Human Resources Associate

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Human Resources Associate to join the HR Partnership team in Edmonton. Reporting to a Senior HR Partner, the HRA provides day-to-day generalist advice and supports a mix of academic and non-academic staff within a large unionized environment.

This term-position up to 24 months offers hybrid work, collaboration with Shared Services and Centres of Expertise, and opportunities to contribute to recruitment, onboarding, job design and employee relations across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field.
• 2-3 years HR generalist experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with recruitment, employee relations and HR operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR generalist advice across academic and non-academic staff.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and movement of staff per collective agreements.
• Assist with job evaluation, design and documentation.
• Advise on performance and employee relations matters with escalation as needed.
• Support wellness, accommodation and return-to-work initiatives.

Skills

HR generalist advice

Client service

Relationship building

Communication

Problem solving

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related discipline

Tools

PeopleSoft HCM

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description

This position has a term length of up to 24 months.

Location

This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Associate (HRA) to join our dynamic HR Partnership team. Reporting to a Senior Human Resources Partner (SHRP), the HRA works closely with HR Partners to provide responsive, practical HR generalist support to assigned faculties and departments within a large, complex and unionized environment.

The HRA develops collaborative relationships with leaders and administrators, providing advice and support across a broad range of HR activities for both academic and non-academic employee groups. The role independently manages routine and lower-complexity matters, supports HR Partners and the SHRP on more complex files, and uses sound judgment to identify when specialized expertise or escalation is required. Working collaboratively with Shared Services and HRHSE Centres of Expertise, the HRA helps clients navigate collective agreements, policies, employment practices, HR processes and services.

Responsibilities

HR Guidance and Operations

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with leaders, administrators and key contacts within assigned faculties and departments, building an understanding of their operations and HR needs.
• Provide day-to-day HR generalist advice and support across a diverse range of academic and non-academic employee groups and appointment types.
• Assess and triage HR inquiries and issues, resolving matters within the scope of the HRA role and engaging the HR Partner, Shared Services or appropriate Centre of Expertise where additional expertise or escalation is required.
• Provide guidance on routine appointment and employment matters, including appointment types, extensions, changes to FTE, transfers and other employment changes, in accordance with applicable collective agreements, policies and processes.
• Work collaboratively with HR Partners, Shared Services, Finance and other stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve HR operational issues.
• Identify recurring or emerging issues and opportunities for process improvement and bring forward recommendations to the HR Partner or SHRP.
• Prepare and review HR correspondence, documentation and other materials to support employment and HR processes.
• Support the implementation of institutional HR programs and initiatives and participate in projects, committees and other activities as assigned.
• Facilitate or coordinate training and resources for faculties and departments, as required.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Provide advice and support throughout recruitment and selection processes, working with appropriate stakeholders.
• Support recruitment and selection processes for academic and non-academic positions, including tenure-track faculty recruitment as required.
• Advise on routine staffing and appointment considerations and engage HR Partners or other stakeholders where additional guidance is required.
• Support recall and other staffing processes in accordance with applicable collective agreements and University processes.
• Facilitate onboarding activities and support leaders in ensuring new employees have the information and resources required for a successful transition.
• Coordinate processes for non-Canadian hires and relocation in collaboration with Shared Services.

Job Design and Evaluation

• Analyze and evaluate support staff (NASA), MAPS, APO, TLAPO, and TRAS positions using applicable job evaluation methodologies.
• Consults with organizational leaders and, where required, incumbents to understand position responsibilities, accountabilities, and organizational context.
• Conduct job audits and other analysis as required to support accurate job evaluation outcomes.
• Advise clients on job design and support the development and revision of Job Fact Sheets, position descriptions and related documentation.

Performance and Employee/Labour Relations

• Provide guidance on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, handbooks, policies, procedures and HR practices.
• Support departments/faculties with annual performance appraisal, probationary review and other performance-related processes.
• Provide advice and coaching to people leaders on routine performance, attendance and employee relations matters, escalating or supporting more complex matters in collaboration with the HR Partner or SHRP.
• Assist with workplace concerns, conduct and discipline matters, terminations and other employee/labour relations processes under the direction of the HR Partner or SHRP, as appropriate.
• Conduct research, gather and organize information, and assist with the preparation of matters involving disputes, grievances, complaints and arbitrations.
• Support voluntary and involuntary offboarding processes, including the preparation and coordination of required documentation.

Employee Wellness, Accommodation and Return to Work

• Support leaders and supervisors with employee leaves, accommodation and return-to-work processes in collaboration with appropriate HR and specialized service areas.
• Assist in gathering relevant information and identifying workplace considerations to support accommodation and return-to-work planning.
• Support the development and implementation of return-to-work and accommodation plans, including temporary modified duties and permanent accommodations.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to support timely and effective accommodation and return-to-work processes and escalating complex matters as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably with a specialization in Human Resources or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including experience providing generalist HR advice and support.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and applying collective agreements, policies and employment practices.
• Experience supporting a range of HR functions, which may include recruitment, employee relations, performance management, job evaluation, accommodations and HR operations.
• Strong client service and relationship-building skills, with the ability to provide practical and responsive advice to leaders and administrators.
• Demonstrated judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess issues, determine appropriate next steps and recognize when escalation or specialized expertise is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated attention to detail in the preparation and review of HR documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a complex environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of an integrated HR team.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, adaptability and commitment to service excellence.
• Experience working in a large, complex organization or public-sector environment is an asset.
• Experience with HR information systems, including PeopleSoft HCM, and Google Workspace is an asset.
• CHRP designation is an asset.

We welcome applications from HR professionals who enjoy working collaboratively, navigating a variety of HR matters, and providing practical, responsive support in a complex and dynamic environment.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Terms and Conditions of Employment for Non-Union Employees, salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

“Hire great people and give them freedom to be awesome.” — Andrew Mason

Thriving organizations are built on people. The Human Resources, Health Safety and Environment (HRHSE) portfolio is composed of exceptional people creating a people-focused culture to support the institution's vision.

We are committed to questioning the status quo, driving excellence, and leading with purpose. We lead with purpose in creating a workplace culture that supports the institution in strengthening its core teaching, research, community engagement, and student enrichment experience.

HRHSE is a values-based portfolio; we incorporate our values of trust, accountability, relationship building and safety in everything we do. Our employees are committed to living our values and are grounded in the conviction that leadership should be demonstrated, encouraged and supported at all levels of the institution.

In HRHSE, we are made up of six teams that are responsible for providing the highest quality services to our campus community; Total Rewards, Talent Management, Organizational Development, Health, Safety and Environment, Employee and Labour Relations and HR Service Partnerships.

Join our practical, results-driven, energized, and engaged team and see firsthand how we live our values, drive change and lead with purpose