Interim Manager, Human Resources and Administration, EMS

County of Essex; Town of Essex; On-site; CAD 129,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Essex County is seeking an Interim Manager for Human Resources and Administration. This leadership role involves overseeing HR functions, workforce management, and ensuring compliance with health standards. The candidate should have extensive HR experience and skills in collaboration and communication. This temporary position offers competitive compensation and the chance to impact community service significantly.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Participation in OMERS pension plan

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive HR experience in a unionized public sector environment.
• Strong working knowledge of employment and labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience managing scheduling or workforce planning systems considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR, Workforce Management, and Administration teams.
• Handle labour relations, recruitment, attendance management, and performance development.
• Oversee compliance with Ministry of Health standards and maintain accurate employee records.

Skills

People-centered leadership

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Ability to foster collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business or Public Administration

CHRP or CHRL designation (or actively pursuing)

Job description

Interim Manager
Human Resources and Administration, EMS

Posting #: EMS-29-25
Opening Date: October 23, 2025
Closing Date: November 3, 2025
Department: Emergency Medical Services
Location: County of Essex – Administration Building (Essex)
Salary Band: Band 7 | Non-Union | 40 Hours/Week
Compensation Range: $129,915 - $159,502
Vacancy Status: This is a temporary position for 12- 18 months, covering a leave.

Role Snapshot (Our Elevator Pitch!)

Are you a people-centered leader with a passion for balancing strategy and service? Join Essex-Windsor EMS as our Interim Manager, Human Resources & Administration, and play a pivotal role in leading the people, processes, and systems that keep our frontline paramedics supported and our operations running smoothly.

In this 12–18 month interim role, you’ll provide leadership across a dynamic portfolio that includes Human Resources, Workforce Management (Scheduling), and Administration. From leading recruitment, labour relations, and attendance management, to optimizing scheduling and workforce planning for close to 400 paramedics, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of a world-class EMS team while supporting an inclusive and accountable workplace culture.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will be responsible for:

Leadership, Strategy, and People Development

• Provide leadership and direction to the HR, Workforce Management, and Administration teams within Essex-Windsor EMS.
• Collaborate with the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of EMS to align workforce strategies with operational priorities and County objectives.
• Mentor, coach, and empower staff to perform at their best while fostering a respectful, supportive, and psychologically safe environment.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, promoting transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the HR liaison between Essex-Windsor EMS and the County’s Human Resources Division to ensure consistency in policy, practice, and employee experience.

Human Resources and Labour Relations

• Lead and coordinate all HR functions for EMS, including labour relations, recruitment and selection, attendance and disability management, and performance development.
• Interpret and apply the CUPE 2974.2 Collective Agreement, Employment Standards Act, and related legislation.
• Lead departmental workplace investigations, grievances, and progressive discipline processes in collaboration with Director of HR and legal counsel.
• Develop and implement EMS HR policies and procedures that promote fairness, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.

Workforce Management and Planning

• Oversee all scheduling operations, ensuring equitable and efficient deployment of paramedics to meet service demands.
• Lead the Master Schedule Rebid (Steady Bases) process and drive improvements in workforce planning systems and data integrity.
• Analyze scheduling trends, absenteeism, and overtime metrics to inform staffing decisions and operational planning.
• Champion innovation in workforce management practices, supporting long-term sustainability and employee engagement.

Compliance, Administration and Reporting

• Oversee compliance with Ministry of Health standards and maintain accurate employee qualification and certification records.
• Direct the administrative functions supporting EMS leadership, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, document management, and correspondence.
• Contribute to the preparation of departmental reports, data dashboards, and presentations to senior leadership.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of employee information and records in accordance with County policy.

What You Bring

Education:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business or Public Administration, or related discipline.
• CHRP or CHRL designation (or actively pursuing) preferred.

Experience and Expertise:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive HR experience, including leadership experience in a unionized, public sector environment.
• Strong working knowledge of employment and labour legislation, HR best practices, and collective agreement administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing scheduling or workforce planning systems considered a strong asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to foster collaboration, trust, and respect across diverse teams and stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical, people-first solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety in the workplace.

Other Requirements:

• A valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.
• Ability to provide a Ministry of Transportation Driver Abstract and Police Information Check.

What We Are Offering

• A temporary full-time position (up to 18 months) based at the County of Essex Administration Building in Essex, Ontario.
• The opportunity to lead a high-performing team that supports paramedics serving the residents of Essex County every day.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits aligned with the County’s non-union policies.
• Participation in the OMERS pension plan.
• Ongoing professional development and mentorship within a supportive leadership team that values growth and innovation.

A Note to Potential Applicants

We know that exceptional leaders come from a variety of backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet every qualification listed, but you’re passionate about people, service, and leading with integrity - we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly the kind of leader who will thrive in this role.

This is a fast-paced, high-impact leadership role that requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving. Each day brings new challenges - from supporting frontline staff to navigating complex labour and workforce planning issues - but also the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how we serve our community.

What We Are Offering

• Your journey starts here. Submit your application online in the Career Opportunities section of our website by November 3, 2025.
• If selected, you will be contacted by our HR team to participate in our hiring process.

We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Please let us know of any accommodations through [e-mail]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request. Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.