EHS Specialist

EHS Specialist – Rail Sector

Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contract Type: Contract
Contract Duration: To be confirmed
Working Arrangement: Site-based / hybrid, depending on project requirements
Sector: Rail / Railway Infrastructure
Reporting to: EHS Manager / Project Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist to support rail sector projects based in Glasgow. The successful candidate will provide practical EHS guidance, monitor compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards, and promote a positive safety culture across project teams, contractors and operational personnel.

The role will involve working closely with project management, engineering, construction and delivery teams to ensure that EHS risks are identified, assessed and effectively controlled throughout project delivery. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in the rail industry, a strong understanding of UK health and safety legislation, and the ability to influence safe working practices in a complex, safety-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Health and Safety

Provide competent EHS advice and support to project teams, site personnel and subcontractors.
Conduct site inspections, workplace audits and compliance assessments, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
Review and support the development of risk assessments, method statements and task-specific safe systems of work.
Monitor compliance with relevant UK health and safety legislation, company policies and client-specific requirements.
Support the management of high-risk activities, including working at height, lifting operations, plant and equipment, electrical safety and work within railway environments.
Promote a proactive safety culture through workforce engagement, toolbox talks, briefings and safety campaigns.
Support incident, accident and near-miss investigations, including root cause analysis and the implementation of preventative measures.
Monitor and report on EHS performance, trends, incidents and leading indicators.
Support emergency preparedness, including emergency response arrangements and drills where required.
Environmental Management

Monitor compliance with environmental legislation, project environmental requirements and relevant management systems.
Support the implementation of environmental management plans and site-specific controls.
Identify and manage environmental risks relating to waste, pollution prevention, noise, dust, water management and hazardous substances.
Conduct environmental inspections and audits, ensuring that non-conformances are recorded and resolved.
Promote sustainable working practices and minimise the environmental impact of rail project activities.
Support environmental incident reporting, investigation and corrective action tracking.
Rail-Specific Responsibilities

Apply relevant railway industry standards, client procedures and project-specific EHS requirements.
Support safe working arrangements for activities undertaken on or near the railway, where applicable.
Liaise with rail project stakeholders, contractors and delivery teams to ensure EHS requirements are integrated into planning and execution.
Ensure appropriate controls are in place for railway interface risks, including access arrangements, possession-related activities and operational interfaces where relevant to the project.
Support compliance with applicable Network Rail standards, railway safety requirements and client assurance processes, as appropriate to the project scope.
Management Systems and Reporting

Maintain accurate EHS records, inspection reports, audit findings and action trackers.
Assist with EHS audits, management reviews and assurance activities.
Support the implementation and continuous improvement of EHS management systems aligned with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, where applicable.
Prepare regular EHS performance reports for project management and client stakeholders.
Monitor the close-out of corrective and preventative actions, escalating significant risks or recurring issues.
Essential Requirements

Proven experience in an EHS, HSE or SHE role within the rail, railway infrastructure, construction, engineering or another safety-critical environment.
Recognised health and safety qualification, such as NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent.
Working knowledge of UK health and safety and environmental legislation.
Experience undertaking site inspections, risk assessments, audits and incident investigations.
Strong understanding of contractor management and construction or infrastructure project delivery.
Ability to identify risks, recommend practical control measures and influence safe behaviours.
Strong communication, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a project-based environment.
Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
Desirable Requirements

Previous experience working on Network Rail or other UK rail infrastructure projects.
Knowledge of relevant railway standards, procedures and assurance requirements.
NEBOSH Environmental Certificate, environmental management qualification or equivalent experience.
Internal auditor training or experience with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
Experience supporting principal contractors, subcontractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
Membership of IOSH, IEMA or another relevant professional body.
Relevant rail competencies or certifications appropriate to the project scope.
Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Safety leadership: The ability to promote a positive safety culture and challenge unsafe practices.
Technical competence: A sound understanding of EHS legislation, risk management and industry best practice.
Communication: The ability to engage effectively with site teams, contractors, management and clients.
Problem-solving: A practical, risk-based approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions.
Attention to detail: Accurate reporting, documentation and follow-up of EHS actions.
Adaptability: The ability to respond effectively to changing project demands and site conditions.
Contract Deliverables and Performance Expectations

The EHS Specialist will be expected to:

Complete planned site inspections and EHS audits in line with project requirements.
Ensure identified hazards and non-conformances are recorded, escalated and tracked through to closure.
Support timely investigation and reporting of incidents and near misses.
Provide regular EHS performance updates to project management.
Deliver workforce engagement activities and targeted safety briefings.
Support environmental compliance and effective management of site environmental risks.
Contribute to the achievement of project EHS objectives and continuous improvement targets.
Additional Information

The role will be based in Glasgow, with attendance at project sites and travel within Scotland or elsewhere in the UK as required. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a site-based, operational environment and engaging with personnel at all levels.

Any rail-specific access, safety-critical competencies, medical fitness requirements or personal track safety certification will be determined by the project scope and client requirements.

Contract rate, duration, start date and working pattern: To be confirmed.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV outlining relevant EHS experience, rail sector exposure, qualifications, certifications and availability for contract work

This is a summary of a vacancy from the advertiser. Read the full job description and apply →