POSTED: 23rd February 2026
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL TIME ROTTERDAM

MISSION TO METRICS

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop and scale technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. To do this we must maintain the highest Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards. We are dedicated to creating measurable impacts through robust assurance practices that enhance operational integrity and sustainability. By employing a data-driven metrics framework, we track progress, identify improvement areas, and demonstrate accountability, ultimately promoting a safer and cleaner marine environment.

THE ASSIGNMENT

The HSE Specialist supports the acceleration of integrated risk management implementation across the organization, applying a risk-based approach to identify, assess, control, and review health, safety, environmental, and Duty of Care considerations at operational and organizational levels. The role helps ensure compliance with the Dutch Arbeidsomstandighedenwet (Arbowet) and related regulations, embedding legal and ISO 9001/45001/14001 requirements into daily operations and decision-making. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed HSE Specialist, which will work cross functionally to develop and maintain practical HSE processes, procedures, and controls, including risk assessments, preventive measures, and monitoring activities. This supports safe and resilient operations while enabling continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and responsible innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate HIRAs and integrated risk management activities across operational and organizational levels, including PDCA cycles, Task-Based Risk Assessments (TBRAs) and change management processes, ensuring risks are systematically identified, assessed, controlled, reviewed and reported on.
• Accelerate the advancement of the Safety Culture Ladder, supporting assessments, action plans, and initiatives that strengthen proactive safety behaviors, leadership engagement, and workforce participation.
• Perform internal HSE audits as an ISO 45001 internal auditor, including audit planning, execution, and reporting.
• Review and assess HSE pre-qualification documentation for suppliers and contractors (supporting the Procurement and Logistics Team), ensuring alignment with company standards, legal requirements, and risk profiles.
• Act as the primary HSE point of contact for HQ, ensuring office safety compliance with the Dutch Arbowet through coordination of RI&E and Plan of Action activities, BHV organization, emergency preparedness, and ongoing liaison with Prevention and BHV leads.
• Support business continuity, crisis management, and security preparedness, including risk assessments, emergency response planning, drills, and post-incident evaluations to strengthen organizational resilience.
• Co-develop, HSE training programs, including inductions, toolbox talks, awareness campaigns, and targeted training aligned with ISO standards, sector best practices, and identified risk trends.

KEY DELIVERABLES & OUTCOMES

• Enablement of early identification and systematic documentation of hazards and operational risks with timely control measures, on-time closure of corrective and preventive actions, and a sustained downward trend in recurring risks.
• Maintained and continuously improved HSE compliance through accurate and timely data collection, progressively stronger audit and inspection results, and clear leading KPIs insights on HSE risks and trends (in collaboration with Head of QHSE).
• Co-development of HSE trainings and toolbox meetings that align with best practices from ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and other sector benchmarks.
• Support the implementation of The Ocean Cleanup’s HSE Manual, SOPs and national HSE standards in all working environments - at HQ and project sites.
  

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

“Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you”

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial or Environmental Engineering, or any other with a focus on Risk Management, Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent.
• Between 5-6 years of relevant work experience implementing integrated management systems (ISO 9001/45001/14001), developing HSE controls, in production, manufacturing or compliance sectors and in matrix organizations.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Dutch safety laws (Arbowet, Arbobesluit) and other OHS related norms is a pre-requisite.
• Fluent in Dutch (written and spoken) is required or significant experience with dealing with Dutch Arbo wet.
• NEBOSH, VCA, ISO 310001, Culture Safety Ladder and/or other OHS related certification is are considered a strong advantage.
• Experience with various project management methods involving delivering technological products and operations offshore/onshore is a plus.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Able to perform well in a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment, and dealing with cultural differences.
• Result-driven and self-motivated, also in the face of adversity and setbacks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation and reporting skills.
• Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful mission.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Starting date: as soon as possible.
• A valid work permit, or residency, to work in The Netherlands.
• As a non-profit organization, our salaries reflect our reliance on donations rather than commercial salaries.
• Conducting a pre-employment check is part of our recruitment process.
• We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to an equal opportunity hiring process.