Program Specialist, Integrated Safety Management Systems (iSMS)

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. Operational Safety, within the Airport Operations business unit, supports YVR’s success by leading the systems, processes, and partnerships that maintain safe, predictable, and coordinated airport operations. At YVR, our purpose is to serve the community and the economy that supports it, and that service is rooted in safety.

Position overview

Reporting to the Manager of Operational Safety, the Program Specialist, iSMS, will oversee the design, coordination, auditing, and continuous improvement of the iSMS program. This role will lead the integration of multiple safety systems into a unified structure and is responsible for developing and reviewing plans, procedures, processes, and policies that support the effective operation of the iSMS.

This role will ensure continuous improvement activities and audits are conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Program to ensure compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations, internal requirements and applicable standards. The position also maintains strong stakeholder relationships, ensures proper governance of safety data, and drives improvements that strengthen organizational safety performance and efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure ongoing compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations, while leading the integration and alignment of multiple safety systems into a unified organizational framework
• Support data-driven decision-making by ensuring consistent reporting, trend analysis, and safety performance monitoring across departments.
• Conduct audits and provide expert recommendations to management on safety initiatives, program development, and system integration
• Liaise with Nav Canada, Transport Canada, and other regulatory agencies and other agencies on safety issues affecting current and future airport operations Oversee the coordination of safety systems across all operational areas, promoting a collaborative and comprehensive approach to safety and compliance
• Conduct internal operational and safety system audits as required by CARs and the Airport Operations Manual, and identify, recommend, and implement process improvements based on audit findings, non‑compliances, or other identified deficiencies.
• Review proposed regulatory changes related to SMS/iSMS airside plans, and advise management on potential operational impacts
• Conduct incident investigations, perform root cause analyses, and develop critical reports to support due diligence
• Design and deliver operational safety training for internal teams and second-party contractors

Key qualifications include:

• Minimum five years’ experience in a regulated safety environment (e.g., aviation, transportation, or comparable operational setting), supported by a two-year post-secondary certificate or diploma in Aeronautics, Aviation Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field (bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is preferred); or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Formal training and practical experience with SMS, including hazard reporting, risk assessment, investigations, and safety assurance/promotion
• Strong knowledge of airport operations, Canadian Aviation Regulations, ICAO Annex 19, and applicable Occupational Health & Safety legislation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing, presentation delivery, training facilitation, and stakeholder engagement across all levels
• Proven experience conducting incident investigations, performing root cause analyses, and developing corrective actions
• Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Visio; intermediate skills in Power BI and Articulate (or similar training development software)
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities, often in situations without established guidelines, with sound judgment
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and a clean driving record

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring a welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external candidates. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

Salary Range : $85,156 to $111,294 per annum, based on 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.