HR Associate

Westbank First Nation; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Westbank First Nation is seeking a Human Resources Associate to deliver operational HR support across the employee lifecycle, with a focus on recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration and HRIS maintenance. You will work closely with HR Advisors to ensure timely, accurate processes and a positive employee experience, including coordination of onboarding through probation and ongoing HR programs.

The role requires a Diploma in HR Management or related field, 3+ years in HR, and familiarity

Qualifications

• Diploma or post-secondary education in HR Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of three years of HR experience including recruitment, onboarding and benefits administration.
• CPHR designation or progress toward is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment processes from posting to offer and onboarding.
• Support onboarding, documentation and HRIS maintenance across portfolios.
• Administer benefits and pension processes and respond to routine inquiries.
• Maintain HR records, metrics and reporting; support HR initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day HR support and escalate complex issues as needed.

Skills

HR practices

UKG HRIS

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee benefits

Communication

Organization

Team collaboration

Indigenous awareness

Education

Diploma in HR Management

CPHR designation asset

Tools

UKG HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Human Resources Associate provides operational HR support across the employee lifecycle, with a primary focus on recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, HRIS maintenance and general HR coordination. This role supports the delivery of efficient, responsive and well-coordinated HR services that contribute to a positive employee experience.
Working closely with the Human Resources Advisors, the HR Associate serves as a key point of contact for candidates, employees and Managers. The position is responsible for ensuring HR processes, documentation and systems are accurate, timely and effectively coordinated, while providing day-to-day support across assigned portfolios.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Diploma or post-secondary education in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Human Resources, recruitment, benefits administration or a related administrative role.
• CPHR designation, or working towards a CPHR designation, is considered an asset.
• Experience working with HRIS systems such as UKG is considered an asset.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or working towards is an asset
• Previous experience working in a local government or First Nation environment and experience engaging with Indigenous communities or peoples is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and discretion on all matters relating to employees and the affairs of Westbank First Nation.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILTIES

• Independently coordinates assigned recruitment processes from intake through selection and offer, including job postings, applicant tracking, candidate communication, interview scheduling, reference and background checks, and preparation of employment documentation.
• Partners with hiring Managers to support recruitment planning, candidate screening, interview preparation, candidate selection and workforce attraction strategies.
• Participates in interview panels and provides guidance to hiring Managers on recruitment processes, practices and candidate experience.
• Leads and coordinates the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring required documentation, system access, benefits information, orientation activities and internal setup requirements are completed.
• Coordinates the employee onboarding experience through the probationary period, including 30-, 60- and 90-day review tracking and follow-up with Managers.
• Maintains and monitors recruitment and onboarding records, statistics and reporting; identifies trends and recommends opportunities to improve recruitment, onboarding and the employee experience.
• Administers employee benefits and pension processes, including enrollments, terminations, employee changes and routine inquiries.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for employees regarding routine benefits and pension inquiries and liaises with Payroll, benefit providers and other stakeholders to resolve routine issues and ensure records remain accurate.
• Coordinates assigned employee programs and initiatives, including Health and Wellness, Employee Recognition and other employee experience programs.
• Develops and distributes employee communications and provides guidance on benefits, pension, onboarding, recruitment and other assigned HR programs.
• Provides day-to-day HR support within assigned departmental portfolios, independently responding to routine HR inquiries and escalating complex or higher-risk matters to the Human Resources Advisor or HR leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinates and completes routine HR processes, correspondence, documentation, job description updates and employee lifecycle activities, consulting with Human Resources Advisors where interpretation, risk or employee relations expertise is required.
• Provides coverage and support across the HR team during periods of increased workload or operational need.
• Maintains accurate employee information within UKG and employee personnel files, including employee changes and supporting documentation, and identifies and resolves routine data discrepancies.
• Prepares, maintains and analyzes routine HR reports and metrics relating to recruitment, onboarding, vacancies, employee movement and other workforce information.
• Maintains organizational charts, HR forms, templates, manuals, checklists and other HR resources and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Participates in HR projects and departmental initiatives and may lead assigned components of projects relating to recruitment, onboarding, employee programs, HR systems or process improvement.
• Identifies opportunities to improve HR processes, systems and service delivery and recommends practical solutions to the Human Resources Manager.
• Portfolios assigned are subject to change based on organizational needs. The HR Manager reserves the right to reassign or modify portfolios at their discretion, with appropriate notice and in alignment with change management practices.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Westbank First Nation policies, standards and procedures and performs other related duties as assigned by the HR Manager.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to work collaboratively within a portfolio-based HR service delivery model
• Working knowledge of Human Resources practices and applicable employment legislation, including the Canada Labour Code and Canadian Human Rights Act.
• Knowledge of recruitment, onboarding and employee lifecycle best practices.
• Understanding of employee benefits and pension administration.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with employees, Managers and the Human Resources team.
• Strong organizational, coordination and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple recruitment, onboarding and HR priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in HR documentation and employee records.
• Ability to recognize when an HR matter requires escalation to an HR Advisor or HR leadership.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems such as UKG is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of the history of colonization in Canada and its ongoing impact on modern issues affecting Indigenous Peoples
• Working knowledge in communicating with Indigenous Peoples, demonstrating sensitivity and empathy, and awareness of how language choices can influence and impact conversations

The median salary for this position is $71,405

Westbank First Nation offers a competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and long-term success. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period along with comprehensive extended health and dental coverage.

Our unique and generous flexible time-off provisions are designed to promote work–life–family balance and overall wellness. At WFN, we also prioritize continuous growth and leadership development by investing in meaningful education and professional development opportunities that support both individual advancement and organizational excellence.

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, September 27, 2026

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.