Trades Hazmat and Safety Support Coordinator

Competition 2187

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person with onsite work at multiple U of A locations, including North Campus, Edmonton; Campus Saint-Jean, Edmonton; South Campus, Edmonton; and U of A Botanic Garden.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Trades Infrastructure & Maintenance ("TIM" within University Services, Operations & Finance)

Trades Infrastructure & Maintenance ("TIM" within University Services, Operations & Finance) is responsible for the maintenance of building infrastructure assets (eg: base building system equipment) across the University's main and other campuses. The University's building portfolio consists of a diverse collection of commercial buildings (including: classrooms, lab research, athletic facilities, teaching labs, administrative and common spaces) that are supported by a wide range of mechanical and electrical base building systems of all ages.

The main campus is supported by a district energy distribution system. In addition to the technical challenges that are associated with a large campus, managing maintenance in the institutional environment is complex and it requires collaboration with numerous and varied stakeholders. Our purpose is to support the research and teaching mission and vision of the University through excellent maintenance planning, maintenance execution, and stewardship of resources.

Position Summary

The Trades Hazmat and Safety Support Coordinator (“THSSC”) reports to the General Foreman and receives guidance and direction from the Architectural Maintenance Lead Hand. They shall be capable of performing work without direct supervision. Their main focus would be to ensure that hazardous material removal jobs are executed in a safe and effective manner. The position also ensures that excellent support is provided to other trades' personnel. The THSSC will be asked to work in and around environments where hazardous materials (“hazmat”) are present, so understanding the potential risks and hazards to themselves and others around them as well as understanding how to protect themselves while conducting this work, is essential.

They will uphold the safety of themselves, their team members, the students, and faculty with the highest regard and will act as safety champions. The THSSC has a forward-thinking and preventive mindset in how they coordinate work and in how they build working relationships.

Duties 

• Coordinate hazmat abatement and removal work in an effective and efficient manner using approved contractors and consultants
• Ensure asbestos abatement contractors are complying with the relevant safety standards and safe work practices ensuring they are performing their work in a professional manner
• Collaborate timing of abatement execution with affected internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure abatement sites are thoroughly cleaned upon completion of hazmat for quality assurance and safe access to sites post-abatement 
• Prepare and acquire hazmat sampling and third-party testing. Hazmat includes, but is not limited to, asbestos and lead paint 
• Work with U of A Trades in identifying areas where hazardous materials may be present 
• Handle all administrative duties, monitor deadlines to ensure project deadline expectations are met, and follow up on pending matters
• Review, edit and create clear scopes of work for abatement contractors 
• Engage in creating and maintaining job hazard analysis, safe work practices, field level hazard assessments, and standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with Health, Safety + Environment (“HSE”) on accident/incident (including near miss) investigations or safety concerns involving Trades personnel when required
• Occasionally remove small releases of hazmat asbestos-containing material that is categorized as "low risk" as permitted by TIM Standard Operating Procedures and Safe Work Practices
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues related to asbestos abatement
• Present the training programs/materials to the supervisors, foremen and lead hands through the following methods: video presentation, PowerPoint, one-on-one discussion, review of the standard operating procedures and hands-on training utilizing computer-based training tools

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Valid Alberta driver's license
• Alberta Occupational Health and Safety for the Asbestos Worker certification
• Alberta-approved asbestos training course completion
• Alberta Construction Safety Association Contractor Management CM course completion (or equivalent)
• Excellent knowledge and skill with enterprise software applications such as Google and Assetworks AiM
• Facilities management/maintenance experience
• Good communication skills and ability to work either independently or as a team player

Preferred Qualifications

• ACSA safety certification: Alberta OHS Legislation Awareness, Communication and Ethics for the Safety Leader, and Hazard Management
• Journeyperson Carpenter trade ticket 
• Working knowledge of OHS Act, NIOSH, and CSA 
• Background in construction or oil and gas industry