DISTRICT EXEMPT VACANCY

** MANAGER OF HEALTH, SAFETY, & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ******

Start Date: August 1, 2026, or by mutual agreement Position: 1.0 FTE Continuing

Location : School Board Office, Vanderhoof, BC

**Nechako Lakes School District gratefully acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the unceded, ancestral territories of fourteen First Nations representing the Dakelh, Nedut'en and Wet'suwet'en peoples. ****We ****are working diligently towards creating equity for our learners through conscious acts of Reconciliation. **

The School District:

Nechako Lakes School District is nestled in the heart of north-central British Columbia, serving the diverse and welcoming communities of Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, and Granisle. The district is home to approximately 2825 students in our local schools, as well as 900 full-time equivalent learners enrolled in EBUS Academy, one of the largest and most established online schools in the province. Every day, around 650 teachers, support staff, and exempt staff work throughout our district, making up the largest employee group in our region.

Choosing to live and work in Nechako Lakes means becoming part of communities where people know and support one another. With affordable housing, a lower cost of living, short commutes, and access to regional services and amenities, the region offers an ideal balance between lifestyle and career.

The natural beauty of the area is captivating, with more than 200 lakes, rivers, and streams offering four-season opportunities for hiking, skiing, biking, paddling, and fishing. Whether you're just starting your career, raising a family, or seeking a meaningful life connected to both land and community, Nechako Lakes offers a rewarding place to grow, both personally and professionally.

The Position:

The Manager of Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness leads district-wide efforts in health and wellness, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. Reporting to the Secretary Treasurer and collaborating across departments, the role emphasizes prevention and safe environments for staff and students.

This role requires leadership experience in occupational health and safety, Safe Schools practices, and emergency planning. Knowledge of WorkSafeBC legislation in the education sector and Ministry protocols is an asset. The Manager provides guidance in complex situations and serves as a trusted advisor on safety, risk management, and preparedness.

Key qualities include collaborative leadership, clear communication, practical problem-solving, and consistent application of safety procedures. The Manager helps ensure schools and worksites are prepared to respond to emergencies and incidents through prevention, clearly defined roles, and continuous improvement.

Key Areas of Responsibility

**Health, Wellness & Safety Leadership **

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of district occupational health and safety programs, procedures, and systems.
• Partner with school- and department-based leaders to support safe work and learning environments for employees, students, and visitors.
• Provide professional advice and guidance related to hazard identification, risk assessment, prevention strategies, and legislative compliance.
• Chair and coordinate the District Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC), ensuring effective collaboration and follow-through.
• Monitor safety performance, analyze trends, prepare reports, and recommend actions to strengthen safety practices.
• Ensure confidentiality, privacy, and professional standards in the handling of employee information.
• Current knowledge of occupational health, safety, wellness, and emergency management practices and legislation.

**Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response **

• Oversee the development and maintenance of district emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Coordinate emergency drills, exercises, and training in collaboration with schools and departments.
• Serve as a key member of the district team that coordinates with local emergency services and external agencies.
• Provide leadership and support with other departments during critical incidents and contribute to post-incident reviews and continuous improvement planning.

**Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management **

• Serve as the district liaison with WorkSafeBC and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Lead and support workplace violence risk assessments, including the identification, mitigation, and monitoring of risks.
• Coordinate investigations and reviews related to workplace injuries, incidents, and near misses in accordance with legislation.
• Support inspections, corrective actions, and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting aligned with legislative and district requirements.

**Training, Education & Capacity Building **

• Coordinate and support health and safety training programs, including tracking and reporting requirements.
• Ensure appropriate orientation and safety training are provided for new staff and volunteers.
• Support supervisors and managers in understanding and fulfilling their health and safety responsibilities.
• Promote awareness and shared accountability for wellness and safety across all employee groups.

**Labour Relations & Collaborative Partnerships **

• Work with other district departments to support the Strategic Plan and district workplan.
• Oversee site-based joint health and safety committees and collective agreement on obligations related to safety.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external partners on health, wellness, safety, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments on district-wide projects and initiatives.

**Human Resources & Wellness Integration **

• Provide leadership and oversight related to WorkSafeBC claims and disability management processes.
• Work with the broader district team to support return-to-work, accommodation, and wellness processes where health, safety, and human resources overlap.
• Work with other department staff to enhance contributions to health, wellness, and safety functions.

**Qualifications & Experience **

• Degree or diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources, or related discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in occupational health and safety, preferably in a public sector or educational setting.
• Supervisory or leadership experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness and incident response.
• Strong knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.

**Skills & Competencies **

• Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship building abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Sound judgment with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence, advise, and work effectively across diverse employee groups.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.

Equity

• Demonstrated commitment to the BC Human Rights Code and experience in creating inclusive, safe, and equitable environments that uphold the rights and dignity of all members of the school community.
• Demonstrated commitment to the elimination of gaps in student achievement outcomes for all learners and the elimination of all forms of racism and discrimination.

Truth and Reconciliation

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, learning, and awareness of cultural humility for local Indigenous histories, traditions, and ways of being.
• Possess the requisite skills to align professional practices and initiatives consistent with the calls to action under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Board's Strategic Plan.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is determined by the BC Public Service Employer Association (BCPSEA). Placement on the salary range is dependent on qualifications and experience.

• Current salary range - $97,143 - $121,429
• Moving reimbursement
• Recruitment & Retention allowance
• Excellent benefits based on the provincial exempt package

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae/resume with a supporting cover letter and three (3) professional references from current/previous direct supervisors to:

Heather Silver, Executive Assistant to Superintendent

Nechako Lakes School District - P.O. Box 129, Vanderhoof, B.C. V0J 3A0 Phone: (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639

E-Mail: hsilve r@sd91.bc.ca

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Search pursuant to BC's Criminal Records Review Act, which will be subject to review by the Nechako Lakes School District.

Closing Date for Applications: 4:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, or until the position is filled.

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Posted On

May 13, 2026 12:55 PM PST/PDT

Closing Date & Time

May 29, 2026 04:00 PM PST/PDT

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Job Type

Full Time

Job Category

Management & Professionals

City

Vanderhoof

School/Location

Multiple locations

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Salary

$97,143.00 to $121,429.00

Employment Start Date

August 01, 2026

Mandatory Document

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference Letter(s)

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