Job Description

The Occupational Hygienist supports wildfire health and safety research in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). The role leads and coordinates applied field monitoring, laboratory workflows, and exposure assessment for wildfire personnel (e.g., smoke, silica heat, CO, particulates), ensures data quality and compliance, and advances evidence-based practices through timely analysis and reporting. The position is structured hourly with overtime eligibility to accommodate periods of heightened operational activity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Project Coordination

Plan and coordinate multi-partner studies across BCWS operations and academic labs; align timelines with wildfire and prescribed-fire seasons. Serve as day-to-day liaison among TRU, BCWS, and external PIs; provide regular progress updates and briefings. Maintain centralized repositories for protocols, SOPs, data, and QA/QC records to ensure continuity across seasons.

Occupational Hygiene Fieldwork

Design and carry out occupational exposure assessment strategies in accordance with industry best practices and standards Deploy, calibrate, and maintain environmental/physiological monitoring equipment (e.g., air samplers, pumps, data loggers, heat stress sensors). Lead field sampling (camps, bases, wildfires, prescribed burns) following TRU/BCWS safety protocols; manage chain-of-custody and sample integrity. Coordinate sample shipments and laboratory analyses; track turnaround and resolve issues with vendors/partners. Develop, implement, and annually evaluate the effectiveness of occupational hygiene programs including respiratory protection programs, exposure control plans, safe work procedures, hearing conservation programs, etc.

Data Management, Analysis & Reporting

Clean, manage, and analyze exposure and health datasets (e.g., PM, CO, biomarkers) using appropriate statistical methods. Prepare technical memos, dashboards, and stakeholder reports; contribute to manuscripts, posters, and presentations. Support funding and compliance reporting for BCWS and other sponsors.

Compliance, Safety & Procurement

Uphold occupational hygiene and research ethics requirements (REBs as applicable), including confidentiality and data security. Coordinate travel logistics and expenses; utilize a TRU purchase card (subject to policy) for approved research costs. Ensure instruments are serviced, consumables stocked, and vendor contracts are tracked against budgets.

Training & Mentorship

Onboard and mentor students/RAs; deliver task-specific safety and SOP training. Promote a positive safety culture and continuous improvement in field and lab practices. Develop and deliver occupational health and safety training materials to workers. QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Master's degree in Occupational/Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Public Health, or a closely related field. 3+ years of applied experience in occupational hygiene or exposure assessment. Demonstrated competence with field sampling, instrument calibration, and QA/QC workflows. Proficiency in data handling and analysis (e.g., Excel, R or similar); strong technical writing and documentation skills. Proven ability to coordinate complex field operations with multiple partners and tight timelines. Class 5 driver's licence (or equivalent) and ability to travel and work irregular hours during peak activity.

Preferred

Progress toward or possession of professional OH credentials (e.g., ROH/CIH or Canadian equivalents). Experience working with wildfire agencies, health agencies, or emergency services. Experience preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference materials. Vendor/lab coordination, budget tracking, and purchase card use within public-sector or university policy frameworks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fieldwork in remote environments; irregular hours and overtime during peak periods. Travel across BC as required. Hybrid work; no dedicated office provided. Appropriate PPE and training provided by BCWS.

The pay for this position is $43.06/hour.