HR Generalist

Heddle Shipyards; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ship repair and construction company in the Niagara Region is seeking a Human Resources Generalist. In this hands-on role, you will manage full-cycle recruitment, address employee relations, and ensure compliance with HR legislation. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree in HR or related field, along with 3–5 years of experience, preferably in a heavy industrial environment. You will work closely with employees and supervisors, offering support both in office and industrial settings.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of HR experience, preferably in construction, shipyard, or heavy industrial environment.
• CHRP or working towards this designation is an asset.
• Comfortable working in office and industrial environments, including outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle recruitment including postings, screening, and onboarding.
• Act as first point of contact for workplace concerns and resolution.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and contribute to HR policy development.

Skills

HR expertise

Advanced communication

Microsoft Office Suite

HRIS systems

Understanding of HR legislation

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in Human Resources, Business, Psychology

Job description

About Ontario Shipyards

Ontario Shipyards is the largest privately owned ship repair, maintenance, and construction company on the Great Lakes. With operations in Hamilton, Port Weller, and Thunder Bay, we provide full-service solutions to government and commercial clients. Our Human Resources team plays a critical role in supporting our workforce of tradespeople, engineers, and professionals by ensuring a safe, respectful, and engaging work environment.

We are seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join our Port Weller team. This is a hands-on role that requires both HR expertise and the ability to work closely with employees in an industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Workforce Planning: Manage full-cycle recruitment including job description development, postings, screening, interviewing, reference checks, and onboarding.
• Participate in workforce planning discussions to support project demands, initiating recruitment and coordinating layoffs as required.
• Partner with supervisors and managers to forecast staffing requirements and align HR strategies with operational needs.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management: Act as a first point of contact for employees and supervisors regarding workplace concerns, ensuring fair and timely resolution.
• Provide guidance on attendance management protocols and maintain regular communication with employees.
• Support supervisors and Operations in the performance management process, drafting communications and guiding managers through performance-related conversations.
• HR Systems, Reporting & Compliance: Maintain accurate and current information in HRIS and other systems.
• Complete HR reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including ESA 2000, Human Rights Code, AODA, and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies, processes, and programs.
• Health & Safety: Collaborate with supervisors and H&S representatives to support workplace safety initiatives.
• Actively engage in yard activities, including site visits and working outdoors / at heights as required to connect with the workforce.
• Collaboration & Projects: Work closely with the People & Culture team across all Ontario Shipyards locations to share best practices and identify opportunities for efficiencies.
• Contribute to corporate HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform general administrative duties as required to support HR and Operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree / diploma in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of HR experience, preferably in a construction, shipyard, or heavy industrial environment.
• CHRP, or working towards this designation, an asset.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including ESA 2000, Human Rights Code, AODA, and OHSA.
• Advanced communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with HRIS systems an asset.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial environments, including outdoors and at heights, to effectively support employees on the ground.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.