Compensation Specialist (18 month term)

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 94,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is looking for an experienced Compensation Specialist to support a project over the next 18 months. This role involves designing a compensation framework tailored for the Airport Division, conducting market research, and providing strategic advisory to stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a university degree in HR or Business and at least 5 years of related experience. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Earned day off program

Paid vacation

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in compensation, classification, or job evaluation.
• Public sector, union or aerospace environment experience preferred.
• CCP or CHRP designation is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of customized salary structures and pay bands.
• Conduct market research and salary survey analysis.
• Provide expert advice on compensation strategy.
• Draft compensation policies and governance controls.
• Develop communication materials for compensation framework rollout.

Skills

Analytical & Data Skills

Compensation Expertise

Regulatory Knowledge

Business & Financial Acumen

Technology Proficiency

Education

University degree in HR, Business, or related field

Job description

If Term position, enter length of Term in months

If Term position, enter length of Term in months 18 months

Position Groups

Position Groups Management and Exempt

Division

Division People & Protective Services (DV139)

Department

Department Corporate HR Department (DP140)

Department Name

Branch

Branch Corporate HR (BR140)

Organizational Information

Purpose of your Position - Non Union

We are looking for an HR professional with a compensation background to join a special project team as the Compensation Specialist for the next 18 months supporting our initiative to establish a tailored compensation framework designed specifically for the Airport Division, reflecting the distinct operational demands and industry-specific dynamics of the aviation sector. This role will play a key role in the project team, working alongside the Airport HR Manager and the HR Manager, Employee Wellness & Total Compensation.

The Compensation Specialist plays a key role in designing, developing, analyzing, and implementing a modern compensation framework that aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives and public sector values. This position provides expert guidance on compensation issues, conducts market research, salary structure design and supports the creation of compensation policies and tools. A central focus of the role is contributing to the development of a sustainable, customized compensation framework that complies with federal pay equity legislation and meets the unique needs of a public sector municipality. The role will collaborate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to ensure the framework is sustainable, scalable, and supports talent attraction, retention, and performance.

Classification Summary - Union

Duties - Union

Results and Activities - Non union

1. Framework Design and Implementation (30%)

• Lead the development of customized salary structures and pay bands tailored to the Airport Division.
• Apply Korn Ferry methodology to integrate job evaluations and ensure internal equity.
• Support the creation of compensation policies, governance models, and implementation plans.

2. Market Research and Benchmarking (25%)

• Identify and analyze relevant market comparators and salary surveys within the aviation sector.
• Conduct current state analysis and salary survey design, implementation, and analysis.
• Normalize and interpret market data to inform compensation philosophy and percentile targets.

3. Strategic Advisory and Project Support (20%)

• Provide expert advice to the Steering Committee and Core Working Group on compensation strategy.
• Support Project Sponsor, City Manager and Council decision-making with data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Contribute to costing models, scenario planning, and compensation impact assessments.

4. Policy Development and Governance (20%)

• Draft compensation policies covering pay progression, promotions, and market positioning.
• Define governance controls and monitoring mechanisms for ongoing framework maintenance.
• Support continuous improvement through feedback loops and policy refinement.

5. Change Management and Communication (5%)

• Develop and deliver communication materials, training, and FAQs for leaders and employees.
• Support change management efforts related to compensation framework rollout and system integration.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement to ensure understanding and adoption of new practices.
• Operating budget: Project Outcomes will impact Airport Operating Budget
• Who has final spending authority: CAO , City Manager and Council
• Supports project teams and working groups through subject matter expertise.

Knowledge - Non Union

• University degree in HR, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in compensation, classification, or job evaluation.
• Public sector, union or aerospace environment experience preferred.
• CCP or CHRP designation is an asset

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

• Analytical & Data Skills – strong ability to analyze compensation data, market trends, and build models using Excel or statistical tools.
• Compensation Expertise – deep knowledge of job evaluation, salary structures, incentive plans, and total rewards strategies.
• Regulatory Knowledge – understanding of labor laws and compliance requirements related to pay equity and compensation practices.
• Business & Financial Acumen – ability to align compensation strategies with organizational goals and financial realities.
• Technology Proficiency – skilled in using HRIS and compensation tools to manage and analyze compensation programs.

Posting Text

Physical Demands

Special Instructions to Applicant

Additional Hiring Information

The annual salary for this position ranges from $94,700 Min to $110,490 Max, depending on qualifications and experience. Most candidates can expect to start in the lower to mid-range of this scale, with opportunities for salary growth based on performance and tenure. We offer progressive employment practices and a great work environment. This is an exempt position that offers a competitive salary, employer-paid comprehensive benefits package, an earned day off program, paid vacation and one of Canada’s top pension plans.

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community’s diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $94,700 to $110,490

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/12/2025

Closing Date

Closing Date 09/02/2025

Days of Work

Days of Work Monday to Friday

Standard Hours per Day 7

Hours of Work

8 am to 4 pm

Work Location

Work Location OTHER LOCATION

Specify Work Location

Specify Work Location Airport and City Hall

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Other Document 1

Other Document 2

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education that you have completed related to this position?
  • High school graduation
  • Some related post-secondary courses
  • Post-secondary certificate (1 year full time studies)
  • Diploma (2 years full time studies)
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree or other higher level post-graduate program
  • Other
• * Do you currently hold a CPHR designation?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am a CPHR Candidate
• * How many years of experience do you have in compensation strategy/frameworks, job classification, or job evaluation?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • 3 to 5 years
  • 5 to 8 years
  • More than 8 years
• * How many years of experience do you have administering compensation plans?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • 3 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * Do you have human resources experience working in a unionized environment?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • 3 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years