Human Resources Specialist (Posting 2026-45)

JOB POSTING

JOB TITLE: Human Resources Specialist (Posting 2026-45)

LOCATION: Owen Sound, Head Office

POSTING CLOSES: Review of applicants will commence on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM EST and will continue until position is filled

START DATE: October 26, 2026

TYPE: Full Time, Permanent

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1)

REPORTS TO: Manager of Human Resources

UNION: Non-Union

SALARY: $75,000 to $95,000

The Human Resources (HR) Specialist is responsible for supporting the company’s HR function and coordinating information and data related to HR programs and initiatives, specifically recruitment, the administration of a human resources information system (e.g. gathering and managing employee records, performance review cycle), attendance and disability management, employee and labour relations and file and records management.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate and assist with the full cycle recruitment process, including placement of job postings, short-listing of candidates, scheduling, participating in interviews, conducting reference checks, creating employment offer letters, onboarding and file and records management. Maintains a recruitment and onboarding tracker and checklist.
• Ensures that all required certifications such as licenses, medicals, and other documentation, are received and verified before hiring. Actively participate in onboarding activities to welcome new employees to the organization.
• Works closely with the Payroll & Finance Administrator and supports the HR team (Director, Manager and Coordinator) to onboard and offboard employees, including providing salary and benefits entitlements information, leave of absence management, exit interviews, EI and WSIB administration, leave and disability inquiries, confirmation of employment and reference checks for past/current employees.
• Assist the HR and Payroll team, with benefit and pension administration.
• Assists in developing and maintaining employee job descriptions and job postings.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date HR records in an HRIS, fleet management system and/or learning management system(s) as applicable, including employee data, training records, certifications, onboarding/offboarding documents, seniority lists, disciplinary records, and performance appraisals.
• Tracks probationary employees and assists in administering the performance review process for all employees.
• Maintains knowledge of union agreements and associated benefits and entitlements. Provides recommendations to HR team for potential union negotiation matters. Supports union negotiations by reviewing, proofing and tracking contract language for accuracy and ensuring consistency within the company.
• Produces regular HR reports and provide insights to the HR Manager and Director of HR and Communications and other interest holders.
• Assists the HR team with administration of grievance and arbitration paperwork, processes and procedures.
• Manages information and data related to HR activities, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance with data protection regulations. Regularly maintains and audits employee files and participates in annual audits, ensuring record retention policies are followed.
• Takes minutes where required at HR meetings, whether with employees, unions, management, external case workers or otherwise.
• Assists the HR team in the development of and implementing and updating policies and procedures, ensuring legislative compliance in all areas related to HR.
• Assist with the processing of WSIB claims, working with employees and case managers to manage absences and facilitate safe and healthy return to work plans.
• Coordinates with the Manager of Health, Safety, Environment, and Compliance where required to ensure the compliance with regulatory and health and safety matters.
• Participates in HR projects when applicable such as performance management, recognition and life event programs, HR services development, HR metrics, job evaluation process, training and development.
• Ensures a supportive work environment through open communication and acting as a liaison between front-line staff and management. Provide guidance, coaching and support to all staff in labour relations, attendance management and HR matters, in conjunction with the HR Manager and Director. Assists in coordinating and/or conducting workplace investigations when required. Assists in producing documents for managing employee performance (disciplinary letters, performance improvement plans, etc.).
• Assists in planning, coordinating and participates in employee engagement, HR presentations, service recognition and life acknowledgement activities across OSTC and leads the coordination of head office social committee activities.
• Administers staff surveys and compiles data as required.
• Contributes to an environment and culture of service excellence which respects diversity, encourages all employees to work together to achieve results and contributes to a healthy, rewarding and productive working environment where personal and team accountability is key.
• May be trained as a back up the Payroll and Finance Administrator (payroll, benefits, and accounts receivable) performing their duties during absences and/or heavy workload situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the HR Manager and Director.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, WORK EXPERIENCE and SKILLS

Education and Experience

• A minimum two-year college diploma in human resources, business administration or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in Human Resources administration or related experience.
• Experience administering an HRIS or related database.
• Experience with human resources in a unionized environment is a strong asset.
• Possession of or working towards an HR certification such as CPHR, CHRP, CHRL, SHRM-CP, and can demonstrate a level of professionalism and expertise in the field.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong and professional communications skills for displaying tact (e.g. sensitive conversations with employees) and relaying information (e.g. policies/procedures to applicants and others)
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Knowledge of human resources information systems and databases
• Complete understanding of the recruitment life cycle
• Knowledge of benefit and pension administration
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop positive working relationships both internally and externally
• Basic understanding of collective agreements, performance management, discipline processes.
• Strong time management skills and adaptable to a time sensitive environment where there are multiple and urgent deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, Common Law, Occupational Health & Safety Act and other employment legislation in Ontario and other jurisdictions, as required.
• Experience working with the marine sector, or the public sector, would be an asset.

How To Apply?

Please upload your resume in PDF format.

We are committed to the principle of fair representation of individuals from the four designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act. We encourage qualified women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities to apply for our positions.

If you require any accommodations in the recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss, but please note that applications will not be reviewed or accepted via this email address.

Notice on Use of Technology in Recruitment - We may use technology, including AI tools, to support parts of the application process. All hiring decisions are made by people.