Job Description

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Safety and Security
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Term: To March 31, 2026
Salary: $41.13 to $48.95 hourly
Part-time, based on 37.5 hours bi-weekly
Employment Opportunity No.: 25.59
Closing Date: Monday May 26, 2025
*This opportunity open to Yukon University employees only*
Yukon University is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist to foster a safe and healthy work and learning environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure, the Specialist is accountable for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Yukon University's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Wellness programs.
This position plays a key role in ensuring legislative compliance, guiding best practices, managing medical absences and accommodations, and advising on disability and wellness matters across all Yukon University campuses. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on implementation, requiring a proactive, collaborative, and consultative approach.
Key Responsibilities:
Health & Safety Program Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the university's comprehensive OHS program in accordance with Yukon's Workers Safety & Compensation Act and other applicable legislation.
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety audits; ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Create and maintain safety documentation, including policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Provide strategic input and support the university's compliance with evolving legislation and best practices.

Medical Absence and Disability Management

• Oversee the management of sick leave, long-term disability, workers' compensation, and return-to-work programs.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, external providers (e.g., Manulife, WCB), and legal counsel as needed.
• Coordinate functional ability assessments and accommodations in alignment with human rights legislation.

Training & Education

• Deliver and coordinate training for employees and leaders on workplace safety, hazard assessments, incident investigations, and inspections.
• Promote a culture of safety and wellness through awareness initiatives, campaigns, and communications.

Incident Management & Reporting

• Lead and support investigations of workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses, including root cause analysis.
• Track incidents and prepare regular reports for internal stakeholders and the OHS Committee.

Emergency Preparedness

• Assist in the development and maintenance of emergency response procedures and evacuation plans.
• Collaborate with Campus Security and emergency services for drills and readiness.

Committee and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate and participate in Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC), including agenda development and action tracking.
• Provide expert guidance to HR, union/management committees, and campus departments on safety, wellness, and disability matters.

Qualifications
Required:
A post-secondary degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Disability Management, or a related field plus a minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in health and safety, wellness, or disability management in a unionized, public sector environment. Also a strong understanding of Yukon occupational health and safety legislation and standards, eexcellent communication, leadership, and consultative skills and ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Preferred:

• CRSP designation or equivalent (or eligibility to obtain).
• Experience in a post-secondary or educational institution.
• Knowledge of industrial safety training (e.g., Fall Protection, Lockout/Tagout).
• Emergency management or business continuity planning experience.

Working Conditions
Office-based with regular on-site inspections across various work environments (labs, trades shops, outdoor areas). Some travel to community campuses and occasional evening or weekend hours for training or incident response.
Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon first Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.
Consideration may be given to candidates with the appropriate blend of education and experience.
Quoting the employment opportunity number, please send your cover letter and resume to: Human Resource Services
Yukon University, Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4
Fax: 867 668 8896
Email:
Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications since selection for interview will be based on applications submitted. A statement of qualifications, which outlines the selection standards, and a position description are available in PDF format for all Bargaining Unit positions, by following the links above.
Please be prepared to provide official transcripts upon request.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.