First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
Area Safety Manager – Burlington, Ontario
Job Description Summary
The Area Safety Manager (ASM) supports the safety performance of designated Burlington area locations, covering all operational, facility, and maintenance activities. Reporting directly to the Area General Manager, the ASM leads behavioural and organizational safety improvements through influence, coaching, and change management. This role drives continuous improvement by analyzing data, mitigating risks, and ensuring that national and divisional safety initiatives are effectively integrated into Canadian operations. The ASM also ensures compliance with all applicable federal, provincial (Ontario), and local regulations, as well as company policy.
Major Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Managers to ensure safety provisions are developed and deployed in alignment with budget and guidance.
- Identify underperforming locations, conduct performance analysis, and work with site teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct comprehensive incident investigations for all serious events; support action‑plan development and ensure lessons learned are shared and implemented across Burlington‑area locations.
- Share best practices and innovative problem‑solving strategies.
- Support RSD and Risk Management with claims management and litigation.
- Complete root cause analysis with Operations and Maintenance as required.
- Partner with the workers’ compensation third‑party administrator to proactively manage claims.
- Ensure adequate driver‑trainer staffing levels; support Operations and HR in identifying trainer needs and executing onboarding.
- Assist locations in determining and implementing proper remedial actions; review disciplinary actions with HR and Operations.
- Provide multi‑site oversight to ensure compliance with First Student policies, SOPs, and applicable Ontario legislation; communicate compliance scores to regional leadership.
- Prepare monthly safety reports and performance analysis; identify trends and corrective actions.
- Assess safety performance using Daily Dispatch, Driver Mobile Manager, and other relevant tools.
- Participate in hiring and onboarding
- Deliver safety training for new employees; support regional train‑the‑trainer workshops and competency development.
- Ensure operational efficiencies by utilizing Focus, Zonar, and the Safety Care database.
- Conduct annual Safety Wellness Checks (more frequent for high‑risk locations).
- Support with driver recruitment, retention, and training activities.
- Conduct safety audits and work with to close Site Safety Review actions.
- Manage the BeSafe process, including delivering Safety Leadership training and onboarding BeSafe Coaches.
- Support divisional communication and execution of safety initiatives.
- Provide technical oversight for Location safety managers and coordinate safety support needs in partnership with Operations.
- Verify compliance with PDDP, EDTP, Non‑Conforming Vehicle standards, and conduct training‑program quality audits.
- Support kickoff/safety meetings in collaboration with location teams.
- Provide start‑up support as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Travel requirement: approximately 75%
- 7 years of Safety/Transportation experience
- 5 years in fleet transportation management
- OSHA 10‑hr, safety/transportation certifications, or equivalent
- Additional provincial safety certifications considered an asset
- Strong safety commitment and leadership skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Advanced technology skills (apps, secure drives, smart tools)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Data interpretation and root‑cause analysis capability
- Ability to work in fast‑paced, team‑based environments
- Demonstrated training, coaching, and leadership ability
- Collision Investigation training
- Provincial Instructor Certification (Ontario or other relevant provinces)
- Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor
Benefits
- Annual salary : $78,000 – $88,500 CAD
- Competitive benefits
- Paid training and professional development, including defensive‑driving and safety training
- Paid holidays and time off
- Job stability and long‑term career opportunities
- Supportive and inclusive workplace culture,
Apply now !
We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation is available throughout the hiring process.
