Contractor Safety Specialist - Rail Safety

About the Role

Auckland Council is expanding its Health, Safety, and Wellbeing (HSW) team and is seeking a permanent full-time Rail Safety Specialist to join the Contractor Safety Team. Based in Auckland CBD, this hybrid role includes three days in the office and travel to various sites as necessary. The Rail Safety Specialist will report to the HSW Contractor Safety Manager and provide expert advice, support, and assurance across rail, infrastructure, construction, and other high-risk contractor activities under Council's jurisdiction.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized safety guidance related to rail, construction, infrastructure, and high-risk contractor activities to project teams, contract managers, asset owners, HSW business partners, and senior leadership.
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination among contractors, consultants, rail operators, access providers, regulators, emergency services, and other related parties to ensure comprehensive HSW compliance.
• Conduct and assist with contractor safety assurance including site inspections, control verification, event follow-up, and validation of corrective measures in rail and other high-risk work environments.
• Review and provide input on health and safety plans, risk assessments, safety-in-design processes, project-specific safety strategies, assurance documentation, and contractor performance evaluations.
• Support incident investigations and learning activities related to contractor safety events in rail, construction, and infrastructure sectors to promote continuous improvement.
• Deliver detailed safety analyses, insights, and reports to guide governance, due diligence processes, contractor performance tracking, and systemic enhancements.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a practical safety background with a minimum NZQA Level 6 Diploma or equivalent in a relevant safety field.
• Demonstrate at least seven years of experience working within rail safety, contractor safety, construction safety, infrastructure, or similar high-risk operational environments.
• Familiarity with rail and infrastructure safety risk management, contractor oversight, overlapping PCBU responsibilities, and safety assurance methodologies.
• Strong technical competency in contractor safety management, occupational health, safety, and wellbeing with a sound ability to apply risk-based decision-making.
• Skilled in data analysis and reporting to identify trends, risks, gaps in assurance, and opportunities for improvement.
• Preferred qualifications include expertise in audits and assurance, conducting learning reviews or investigations, safety-in-design processes, and coaching leaders or project teams.

What We Offer

Auckland Council fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions directly affect more than 1.7 million residents. We provide flexible work options, prioritize employee wellbeing, and promote a culture of ongoing development. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, holding accreditations such as GenderTick and being signatories of the Pride Pledge, ensuring a respectful and empowering workplace for all.

Compensation and Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $122,783 to $144,450 NZD annually, based on experience and expertise. An additional KiwiSaver contribution from Auckland Council is provided on top of the base salary. The role requires onsite presence with office-based days and site visits as needed.

Application Process and Equal Opportunity Statement

The opportunity closes on Monday, 17th August at midnight. Auckland Council champions equal employment opportunities and embraces a diverse workforce. Applicants requiring assistance or accommodations during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify us. The Council adheres to strict privacy policies under the Privacy Act 2020 and may conduct reference checks, including performance or conduct assessments, at the preferred candidate stage only.