Job Summary

The Integrated Safety Systems (iSMS) Program Specialist at the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is a high-level regulatory and operational role within the airport’s safety department. You are the architect of the “Safety Shield,” ensuring that every operation on Sea Island—from the terminal to the taxiways—complies with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). This position requires the “wit” to analyze complex safety data for predictive risk modeling and the “grit” to lead rigorous audits in a high-stakes, 24/7 aviation environment.

Job Details

Employer: Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR).
Location: Richmond, BC (On-site at Sea Island).
Position Type: Full-time.
Salary Range: $85,156 to $111,294 per annum (individually tailored).
Core Mandate: Leading the Integrated Safety Management System (iSMS) program and regulatory liaison.
Compliance Framework: Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Transport Canada standards.

Key Responsibilities

iSMS Leadership: Manage and evolve the Integrated Safety Management System, ensuring it remains the “single source of truth” for airport-wide safety protocols.
Regulatory Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for Transport Canada and other regulatory agencies, managing inspections and formal safety correspondence.
Safety Auditing: Conduct comprehensive internal audits and site inspections to identify non-conformance and ensure “Zero-Bypass” adherence to safety standards.
Risk Analysis: Utilize analytical tools to identify safety trends, perform root-case analyses on incidents, and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
Training Delivery: Design and deliver high-impact safety training programs for airport employees and stakeholders to foster a “Safety-First” culture.
Corrective Action Tracking: Oversee the implementation of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) following audits or incidents, ensuring long-term resolution of safety gaps.

Candidate Profile

Experience: At least five years of experience in a formal safety environment (Aviation, Oil & Gas, or Heavy Infrastructure preferred).
Education: Post-secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety, Aviation Management, or a related field.
Technical Wit: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and regulatory language.
Soft Skills: Exceptional communication and presentation skills; “Integrity-first” leadership with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with SMS principles and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Technical Insights: The SMS Framework

An Integrated Safety Management System is more than just a set of rules; it is a continuous loop of improvement.

The Four Pillars of SMS: You will manage the four essential components: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion.
Predictive vs. Reactive Safety: While reactive safety deals with past incidents, your role focuses on “Predictive Safety”—using data to identify a potential hazard before it results in an event.
The “Swiss Cheese” Model: You will be trained to identify “latent conditions” (holes in the cheese) that, if aligned, could lead to a safety breach.

Job Description

Do you believe that the safest airport in the world is the one that never stops looking for hazards? The Vancouver Airport Authority is seeking an Integrated Safety Systems (iSMS) Program Specialist to join our team at YVR. We aren’t just following regulations; we are setting the standard for aviation safety in Canada. If you have the “grit” to lead a multi-day regulatory audit and the “wit” to turn complex incident data into a life-saving training program, you belong in our safety department.

In this role, you are a “Risk Architect.” You understand that safety is the foundation upon which all airport commerce and connection is built. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Oversight,” ensuring that YVR remains a global leader in safety innovation and regulatory compliance. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are detail-oriented, collaborative, and ready to champion a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Joining YVR means joining a team of trailblazers committed to a greener and more resilient future. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a work environment that supports your continuous professional development. If you are a safety professional with a commitment to “Vigilance and Continuous Improvement,” we invite you to apply and help us protect the travelers and workers of Sea Island.

Vancouver Airport Authority | British Columbia’s Premier Global Gateway

The Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages and operates Vancouver International Airport. As of 2026, it is recognized as a global leader in airport innovation and sustainability, balancing its role as a critical trans-Pacific hub with a deep commitment to its local community and the environment. Following its successful navigation of the post-pandemic era, YVR is currently executing its 2025–2027 Strategy, which focuses on digital transformation, climate resilience, and its landmark partnership with the Musqueam people.

The YVR Culture: “Purpose, Belonging, and Safety”

The culture at the Airport Authority is defined by a “people-first” approach that unifies a diverse 24/7 workforce through shared values of safety, teamwork, accountability, and innovation.

A Living Wage Leader: YVR was the first airport in Canada to become a certified Living Wage Employer. This commitment ensures that all direct employees and contracted service providers (like janitorial and landscaping) earn a wage that reflects the actual cost of living in Metro Vancouver.
Reconciliation in Action: Located on the traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation, the Authority operates under a 30-year Sustainability and Friendship Agreement. This partnership is woven into the workplace culture through revenue sharing, joint scholarships, and a “talent agreement” that prioritizes Musqueam representation in the workforce.
The “Living Lab” Mindset: Employees are encouraged to be “trailblazers for change.” The Authority fosters a culture of experimentation, where staff pilot world-leading technologies like Digital Twins and AI-driven baggage systems to solve real-world operational challenges.
Flexible & Inclusive Design: Following a massive workplace transformation, the Authority’s offices now feature “modular work settings” designed for collaboration, neurodiverse needs, and hybrid flexibility (often allowing 2 days per week from home for eligible roles).

2026 Strategic Pillars: “The Gateway to the New Economy”

YVR’s current operations are guided by four “north star” goals that position the airport as more than just a transit point.

Pillar	2026 Milestone / Initiative	Goal
Climate	Net Zero by 2030	Switching to renewable electricity and hydrogen for 100% of ground fleets.
Digital	No-Unpack Screening	Expanding advanced CT security checkpoints at all gates for a seamless flow.
Economy	Multi-Modal Hub	Positioning YVR as a key link for B.C. exports via a new International Cargo Hub.
Community	FIFA 2026 Readiness	Preparing the terminal for a massive influx of international fans for the World Cup.

Associate Benefits: “The Holistic Remuneration Package”

YVR provides a comprehensive rewards suite designed to support long-term physical, emotional, and financial health:

Competitive 2026 Compensation:
- Co-op Students: $24.80 – $27.33/hr.
- Electricians/Maintenance: $81,000 – $105,000+ per year.
- Industrial Mechanics: ~$31.76 – $38.00/hr.
Financial Protection: Includes a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, performance-based incentives, and an income protection plan for families.
Health & Wellness: 24/7 access to an on-site fitness facility, comprehensive medical/dental benefits, and on-site clinics (medical, dental, and even dry-cleaning).
Green Commuting Perks: Incentives for employees who use TransLink or other sustainable transit options to get to Sea Island.
Employee Perks: Significant discounts at over 5,500 Accor hotels worldwide, food and beverage discounts at terminal outlets, and corporate matching for charitable donations.

2026 Milestone: The Digital Evolution

In 2026, YVR has fully operationalized its Digital Twin, a real-time virtual representation of the airport. This allows employees across departments to use predictive analytics to identify potential bottlenecks—from security lines to baggage carousels—before they occur. This technology is a cornerstone of YVR’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring the “Vancouver welcome” is as efficient as it is warm.

To apply for this job please visit careers.yvr.ca.