Senior Work Health and Safety Officer

• Be at the forefront of shaping a proactive safety culture
• Lead process improvements and innovative solutions that will influence safety practices
• Implement practices that go beyond traditional compliance and make real-world impacts.
• January 2025 Start

Are you a proactive and innovative safety professional who thrives on thinking outside the box? Join us at the University of Newcastle, where safety permeates our culture, moving beyond checklists to real, impactful practices

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Senior Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer plays a fundamental role in developing, implementing, and monitoring WHS management across the College of Engineering, Science, and Environment. This role is essential in providing high-level advice and driving process improvements that streamline health and safety practices. You'll work closely with the WHS Manager, WHS Officers, Lab Managers, and other key stakeholders to ensure robust WHS compliance and continuous enhancement of safety measures. This includes:

• Lead the oversight of WHS compliance and training programs within the College.
• Develop and deliver WHS training and guidance for committees and coordinate compliance reporting.
• Review and address hazards, monitor corrective actions, and ensure risk control measures are effectively applied.
• Maintain up-to-date WHS documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
• Conduct laboratory audits, develop action plans, and collaborate with technical teams to monitor compliance.
• Prepare detailed reports and data visualizations for senior management on WHS performance.
• Contribute to and lead WHS improvement projects, leveraging innovative solutions and best practices.
• Stay informed on legislative changes and integrate process improvements to maintain compliance.
• Foster a culture of continuous WHS improvement through proactive review and stakeholder engagement.

You will inspire us with your:

• Demonstrated expertise in Work Health and Safety management with a focus on process improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Proven experience engaging with diverse stakeholders and leading WHS projects to successful outcomes.
• Collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive safety culture.

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 6 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Unit  

The College of Engineering, Science, and Environment unites expertise in STEM to produce life-ready graduates and deliver transformative solutions for our region and the world. We tackle today’s complex challenges and tomorrow’s emerging concerns, driving global leadership through groundbreaking research, revolutionary technology, and innovative teaching. Our diverse degree programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics foster innovative, resourceful, and creative graduates—future leaders in industry, professions, and the community.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $90,316 - $99,655 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. A degree with subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical or administrative fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrated expert knowledge of NSW Work Health and Safety Legislation.
3. Knowledge of best practice systems for effectively managing health and safety of users including demonstrated ability to actively engage staff and students.
4. Demonstrated experience in leading, implementing and reviewing process improvement initiatives which have an impact across diverse functional areas.
5. Demonstrated experience in providing high-level technical support with the ability to identify and communicate facilities/equipment operational risks, ensuring staff and student needs are met including overseeing WH&S in a complex operating environment
6. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an interdisciplinary way of working.
7. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health, safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.
8. Demonstrated experience in leading projects from ideation to completion.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact name, Chris Neenan, Senior Manager, Technical Services on (02) 4921 7285 or via email Chris.Neenan@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 24^th November 2024 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you