Health and Safety Co-op Student

Term Position: 16-weeks

About Mersey Seafoods Limited

Founded in 1964 in Liverpool, NS, Mersey Seafoods is one of Nova Scotia’s largest privately owned seafood companies, exporting to international markets around the world. Mersey owns a fleet of four large fishing vessels harvesting northern shrimp, offshore scallops and groundfish with a modern scallop processing facility in Liverpool, NS and a cold storage facility in Country Harbour, NS.

In 2019, Mersey acquired an interest in Scotia Harvest Inc., a vertically integrated seafood company based in Digby, NS with a fleet of vessels fishing scallops and groundfish and a state of the art 46,000 sq ft processing facility completed in 2021. Also, that year, Mersey acquired majority ownership in Fisherman’s Market International Inc., a long-standing Halifax based retailer, wholesaler, and exporter of fresh, frozen, smoked, and salted seafood as well as live and frozen Atlantic lobster.

Mersey Seafoods also owns a ship repair business with significant capabilities: Mersey Marine Limited located in Liverpool, NS, providing a comprehensive range of services in the marine repair sector.

About the Health & Safety Co-op position

As a member of the Health & Safety team, you will expand on your educational experience while helping ensure the safety and well-being of all employees, crew, contractors, and visitors, in compliance with provincial and federal regulations, industry standards, and company policies. The Health and Safety Student will work closely with management and operational teams to promote Mersey’s culture of safety, minimize risks, hazards, and reduce workplace incidents. 

In the role of Health & Safety Student, you will assist with the maintenance of safety programs, assist with our ship-to-shore safety management system, assist with internal audits, and assist with creation of safe work procedures and supporting policies. You will also support the management team with our Return-to-Work Program and employee training requirements. Additionally, the Health, Safety and Environmental Student will provide support for the compliance and maintenance of Mersey Marine’s Green Marine program.
  

This is a work placement position which begins near the end of April 2026 and ends August 28th, 2026. This position is for 40 hours per week and will primarily be based in Bedford with some travel to Liverpool and other sites as  – approximately 20-30% travel. Travel may include locations such as other Mersey Seafoods properties within Liverpool, HRM, Digby-area, and Country Harbour.

This position has duties with Mersey Seafoods Limited and other related companies. 

 Key Responsibilities:

• Support safety oversight through toolbox talks, PPE compliance checks, and monthly site inspections.


• Review and update safety policies, procedures, and Health & Safety Program; create new SWPs as needed.


• Assist with incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.


• Deliver safety orientations and coordinate third-party training (WHMIS, OHS Act, etc.).


• Maintain training and incident records; ensure compliance with regulatory reporting.


• Conduct risk assessments and recommend hazard controls for marine and industrial environments.


• Act as administrative lead for Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees.


• Support Green Marine compliance tasks and environmental initiatives.


• Assist with Workers’ Compensation and Return-to-Work programs.


• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and industry best practices.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in NSCC Occupational Health & Safety Program (active student).


• Knowledge of Nova Scotia OHS Act and federal safety regulations.


• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.


• Experience in seafood processing, fish harvesting, or ship repair is an asset.


• Familiarity with Green Marine program is an asset.

Required Training (within first 2 months):

• WHMIS


• First Aid (Standard, Marine Basic, or Marine Advanced)

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid role with exposure to marine and industrial environments.


• Occasional work outside normal business hours based on operational needs.

Location: Bedford/Liverpool (Hybrid – office, wharves, vessels, ship repair facility)
Travel: 75% Bedford, 15% Liverpool, 10% other locations