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HSE Officer job description

As an HSE Officer in the oil and gas sector, you will ensure rigorous safety compliance, manage hazard assessments, and mitigate risks across energy operations.

Published February 22, 2024Updated May 17, 20261993 likes

Job brief

We are looking for a vigilant and experienced HSE Officer to join our dynamic oil and gas operations team. You will oversee safety initiatives across our field sites, playing a central role in cultivating a culture of zero-harm and operational excellence. If you are passionate about protecting assets, people, and the environment in high-risk energy settings, you will find this role both challenging and rewarding. Join us to lead critical risk mitigation strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of our energy production facilities.

Key highlights

  • Execute comprehensive site audits and inspections of drilling platforms, production facilities, and pipeline infrastructure to ensure strict adherence to HSE standards.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to the commencement of high-risk operational activities or maintenance shutdowns.
  • Investigate work-related injuries or near-misses using root-cause analysis methodologies to implement corrective and preventive actions across the organization.
  • Facilitate safety induction training and regular toolbox talks for field staff, contractors, and site personnel to foster a proactive safety culture.

What is a HSE Officer?

An HSE Officer is a vital technical professional within the energy sector, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols across oil and gas facilities. By integrating industry-specific standards like ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, an HSE Officer proactively identifies site hazards to prevent operational accidents and environmental incidents. This role serves as a bridge between frontline field operations and corporate safety mandates, ensuring that exploration, drilling, and production activities remain both compliant and efficient.

What does a HSE Officer do?

On a daily basis, an HSE Officer conducts rigorous site inspections of drilling rigs, pipelines, and processing plants to ensure adherence to OSHA and local environmental regulations. They lead daily safety briefings, perform root-cause analysis after incidents, and maintain comprehensive records in safety management software such as Enablon or Intelex. By collaborating with operations managers and field engineers, an HSE Officer ensures that all equipment maintenance and high-risk work permits align with current safety protocols, directly minimizing downtime and safeguarding the workforce.

Key responsibilities

  • Execute comprehensive site audits and inspections of drilling platforms, production facilities, and pipeline infrastructure to ensure strict adherence to HSE standards.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to the commencement of high-risk operational activities or maintenance shutdowns.
  • Manage and maintain safety documentation, including incident investigation reports, emergency response plans, and environmental compliance logs in centralized digital systems.
  • Facilitate safety induction training and regular toolbox talks for field staff, contractors, and site personnel to foster a proactive safety culture.
  • Lead emergency response drills and coordinate with local regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with regional environmental and safety legislation.
  • Monitor industrial hygiene and environmental performance metrics, such as waste disposal and emission levels, to maintain facility operating permits.
  • Investigate work-related injuries or near-misses using root-cause analysis methodologies to implement corrective and preventive actions across the organization.
  • Partner with technical engineering teams to integrate safety-by-design principles into new capital projects and facility expansion operations.

Requirements and skills

  • Professional certification such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional), NEBOSH International General Certificate, or OSHA 30-Hour Construction/General Industry training.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of direct HSE experience in upstream or midstream oil and gas operations, including work on drilling rigs or refineries.
  • Advanced technical proficiency in interpreting safety legislation, environmental codes, and ISO management systems relevant to the energy sector.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform detailed data analysis and incident investigations to present clear, actionable safety reports to senior leadership.
  • Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Proven capability to manage complex safety workflows using specialized HSE software platforms like Intelex, Cority, or SAP EHS.
  • Strong technical aptitude regarding industrial equipment, pressure vessels, and hazardous chemical handling processes within high-pressure environments.
  • Flexibility to work in remote, rotational, or offshore environments while maintaining unwavering commitment to site safety and operational efficiency.

FAQs

What does a HSE Officer do in the oil and gas industry?

A HSE Officer monitors, regulates, and improves safety and environmental performance within oil and gas facilities. They are responsible for conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with OSHA and international safety standards, leading emergency response plans, and investigating incidents to prevent future hazards in high-stakes energy production.

What are the essential skills for an HSE Officer?

Essential skills include deep knowledge of industrial safety regulations (OSHA, NEBOSH), experience in incident investigation and root-cause analysis, and proficiency with HSE management software. Beyond technical skills, an effective HSE Officer must possess strong risk management capabilities, the ability to train personnel, and experience working in hazardous or high-pressure industrial environments.

Who does an HSE Officer work with daily?

An HSE Officer works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including field technicians, drilling crews, production engineers, and project managers. They also engage with external contractors, regulatory inspectors, and local government officials to ensure that all operational activities remain compliant with environmental and safety mandates.

Why is an HSE Officer critical to oil and gas operations?

In the volatile and high-risk energy sector, an HSE Officer is the primary guardian of the workforce and the environment. Their work prevents costly production downtime, protects against legal and environmental liabilities, and ensures that complex technical operations can proceed without endangering lives or violating international regulatory standards.