The Safety Officer’s role is to provide day-to-day safety expertise, implement safety best practices and maintain safety records across the Pacific Islands (Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau & Federated States of Micronesia), Australia and New Zealand. The Arnavons EcoTourism project, supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) will be an important project that the Safety Officer will provide advice to regarding the safe operations of all project staff, contractors and partners. TNC Australia Ltd has recently completed a comprehensive review of all WHS system and processes. The review has recommended a number of transformative actions to increase effectiveness and buy-in of staff across the Australia and Pacific Divisions. This role, in consultation with Australia, Pacific & Regional leadership, is responsible for the implementation of key recommendations from the review. The Safety Officer is based in Brisbane, Australia and reports to the Associate Pacific Division Director.
The Safety Officer, in collaboration with relevant programs will:
- Strengthen TNC’s risk assessment framework by embedding safety into all program and project planning and lead risk assessments for high profile and/or high risk projects
- Based upon TNC Ltd WHS review, update and maintain safety policies and procedures and develop a training program to increase staff and partner knowledge and implementation of the new policies and procedures
- Provide input through project teams to prepare emergency evacuation & response plans
- Oversee the safety program of the Arnavons EcoTourism project in-line with TNC, legal and donor requirements
- Complete compliance and audit programs to ensure the complete implementation of diving & boating safety procedures and all terrestrial WHS procedures
- Review, update and train TNC staff on hazard and incident reporting and maintain safety documentation and all training records
- Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with all Conservancy policies and procedures
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on safety expertise and industry best-practice
- Investigate incidents including root cause analysis and recommend to TNC Leadership changes to business practices arising from the investigation
- Conduct audits of compliance to safety policies & procedures
- Ensure hazard inspections are completed and documented
- Facilitate tool-box talks and provide or organise safety training
- Purchase, document & ensure maintenance of PPE & other safety equipment
- Other tasks as directed by supervisor
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information
- May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally
- Financial responsibility includes purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, and negotiating and contracting with vendors, and participating in budget preparation
- Manage projects with several variables - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability
- May participate in complex negotiations
- Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs
- Travel and work flexible hours, as needed
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals
- Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting the data
- Experience managing and implementing multiple projects
- Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement
- Experience with current technology in relevant field; and
- Experience working with cross-functional teams
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with safety auditing and investigations
- Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment
- Demonstrated knowledge of Australia and New Zealand safety legislation, codes of practice and best practices
- First Aid Officer & Remote First Aid Training
- Safety audit qualifications and experience
- Experience in conservation, environmental or sustainability sectors
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Ability to analyse information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results
- Excellent customer service skills and focus
- Experience interpreting guidelines/policies to achieve desired results
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff
- Experience coordinating projects
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and/or
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.