Employee Relations Advisor

Durham College; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 79,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham College invites applications for an Employee Relations Advisor to support complex employee relations in a multi-union environment. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the role provides administrative support for grievances, investigations and job evaluations.

The position requires a three-year HR diploma, experience with collective agreements, and strong organizational abilities. This temporary vacancy runs December 2026 to June 2028, with a focus on equity and inclusive

Qualifications

• A minimum of a three-year diploma in human resources or related discipline; CHRP designation or equivalent is an asset.
• A minimum of three years of related work experience in Human Resources supporting employee and labour relations involving interpretation and policy provisions.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective agreements and research relevant labour relations precedents.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills; experience creating processes and systems is an asset.
• Experience working in a unionised environment is an asset.
• Experience working in post-secondary education is an asset.
• Must have strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of work while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and a strong client service focus.
• Working knowledge of collective agreements and applicable legislation including OHRC, ESA, AODA.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all matters.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and organizes case information, correspondence, meeting notes and supporting documentation to assist the Director, AVP and Manager in preparing for meetings, grievances, investigations, mediations, arbitrations and other proceedings.
• Conducts research related to collective agreements, employment legislation, arbitration decisions, case law, college policies and past practices, and summarizes findings to support the HR team.
• Supports the administration of grievances, complaints, investigations, accommodations and other employee relations matters by taking minutes where appropriate, maintaining files, coordinating documentation, tracking key dates and organizing relevant information.
• Maintains organized labour relations case information, documentation and tracking to support timely access to case history and emerging trends.
• Interprets and supports the consistent application and administration of collective agreements, employment legislation, college policies and related processes.
• Assists with the preparation of grievance responses, correspondence, briefing materials, meeting packages, reports, timelines and other employee relations documentation for review by HR leadership.
• Supports with the administration of the job evaluation process including updating job evaluation tracking data, organizing notes and communications related to reclassifications, updating the job matrix and creating clean and updated job descriptions following evaluation by the committee.
• Works collaboratively with HR colleagues, college leaders and union representatives to support constructive labour and employee relations practices.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of employment relations resources, processes and knowledge tools.
• Supports the broader HR team with administrative support where needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Three-year diploma in human resources

CHRP designation or equivalent (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe

Job description

Employee Relations Advisor

Band 9 $79,101 - $98,878

Temporary opportunity: December 2026 to June 2028

Competition #AD26-30

About Durham College: Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs - including six bachelor's degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs - to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Durham College is seeking an Employee Relations Assistant to support the administration, research, and analysis of complex employee relations in a multi-union environment. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, this position will serve as administrative support on complex employee and labour relations matters supporting the Director, Human Resources, Manager, Client Services and the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources.

• Reviews and organizes case information, correspondence, meeting notes and supporting documentation to assist the Director, AVP and Manager in preparing for meetings, grievances, investigations, mediations, arbitrations and other proceedings.
• Conducts research related to collective agreements, employment legislation, arbitration decisions, case law, college policies and past practices, and summarizes findings to support the Human Resources team.
• Supports the administration of grievances, complaints, investigations, accommodations and other employee relations matters by taking minutes where appropriate, maintaining files, coordinating documentation, tracking key dates and organizing relevant information.
• Maintains organized labour relations case information, documentation and tracking to support timely access to case history and emerging trends.
• Interprets and supports the consistent application and administration of collective agreements, employment legislation, college policies and related processes.
• Assists with the preparation of grievance responses, correspondence, briefing materials, meeting packages, reports, timelines and other employee relations documentation for review by Human Resources leadership.
• Supports with the administration of the job evaluation process including updating job evaluation tracking data, organizing notes and communications related to reclassifications, updating the job matrix and creating clean and updated job descriptions following evaluation by the committee.
• Works collaboratively with Human Resources colleagues, college leaders and union representatives to support constructive labour and employee relations practices and effective working relationships.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of employment relations resources, processes and knowledge tools.
• Supports the broader HR team with administrative support where needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A minimum of a three-year diploma in human resources or related discipline. CHRP designation or equivalent is an asset.
2. A minimum of three years of related work experience in Human Resources supporting employee and labour relations involving the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation and policy provisions.
3. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective agreements and research relevant labour relations precedents.
4. Strong organizational and administrative skills; experience creating processes and systems is an asset.
5. Experience working in a unionised environment is an asset.
6. Experience working in post-secondary education is an asset.
7. Must have strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
8. Proven ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships across all levels of the organization.
9. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
10. Proven ability to manage a high volume of work while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and a strong client service focus.
11. Working knowledge of collective agreements and applicable legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act (ESA), and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
12. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
13. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all matters.

Please note this posting is for a temporary vacancy.

Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.