Human Resources Associate

This position has a term length of up to 24 months.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Associate (HRA) to join our dynamic HR Partnership team. Reporting to a Senior Human Resources Partner (SHRP), the HRA works closely with HR Partners to provide responsive, practical HR generalist support to assigned faculties and departments within a large, complex and unionized environment.

The HRA develops collaborative relationships with leaders and administrators, providing advice and support across a broad range of HR activities for both academic and non-academic employee groups. The role independently manages routine and lower-complexity matters, supports HR Partners and the SHRP on more complex files, and uses sound judgment to identify when specialized expertise or escalation is required. Working collaboratively with Shared Services and HRHSE Centres of Expertise, the HRA helps clients navigate collective agreements, policies, employment practices, HR processes and services. 

HR Guidance and Operations

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with leaders, administrators and key contacts within assigned faculties and departments, building an understanding of their operations and HR needs.
• Provide day-to-day HR generalist advice and support across a diverse range of academic and non-academic employee groups and appointment types.
• Assess and triage HR inquiries and issues, resolving matters within the scope of the HRA role and engaging the HR Partner, Shared Services or appropriate Centre of Expertise where additional expertise or escalation is required.
• Provide guidance on routine appointment and employment matters, including appointment types, extensions, changes to FTE, transfers and other employment changes, in accordance with applicable collective agreements, policies and processes.
• Work collaboratively with HR Partners, Shared Services, Finance and other stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve HR operational issues.
• Identify recurring or emerging issues and opportunities for process improvement and bring forward recommendations to the HR Partner or SHRP.
• Prepare and review HR correspondence, documentation and other materials to support employment and HR processes.
• Support the implementation of institutional HR programs and initiatives and participate in projects, committees and other activities as assigned.
• Facilitate or coordinate training and resources for faculties and departments, as required.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Provide advice and support throughout recruitment and selection processes, working with appropriate stakeholders.
• Support recruitment and selection processes for academic and non-academic positions, including tenure-track faculty recruitment as required.
• Advise on routine staffing and appointment considerations and engage HR Partners or other stakeholders where additional guidance is required.
• Support recall and other staffing processes in accordance with applicable collective agreements and University processes.
• Facilitate onboarding activities and support leaders in ensuring new employees have the information and resources required for a successful transition.
• Coordinate processes for non-Canadian hires and relocation in collaboration with Shared Services.

Job Design and Evaluation

• Analyze and evaluate support staff (NASA),  MAPS, APO, TLAPO, and TRAS positions using applicable job evaluation methodologies.
• Consults with organizational leaders and, where required, incumbents to understand position responsibilities, accountabilities, and organizational context.
• Conduct job audits and other analysis as required to support accurate job evaluation outcomes. 
• Advise clients on job design and support the development and revision of Job Fact Sheets, position descriptions and related documentation.

Performance and Employee/Labour Relations

• Provide guidance on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, handbooks, policies, procedures and HR practices.
• Support departments/faculties with annual performance appraisal, probationary review and other performance-related processes.
• Provide advice and coaching to people leaders on routine performance, attendance and employee relations matters, escalating or supporting more complex matters in collaboration with the HR Partner or SHRP.
• Assist with workplace concerns, conduct and discipline matters, terminations and other employee/labour relations processes under the direction of the HR Partner or SHRP, as appropriate.
• Conduct research, gather and organize information, and assist with the preparation of matters involving disputes, grievances, complaints and arbitrations.
• Support voluntary and involuntary offboarding processes, including the preparation and coordination of required documentation.

Employee Wellness, Accommodation and Return to Work

• Support leaders and supervisors with employee leaves, accommodation and return-to-work processes in collaboration with appropriate HR and specialized service areas.
• Assist in gathering relevant information and identifying workplace considerations to support accommodation and return-to-work planning.
• Support the development and implementation of return-to-work and accommodation plans, including temporary modified duties and permanent accommodations.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to support timely and effective accommodation and return-to-work processes and escalate complex matters as appropriate.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably with a specialization in Human Resources or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including experience providing generalist HR advice and support.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and applying collective agreements, policies and employment practices.
• Experience supporting a range of HR functions, which may include recruitment, employee relations, performance management, job evaluation, accommodations and HR operations.
• Strong client service and relationship-building skills, with the ability to provide practical and responsive advice to leaders and administrators.
• Demonstrated judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess issues, determine appropriate next steps and recognize when escalation or specialized expertise is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated attention to detail in the preparation and review of HR documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a complex environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of an integrated HR team.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, adaptability and commitment to service excellence.
• Experience working in a large, complex organization or public-sector environment is an asset.
• Experience with HR information systems, including PeopleSoft HCM, and Google Workspace is an asset.
• CHRP designation is an asset.

We welcome applications from HR professionals who enjoy working collaboratively, navigating a variety of HR matters, and providing practical, responsive support in a complex and dynamic environment.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Terms and Conditions of Employment for Non-Union Employees, salary will be commensurate with qualifications.