Position Title: Health & Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Manager
Location: St. Catharines, ON
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Target salary range of $90,000 – $120,000 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 directly to the HSSE Director, the HSSE Manager is an experienced, field-focused leader responsible for executing enterprise HSSE programs and continuously improving safety performance. Operating primarily under Ontario’s Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91), this role is pivotal in strengthening safety culture, enforcing critical controls, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance across a rugged shipyard environment. The HSSE Manager acts as the site-level execution lead, supporting supervisors and trades while holding firm on non-negotiable expectations to enable safety alignment across all facility locations.
Key Responsibilities
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Implement and continuously improve all health, safety, security, environmental, occupational health, and emergency response programs.
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Apply provincial legislation and Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) requirements to shipyard, vessel, dock, and building activities.
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Administer permit-to-work systems for high-risk work, including lockout/tagout, hot work, and confined space entry.
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Exercise clear stop-work authority immediately whenever regulatory requirements or critical controls are not fully met.
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Lead site-level investigations for safety incidents, occupational health exposures, environmental releases, and emergency activations focusing on control failures.
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Manage emergency response preparedness, including medical response, fire response, confined space rescue, and spill response.
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Plan and conduct tactical emergency drills reflective of real vessel layouts and changing yard conditions.
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Oversee site environmental compliance, spill prevention, hazardous waste handling, and the protection of waterways.
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Manage facility security controls, including access control, visitor management, and tactical response to security incidents.
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Manage WSIB claims, case files, and early and safe return-to-work activities in collaboration with supervisors.
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Develop and deliver high-risk task training, site safety orientations, and refresher programs for the workforce.
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Maintain a strong, daily field presence to coach supervisors, reinforce critical controls, and eliminate unsafe tolerances.
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Lead the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and ensure effective, documented follow-through on all action items.
Qualifications & Experience
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5 to 7 years of progressive HSSE experience within a shipyard, marine, heavy construction, or heavy manufacturing environment.
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2+ years of direct experience in an industrial safety leadership, supervisor, or management capacity.
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Proven track record of successfully managing WSIB claims and leading early return-to-work programs.
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Strong background in regulatory compliance, industrial risk management, incident investigation, and safety audit processes.
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Post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
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Certified Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or equivalent professional designation is preferred.
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Valid First Aid & CPR Certification is required; Confined Space Rescue or Hazardous Materials certifications are assets.
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Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
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Comfort and physical capability to work full-time in a rugged shipyard environment, including climbing scaffolding and entering tight vessel 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.
