Excavating and Trenching Safety Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Excavation and Trenching Safety Specialist is a provincial expert who provides technical guidance and supports on matters related to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation, and Code. This position carries out a wide range of tasks, and plays a key role in both front-line service delivery and supporting government operations and priorities (including ongoing review and development of the OHS Code).  

This position reports to the Mining Team Lead and works closely with other team members and staff across the OHS Program Delivery branch of the department of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. 

As a subject matter expert in excavation and trenching, the successful incumbent will be a member of the high-functioning Specialized Professional Services unit that provides critical support to OHS compliance inspections and investigations; evaluates stakeholder acceptance and approval applications; gives expert information on technical requirements to a variety of internal and external stakeholders through a variety of media and processes; and plays an important role in developing technical requirements in the OHS legislation.
 
In the role, the incumbent will apply their exceptional understanding of trenching and excavation work, soil classification, shoring construction, soil stabilization, cut backs and associated hazard controls to key tasks that support achievement of departmental goals related to ensuring healthy and safe workplaces for Albertans

The incumbent will:
 

1.) Support OHS Program Delivery officers and investigators in work related to excavations and trenching:

• Accompany officers or investigators to observe excavations or trenches at Alberta work sites and provide expert advice in real time or post-event, as required.
• Review reports and findings from OHS inspections and investigations, and provide expert advice on options, risks and next steps to OHS officers and investigators.
• Provide formal expert opinions or reports, and attend court proceedings as an expert witness.
• Research identified and emerging trends in the excavation and trenching industry, and advise on the design and implementation of relevant proactive inspections. 
   

2.) Participate in the regular review and revision of OHS legislation and policies relating to excavations and trenching in accordance with the department regulatory review plan:

• Support regulatory review working groups.
• Review current literature to stay up to date on current developments, advances, issues and practices.
• Draft recommendations for changes in legislation and assist with legal drafting of changes.
   

3.) Support external stakeholder compliance with requirements related to excavations and trenching:

• Draft explanations of the OHS Code.
• Review or develop publications, bulletins or other resources.
• Provide policy interpretations to stakeholders internally or externally.

 
4.) Carry out OHS Statutory Director duties:

• Review, evaluate, accept/reject and process applications for acceptances and approvals.
• Consider industry best practices and practices followed in other jurisdictions.
• Approve technical standards recognized in other Canadian jurisdictions.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Creative Problem Solving - Analytical, logic and problem-solving skills to design and execute valid research into policy and program content and develop policy and program content; and conduct sensitive assessments in the field and ensure their validity.
  
  
• Build Collaborative Environments - Remains apprised of trends, developments and advances in powered mobile and heavy equipment and related subjects, and consults with professionals inside the ministry and externally to remain current.
  
  
• Systems Thinking - Understanding of organizational theory related to relationship dynamics in the workplace in order to anticipate and respond to developments and issues sensitively and effectively.
  
  
• Develop Self and Others - Committed to career development, core values, diversity and inclusion and lifelong learning, with a desire to invest in personal growth and long-term capability to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Geology, Engineering, Geo-science, Soil Technician plus 4 years experience or Technologist diploma plus 6 years related experience. Preference for Professional Geologist with ability to register with APEGA, or Soil and Geotechnical Tech.

The Excavation and Trenching Safety Specialist must have the following skills and abilities:

• Experience classifying soils, designing or overseeing trench and excavation work, determining slope, designing/constructing shoring or other trench safety devices and knowledge of soil mechanics and geo-technical analysis for trench stability.
• Knowledgeable in occupational health and safety.
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use common office software to perform research, gather and analyze data, prepare reports, policy and program materials, education materials and correspondence.
• Demonstrated good work ethic with a willingness/ability to learn and be mentored on the job to update skills as required.
• Knowledge and ability to coordinate input and expertise from other divisions, departments, professionals as well as stakeholders on occupational health and safety issues, standards and policies.
• Knowledge and ability in planning and organizing to develop, coordinate and make recommendations in response to issues and questions.
• Because of psychosocial hazards associated with this position, the role requires emotional intelligence, stress management skills and psychological resilience. For example, the position may at times entail:
  
  • Exposure to trauma: interaction with distressed people, exposure to traumatic situations or materials.
  • Lifestyle disruptions: irregular schedules, frequent travel or extended work hours.
  • Monotony or prolonged focus: repetitive or detailed tasks requiring sustained attention.
  • Isolation: limited opportunities for emotional connection or social interactions.
    
    

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

There is one permanent, full-time position, working 36.25 hours, Monday to Friday per week.

Final candidates may be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.
 

Links and information on what the Govenment of Alberta has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.