Job Title

Environmental, Health & Safety Advisor

Job Description Summary

The Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Advisor is responsible for supporting organisational compliance with environmental, health, and safety obligations and promoting a positive safety culture across Waikato-based operations.

The role is site-based and supports the development, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing improvement of EHS programmes, policies, procedures, and safe systems of work. This includes practical support for high-risk activities, contractor work, permit-controlled tasks, incident management, spot checks, external audits, inspections, environmental management, worker engagement, and client requirements.

Job Description

Scope of the Role

• Provide site-based EHS advisory support across Waikato operations, with a primary focus on the Waikeria and the Hamilton branch.
• Provide support and assistance to operational teams, managers, supervisors, technicians, contractors, and client representatives with practical EHS advice and implementation.
• Conduct spot checks and monitoring activities to support safe work practices and compliance with EHS requirements.
• Support the Permit to Work process including issuing permits for high-risk work.
• Support high-risk work activities including (but not limited to) a focus on hazardous substances, confined spaces, pest control, hot work, working at height, public-facing work, custodial environments and environmental impacts.
• Support incident response, investigation, corrective action tracking, and close out.
• Support site-based training, toolbox talks, safety communications, worker engagement, and Health and Safety Representative / Committee matters where required.
• Support client, regulatory, internal, and external audit activities across Waikato operations.
• Support project-related EHS requirements including review of Site-Specific Safety Plans, EHS Plans, SWMS, risk assessments, and supporting safety documentation.
• Review and support the development of SWMS and other safe work documentation to ensure controls are practical, task-specific, and aligned with company and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• EHS Program Management:
  • Support the development, maintenance, management and delivery of EHS policies, procedures, and programs, in accordance with local regulations, industry good practices and the requirements of our ISO-certified integrated management systems and global EHS standards, including (but not limited to) a focus on the following:
    • Hazardous substances
    • Confined Spaces
    • Pest control
    • Hot works
    • Working at heights
    • Environmental impacts
  • Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with EHS standards, track and manage corrective actions.
  • Support operational teams and clients to identify potential hazards, assess risks, then develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
  • Review project or BAU EHS documentation to confirm it is practical, relevant to the work being undertaken, and aligned with company, client and site requirements.
  • Support teams to develop or improve SWMS and related safe work documentation where required.

Training, Education, Communication and Engagement:

• Develop and present training materials and resources to promote EHS awareness and good practice, and alignment with client expectations and requirements.
• Promote a culture of health and safety through regular communication and engagement with staff at all levels of the business, clients and contractors
• Provide guidance to the WHS Committee and or Health & Safety Representatives on EHS matters.

Incident Management:

• Triage incidents reported through our in-house reporting portal.
• Support the investigation and accurate recording of EHS incidents and near-misses and prepare detailed reports.
• Support the implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence of incidents.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, inspections, and training activities.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay updated on relevant EHS regulations and standards.
• Contribute to the ongoing compliance of the organisation with local, regional, and national EHS legislation.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and represent the organisation during inspections and audits.

Environmental Management:

• Support the development and implementation of environmental management plans to minimise the organisation's environmental footprint and impact.
• Promote waste reduction, recycling, and energy conservation programs.

Health and Safety Management:

• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to protect employees.
• Support the Permit Issuing process, including issuing Work Permits for high-risk work.

• Monitor workplace conditions and ensure the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety documentation and relevant internal procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Certificate (Level 4) in Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an EHS role, preferably within New Zealand.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHS management software.
• ICAM (or similar model) Lead Investigator experience.
• Team or lead auditor training and experience in relation to maintaining alignment with ISO standards.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand EHS regulations and standards.
• Comfortable working in a custodial environment, operational farm setting and or public spaces.
• Ability to conduct training and present information effectively.
• Ability to conduct thorough risks assessments and implement safety measures.
• Ability to carry out effective monitoring activities, e.g., spot checks and inspections.
• Previous experience in a Facilities Management or Trades environment is preferred.
• Full working rights to work in New Zealand
• Full New Zealand driver licence, with the ability to travel between Waikato work locations as required.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and risk‑based decision‑making capability
• Ability to interpret legislation and translate it into practical, operational processes
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence operational teams and contractors
• Strong facilitation and training delivery skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• High level of organisation and ability to manage competing priorities
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
• Strong systems capability including maintaining registers, compliance tools, document libraries, committee governance processes and action tracking.

What's in it for you?

• Make a real impact on high-risk work across Waikato.
• Improve our EHS performance through your varied, hands-on experience.
• Join a supportive national and ANZ EHS network.
• Help build a practical, positive safety culture on site.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”