Environmental, Health & Safety Advisor

Overview

The Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Advisor role involves ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture within operations based in Waikato, mainly at Waikeria and Hamilton. The position is onsite, offering practical guidance and support to teams in managing EHS programs, high-risk activities, permits, incident management, audits, and environmental oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver onsite EHS advisory services across Waikato operations, primarily at Waikeria and Hamilton locations.
• Support operational staff, managers, supervisors, technicians, contractors, and client representatives with actionable EHS advice and implementation assistance.
• Perform spot checks and monitoring to uphold safe working practices and compliance with EHS standards.
• Manage and support the Permit to Work process, including issuing permits for hazardous or high-risk tasks.
• Assist with high-risk activities such as handling hazardous substances, confined spaces, pest control, hot work, working at heights, public-facing operations, custodial environments, and environmental matters.
• Participate in incident response, investigation, corrective action tracking, and resolution.
• Contribute to site-based training sessions, toolbox talks, safety communications, and engagement with Health and Safety Representatives and committees.
• Facilitate internal and external audit processes across Waikato sites, ensuring compliance with pertinent regulations and standards.
• Review and contribute to safety documentation, including site-specific safety plans, SWMS, risk assessments, and related materials to confirm practicality and compliance.

Program Management

• Assist in developing, maintaining, and delivering EHS policies, procedures, and programs aligned with local legislation, industry best practices, ISO-certified management systems, and global EHS standards.
• Focus areas include hazardous substances, confined spaces, pest management, hot works, working at heights, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to verify adherence to EHS requirements and manage follow-up corrective actions.
• Help operational teams identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement suitable mitigation strategies.

Training and Engagement

• Create and deliver training resources to raise EHS awareness and promote compliance with client expectations.
• Encourage a strong safety culture through ongoing communication and interaction with employees, clients, and contractors.
• Advise the Workplace Health and Safety Committees and representatives on EHS issues.

Incident and Compliance Management

• Manage incident triage through internal reporting tools and support detailed investigations and reporting of incidents and near-misses.
• Support implementation of corrective measures to prevent incident recurrence and ensure accurate record-keeping of incidents, inspections, and trainings.
• Stay informed on relevant local and national EHS legislation and standards, contributing to organizational compliance.
• Act as liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and audits.

Environmental Stewardship

• Assist in creating and enforcing environmental management plans aimed at reducing organizational footprint.
• Advocate for waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and energy-saving programs.

Health & Safety Management

• Conduct risk assessments and establish safety measures to protect workers.
• Support high-risk work permit processes and ensure proper workplace conditions.
• Monitor adherence to the use of personal protective equipment and compliance with safety documentation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possess at minimum a Level 4 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or related field.
• At least five years of experience in an EHS role, ideally within New Zealand.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office suite and EHS management software.
• Experience as a lead investigator using ICAM or similar methodologies.
• Training and experience in team or lead auditing consistent with ISO standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of New Zealand EHS laws and regulations.
• Capable of working in diverse environments including custodial settings, operational farms, and public areas.
• Competent in conducting trainings, delivering presentations, and performing thorough risk assessments.
• Experience in facilities management or trades is an advantage.
• Full legal right to work in New Zealand with a valid New Zealand driver’s licence and readiness to travel within Waikato as needed.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to make risk-based decisions.
• Skill in interpreting legislation and translating it into practical procedures.
• Effective communication and ability to influence diverse operational teams and contractors.
• Strong facilitation and training delivery capabilities.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and capacity to handle priorities.
• Dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Proficient with systems for managing registers, compliance tools, document libraries, committee governance, and action tracking.

Employee Benefits

• Opportunity to impact high-risk operational safety practices across the Waikato region.
• Engage in varied, practical EHS tasks that enhance organizational performance.
• Membership in a supportive national and ANZ EHS network.
• Contribute to the establishment of a positive and practical onsite safety culture.