Technical SpecialistFile Reference Number: TR-18

• Writes and/or reviews e-learning courses, publications, OSH Answers, promotional and information articles on a variety of occupational health and safety topics. Ensures the accuracy, balance and completeness of technical health and safety information. Communicates these technical concepts clearly. (35%)
• Receives workplace health and safety questions (phone, email, referral) and clarifies the inquiry issue and type of response required. Identifies and evaluates scientific and technical information and uses professional judgment in the preparation of responses to inquiries requiring her/his expertise. Communicates these technical concepts clearly. (25%)
• Participates in projects as assigned, including preparation of proposals, planning, project development, research, analysis, report writing and review. (30%)
• Researches, writes and delivers OHS content for presentations and conferences, webinars, or other activities as required and other duties as assigned. (10%)

The position is assigned to one of the following Service Units: Chemical Services; General Health and Safety Services; or Training and Education Services; and is one of a number of Technical Specialists within CCOHS. The position reports to the responsible Service Unit Manager. The position works closely with members of these three Service Units, with Inquiries and Client Service staff, as well as with members of Project Teams. The position also works Systems staff and staff within Finance.

The position is expected to participate in the planning of Service Unit and Project Team activities, to ensure that s/he plays an active part in achieving the goals without causing work overload or imposing conflicting demands, including deadlines. The position must adjust to frequently changing priorities and deadlines, and notify their own and other Managers should time constraints or other challenges arise that require resolution.

• Working knowledge of a range of occupational health and safety topics with sound knowledge in areas of expertise such as OSH Programs, Ergonomics, chemistry and chemical “physical hazard” classification (WHMIS, GHS).
• Ability to research, analyze and assess technical issues in an in-depth manner in order to write accurate, unbiased and comprehensive information products and services, and to provide answers to occupational health and safety-related inquiries.
• Broad knowledge of external information resources and understands the mandate and role of CCOHS.
• Excellent searching skills are required, as well as the knowledge of and the ability to choose the best starting points for searches on internal databases and/or Internet sources, as appropriate.
• The incumbent has excellent verbal and writing skills and can readily explain complex technical information in clear and plain language.
• Sound knowledge of CCOHS products and services.

• Ability to research and evaluate health and safety information where a variety of issues must be evaluated and potentially conflicting information must be reconciled.
• Ability to synthesize information in a form that is appropriate to a specific project, product or service.
• Ability to research and respond accurately to client inquiries for occupational health and safety. Where there is less experience in health and safety topics, there is an opportunity for reviewing previous answers, consulting other specialists and some use of judgement to prepare a response.
• Ability to identify, evaluate and resolve conflicting chemical hazard data and to extrapolate to related chemical information as needed
• Ability to select or write summary statements which are clear language and appropriate to workplace audiences.

• Ability to prepare accurate, clear and summarized answers to questions received or assigned. There is an expectation that procedures and precedents are followed and there is opportunity for review and assistance if needed.
• Ability to write and edit e-courses, publications, OSH Answers, presentations and project reports as assigned. There is an expectation that procedures and precedents are followed and there is opportunity for review and assistance if needed.
• Sound judgement and attention to detail are required in all areas of work to ensure that CCOHS information is accurate and reliable.
• Work may be is reviewed by others as part of quality assurance processes.

Physical Effort: Sitting at computer for long periods of time (6 hours/day).

Physical Environment: Some risk of RMI due to intensity and duration of work unless safe work procedures outlined are followed.

Sensory Attention: A high level of accuracy is required when analyzing or quality assuring technically complex information. Must concentrate and listen carefully to inquirers to understand their questions.

Mental Stress: There are interruptions, and competing priorities and deadlines. There are deadline pressures due to inquirer demands. There is a need to be positive and polite even when dealing with inquirers who are upset or angry.

Post-graduate degree in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, or a related field and at least three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification as a CRSP and/or CIH/ROH or ability to achieve one or more of these designations is highly desirable.

Experience in writing, analyzing, reviewing and delivering occupational health and safety content in a variety of media.

Working experience and ability to interview the public in an information setting, by telephone or in person, with courtesy, good judgment and tact.

Excellent research skills.

Ability to analyze subjects and organize information resources.

Project management skills and excellent ability to work in a team environment.

Proficiency with required office software packages.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to communicate in both official languages is highly desirable.