Job Description

Environmental, Occupational Health & Safety Officer

COMPETITION NO. AD25-14

Band 10: $87,240 - $109,049

About Durham College:

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.


A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.


Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs - including six honours bachelor's degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs - to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.


A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA's Top 100 employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.


DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Risk Management, the Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety Officer (EOH&S Officer) is responsible for fostering a safe and healthy work and learning environment at Durham College. This role ensures institutional compliance with health, safety, and environmental legislation through policy development, training, inspections, and incident management. The incumbent provides expert consultation, leads risk mitigation efforts, and promotes a proactive safety culture across all campuses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy and Compliance:

Develops, reviews, and updates health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines (including safe operating procedures) to ensure institutional compliance with relevant legislation Provides expert advice and consultation to staff on the interpretation and application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related regulations, including First Aid Regulation 1101. Recommends and supports injury prevention and workplace safety strategies. Ensures safe work programs and guidelines reflect compliance with OHSA and clearly communicate expectations to workers and students.

Training and Awareness:

Promotes a strong culture of health and safety by developing, sourcing, and delivering employee training programs that support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. Ensures employees understand and follow safety protocols across all operational areas. Conducts risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and implements appropriate mitigation measures. Provides training and resources to Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members and supports their workplace inspections.

Safety Programs and Inspections:

Manages the institutional Defibrillator Program, ensuring all units are properly maintained and in working order. Coordinates hazard assessments and workplace inspections in collaboration with the Multi-site Joint Health and Safety Committees (MSJHSC). Tracks and monitors corrective and preventive actions arising from inspections or incidents. Conducts ergonomic assessments and recommends workspace modifications to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks.

Contractor Safety:

Develops contractor safety protocols to ensure institutional due diligence under OHSA and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) expectations. Reviews contractor safety documentation, participates in pre-start meetings, and ensures safety plans and orientations are completed. Conducts site reviews and risk assessments and liaises with contractors and Facilities in the event of incidents.

Incident Management and Reporting:

Monitors accident and incident reports, initiates investigations, and makes recommendations for corrective or preventive measures. Prepares and submits required reports to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and the MLITSD. Develops and monitors return-to-work plans in coordination with employees, supervisors, and Human Resources, as appropriate. Maintains comprehensive records of inspections, incidents, and case statuses, and analyzes trends to identify proactive prevention strategies.

Environmental Responsibilities:

Oversees hazardous waste management to ensure compliance with Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Regulation 347. Maintains compliance with the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) registration requirements. Coordinates proper storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous waste, and ensures staff are trained accordingly.

Consultation and Advisory Services:

Provides consultation to internal stakeholders including faculty, staff, and students on safety concerns, injury reports, and accommodations. Collaborates with external consultants, industrial hygienists, and safety networks such as Colleges of Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Administrators (COOSHA). Acts as a liaison between the JHSC and management to promote a collaborative safety culture. Advises on safety planning for student accommodations with health and safety implications.

Qualifications:

A minimum of a 3-year diploma/degree in a relevant field Professional designation such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or equivalent is required or must be obtained as a condition of employment. Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in occupational health and safety. Experience in workplace inspections, hazard assessments, incident investigations, and hazardous material handling. Demonstrated leadership and effective communication skills, especially in reconciling diverse viewpoints and managing sensitive situations. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all matters related to students, staffing and programming. Strong knowledge of OHSA, environmental regulations, and industry standards. Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills. Analytical and problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis. Effective organizational, interpersonal, leadership, judgement, critical thinking, and decision-making skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Power Automate and MS Forms is an asset. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments. Strong interpersonal, coaching, facilitation, and team-building skills.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 8:00 p.m. EST on November 13, 2025. Competition number AD25-14.

Contact Us

T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca

C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON


Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.


We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.