Position Title: Health & Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Coordinator
Location: Hamilton, ON
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Target salary range of $70,000 – $80,000 per year, based on experience
About Ontario Shipyards
Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.
The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy – where water meets mettle.
Position Summary
Reporting to the HSSE Manager, the HSSE Coordinator provides field-level assurance that high-risk work is properly controlled and that emergency response capability is in place before work begins. Working directly in active shipyard and construction environments, this role verifies critical controls, supports supervisors and trades, and ensures rescue readiness, equipment integrity, and regulatory compliance are maintained in real time. Unlike standard desk-bound safety roles, this position requires active, daily field presence, navigating ships, dry docks, and fabrication shops to engage directly with production teams.
Key Responsibilities
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Verify critical field controls for high-risk work (confined space, hot work, lifting, and work at heights).
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Conduct daily yard inspections to identify, mitigate, and intervene on developing hazards.
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Confirm active safety permits, tags, and procedures accurately match actual site conditions.
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Complete detailed vessel hazard assessments and maintain visible hazard boards for all current projects.
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Support incident investigations, perform root-cause analysis, and track corrective action follow-ups.
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Act as the field liaison to the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and verify rescue plans before high-risk work.
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Inspect, maintain, and certify rescue equipment, fire protection systems, and SCBA kits.
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Calibrate gas detection equipment, remove defective gear, and manage compliance inventory records.
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Deliver site safety orientations and workforce training for PPE, WHMIS, fall protection, and respirators.
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Perform respirator fit testing and support trade supervisors with daily toolbox talks.
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Maintain safety permits, inspection logs, training documentation, and the facility SDS system.
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Coordinate environmental spill responses, containment procedures, and required regulatory reporting.
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Work with production workers and trade crews daily to address active field safety needs.
Qualifications & Experience
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3 to 5 years of safety experience in shipyard, marine, heavy industrial, mining, or construction settings.
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Hands-on experience working directly around skilled trades, heavy equipment, and high-risk activities.
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Solid background supporting confined space entry, hot work permits, or emergency response programs.
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Post-secondary Diploma or Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (or related field) is preferred.
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Professional designations (NCSO, CHSC, or actively working toward a CRSP) are considered strong assets.
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Formal training in Confined Space Rescue or industrial Emergency Response is considered a strong asset.
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Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
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Physical capability to work full-time in a rugged shipyard (climbing scaffolding, navigating dry docks, and entering tight spaces).
What We Offer
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Competitive salary based on skills and experience
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Comprehensive health benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependents
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RRSP matching program and Health Spending Account (HSA)
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Paid vacation time and statutory holidays
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Discounts on Safety Boots & Safety Glasses
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Opportunities for professional development and specialized shipyard training
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On-site parking
This job posting is for an active, immediate vacancy. Every application is reviewed individually by a member of our human recruitment team; we do not use AI or automated computer systems to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We prohibit discrimination and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
