC processes.
Experience working in or with marine environments is preferred.
Clear understanding of health and safety best practices across diverse operational settings.
Strong administrative, coordination, and record-keeping abilities.
Effective computer proficiency with O365, including MS Teams, Word, Excel and Outlook.
Effective verbal and written communication skills including ability to communicate with BMSC staff members and its clientele.
Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interact in a friendly and professional manner with a range of clients and staff.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and accepted standard practices.
Comfortable working in a remote, multi-building site with marine and wilderness surroundings.

Other Requirements

Ability to work on-site and respond to emergencies after-hours.
Ability to safely and successfully perform all essential functions.
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of apparatus and/or related equipment.
Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and the names of two references to: . Please submit documents as PDFs and label them clearly with your first and last name and the position title (e.g., FirstName_LastName_SSC2025_CoverLetter).

For further information about the BMSC and our research initiatives, please visit our website at .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

BMSC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

As we are located in a remote area, we understand that additional considerations may be needed during the hiring process. We're committed to providing accommodations at every stage, in accordance with the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA). If you need any support or adjustments during the process, please reach out to our Human Resources team. All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.

Job Types: Full-time, Casual

Pay: $25.00-$27.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:
Bamfield, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:
OHS Coordinator: 3 years (required)

Location:
Bamfield, BC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-09-02