Human Factors Specialist

Seaspan employees are goal-driven and share a high-performance culture, focusing on building services offerings to become a leading asset manager. Seaspan provides many of the world's major shipping lines with alternatives to vessel ownership by offering long-term leases on large, modern containerships and pure car, truck carriers (PCTCs) combined with industry leading ship management serves. Seaspan's fleet has evolved over time to meet the varying needs of our customer base. We own vessels in a wide range of sizes, from 2,500 TEU to 24,000 TEU vessels. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Corp, Seaspan delivers on the company's core strategy as a leading asset management and core infrastructure company.

Position Description:

Human errors contribute to over 90% of maritime accidents, yet industry efforts to address this remain limited. The Human Factors (HF) Specialist will enhance safety and performance across our fleet by embedding Human Factors & Human Element principles into daily operations. This role focuses on training, communication, and to foster a proactive safety culture, reduce incidents, and strengthen teamwork.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Human Factors (HF) & Human Element (HE) training programme for fleet and office staff, ensuring the entire fleet training is completed at least once every six months.
• Collaborate with the Director, Marine Standards to create and update training content, including emphasis on the “Dirty Dozen” error precursors.
• Conduct Human Factors training and briefing for office staff.
• Analyze significant incidents and accidents to identify human factor trends and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Participate in investigations of significant incidents, providing Human Factors insights and improving investigation processes.
• Maintain accurate training records for audit compliance and ensure training templates and reports are uploaded in SAILS.
• Engage regularly with seafarers to raise awareness and reinforce safety culture through briefings, newsletters, and open communication channels.
• Promote active participation in onboard safety meetings and encourage reporting of concerns without fear of reprisal.
• Raise awareness on the understanding of the capabilities and limitation of human beings, errors, just culture, etc.
• Collaborate with Fleet Personnel, Operations, and Training teams to address behavioural challenges and implement corrective measures.
• Research and adapt best practices from other industries to continuously improve safety systems and the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Collect and analyze behavioural data from near-miss reports and observations to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Advise on fatigue risk management, shift scheduling, and accommodation design to support crew wellbeing.
• Focus on tasks delegated by the Director, Marine Standards to provide reports and responses within agreed deadlines.
• Read and respond promptly to emails and adhere to deadlines set by the Director, Marine Standards.
• Calls to the vessel may need to be made during night in Vancouver to avoid disrupting the ship’s crew during their working hours in other time zones.
• Perform other duties as required to meet expectations and deliverable in a fast-paced maritime industry.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements:

• Degree in Human Factors with a strong understanding the principles.
• Maritime industry experience, preferably with seafarers.
• Knowledge of ISM Code, ISPS, SOLAS, MLC, MARPOL, STCW, and ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001) is preferable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in training development and delivery.
• Analytical skills for data interpretation and safety improvement.
• Incident investigation certification preferred.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Good learning, listening skills and quick implementation skills.
• Willingness to learn the complex maritime industry.
• Positive attitude to understand work instructions and adapt quickly to a fast pace maritime working environment.
• Align with the corporate safety goals of Seaspan and the Marine Standards team.
• Effective team communication and training delivery.
• Understand Risk assessment and emergency preparedness.
• Basic understanding of Data analysis and feedback implementation.
• Preferably certified ISM & ISO auditor.

Job Demands and/or Physical Requirements:

• As Seaspan is a global company, occasional work outside of regular office hours may be required.
• Occasional travel for ship visits, training, investigations, and audits.

Compensation and Benefits Package: 

Seaspan’s total compensation is based on our pay-for-performance philosophy that rewards team members who deliver on and demonstrate our high-performance culture. The hiring range for this position is $85,000 - $90,000 CAD per annum. The exact base salary offered will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, job-related skills and knowledge, and internal pay equity.

Seaspan Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We thank all applicants in advance. If your application is shortlisted to be included in the interview process, one of our team will be in contact with you.