Human Resources Specialist - Labour Relations
The City of Owen Sound is seeking qualified and dedicated applicants for the Human Resources Specialist – Labour Relations role. This position is responsible to provide Labour Relations expertise and advice to all levels of management at the City of Owen Sound and acts as the day-to-day liaison/partner between Human Resources and the rest of the organization for Labour Relations. Acting as the lead contact with unions, the role will include developing collaborative relationships with unions and acting as the City’s representative in collective bargaining, grievance processes, interpreting collective agreements, legislation, policies and providing guidance to managers/directors on performance management and disciplinary matters. The position will also lead workplace investigations, implement outcomes and lead the Job Evaluation process for the City.
Owen Sound is a diverse and culturally rich community located on the southern shores of Georgian Bay in Southern Ontario, approximately two hours north of Toronto, and on the doorstep of the Bruce Peninsula. Owen Sound is the largest urban community in Grey and Bruce counties, characterized by a magnificent harbour and bay, two winding rivers, tree-lined streets, an extensive parks system, and tree-covered hillsides and ravines. The City of Owen Sound municipal offices are in the City’s historic downtown core. Urban convenience is reconciled with a balanced lifestyle in this welcoming, vibrant, and growing community. Enjoy visits to galleries, theatres, museums, festivals, the library, local shopping, and dining right outside the doors of City Hall.
The successful candidate will have a university degree in Labour Relations, Human Resources, Law or a related discipline or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. A Certified Human Resources Leadership or Certified Human Resources Professional certification is preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of broad and progressively more senior labour relations experience including participation in collective bargaining, contract administration & interpretation. Preferably in a municipal or public sector environment.
Additional Skills/Competencies/Requirements:
- Knowledge of labour/management principles, the Canada Labour Code, provincial employment law, Human Rights, statutes and the Labour Relations Board process(es) and collective agreement administration
- Ability to manage workload with a great deal of autonomy while still collaborating, sharing expertise and drawing on the expertise of colleagues and partners
- Demonstrated ability to determine level of urgency, risk, and find opportunity for improvement
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills with strong attention to detail
- Must be able to function both independently and as an active member of a team • Ability to support and contribute to a culture of safety and prevention of adverse health events
- Extensive knowledge of pro-active human resources philosophies, practices and processes of change management.
- Knowledge and experience in pay equity, job evaluation, compensation policy, employee and labour relations including negotiations, training and development, and performance management
- Thorough knowledge of labour law, employment standards, human rights and other related legislation are required to ensure compliant policies and practices
- Strong computer skills and knowledge including MS Office Suite, Microsoft SharePoint, and HRIS systems, and practical experience in accessible documents.
- Project management skills
- Ability to develop and present Human Resources strategies and solutions to internal stakeholders
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; coupled with the ability to manage multiple priorities to successfully achieve deadlines.
- Ability to interact professionally and effectively with all levels of staff, exercising sound judgment, tact and diplomacy.
- Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability in, the City’s core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
- A valid G driver’s license and access to a vehicle or access to reliable transportation for City business are required.
- A criminal record check is required of the successful candidate.
The wage rate for this position is $73,580-$89,731. The full posting and job description can be found on the City of Owen Sound employment website. To explore this opportunity further, we invite applicants to forward their resume and cover letter by February 29, 2024 at 4:30pm to:
Human Resources Manager
City of Owen Sound
E-mail: hrjobposting@owensound.ca
The City of Owen Sound is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, valuing and respecting diversity. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act, in all aspects of the hiring process, upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will only be used for candidate selection.
