Senior Advisor, Health & Safety

 Reference Number : 1111 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $91 506 - $113 037

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 01/16/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment, the Senior HSE Advisor will work full-time on VIA Rail projects. Their primary mission will be to support the health and safety plan during equipment acquisition and construction projects, maintain the HSE culture, ensure integration with existing procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and optimize the program’s HSE plan;
• Develop partnerships with VIA Rail and all contractors;
• Coordinate and verify project-specific procedures;
• Identify hazards and HSE aspects related to rolling stock, stations, and maintenance;
• Provide expertise and conduct risk analyses;
• Deploy HSE processes within projects;
• Prepare and assess documentation required for contractor management across various sites;
• Participate in major VIA Rail project meetings to ensure coordination;
• Manage regulatory HSE relations for each project;
• Implement effective monitoring of the HSE training program and ensure its application;
• Design and execute the contractor management program;
• Regularly organize meetings to share progress and HSE best practices;
• Ensure adherence to regulations and monitor regulatory developments with authorities and VIA Rail;
• Inform directors of health and safety events, environmental incidents, or complaints;
• Report the program’s HSE indicators;
• Analyze accidents and incidents, then propose an action plan;
• Monitor daily implementation of the HSE management plan.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• University degree in a specialized field related to occupational health and safety, such as health, safety and environmental engineering or occupational hygiene, or an equivalent in human resources or industrial relations;
• At least eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in occupational health and safety within an industrial and unionized environment;
• Strong technical expertise in the following areas: occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, ergonomics, environmental management, hazardous materials management, workplace inspections, accident investigations, and management system audits;
• Experience implementing preventive measures related to electrical safety, machine safety, working at heights, confined space work, and ergonomics;
• Extensive knowledge and mastery of the Canada Labour Code, provincial health and safety regulations, workers’ compensation laws, and federal and provincial environmental laws;
• Experience in compliance verification and health, safety, and environmental management systems, with knowledge of ISO standards, OHSAS standards, and Canadian Standards Association norms considered an asset;
• Experience working in a project-based environment;
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in both official languages (English/French);
• Collaborate effectively with members of different teams;
• Act as a resource person for team members;
• Positively influence colleagues in implementing changes within the department;
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a sense of responsibility;
• Draw inspiration from various professional practices to quickly provide solutions to complex issues;
• Show discernment and a constant pursuit of quality and efficiency;
• Engage in open and transparent discussions with internal and external partners;
• Have strong skills in analysis, synthesis, and simplifying information;
• Make thoughtful and informed decisions based on experience and professional judgment;
• Demonstrate rigor when making decisions related to the company’s priorities;
• Exhibit leadership, initiative, flexibility, and autonomy;
• Be available for frequent travel Toronto - Montreal 

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!