Municipality jobs in Canada

In Whitby, we are dedicated to our work, our community, and each other. We work hard, we have fun, and we celebrate our successes.

The Town of Whitby is a community in transformation that is located in the heart of Durham Region in the eastern Greater Toronto Area. Whitby is the second-largest municipality in the region and one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada. Located on Lake Ontario and only an hour east of Toronto, the population of Whitby is expected to grow from 140,000 to more than 200,000 by 2031. Whitby’s Official Plan has been updated to establish new directions for Whitby’s planned growth and development; the protection of our natural and built environments; urban design intensification; sustainability; community improvement; and, new employment within this time frame.

The Town of Whitby combines a small town atmosphere with the sophistication and amenities of a larger urban centre. Whitby boasts two beautiful heritage downtowns, one of the finest recreational harbours with an award-winning marina, year round sports and recreation activities, parks, trails, and a robust arts and culture scene, all of which are part of the extraordinary amenities that Whitby residents enjoy every day.

Whitby has an exciting and aspiring future, with a community that is welcoming, growing and transforming. On our team, you can expect to make a difference through your work and have a direct impact on shaping our growing community. Creating an inclusive environment where employees experience job satisfaction and have rewarding careers is important to us. We live our values and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, respect and engagement where people enjoy coming to work.

The Town of Whitby is a hybrid organization. This means staff are empowered to do their best work from various locations, as appropriate for the position.

We want to be the preferred employer for the most talented people who care about the Town of Whitby, and are excited and proud to serve our vibrant community.

Let’s grow together.

The successful candidate will have a positive impact on our corporate culture by demonstrating the Town’s CARE core values (Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged) through daily interactions with individuals at all levels of the organization.

By effectively building positive rapport and relationships, the successful candidate will help us achieve our mission that together we deliver services that make a difference in our community.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services, the Human Resources Advisor position focuses on providing proactive, innovative, strategic and business focused Human Resource solutions and recommendations within assigned client groups. This is achieved through providing leadership and consultative support to all stakeholders, management, union executive and employees to ensure successful results in accordance with relevant HR policies and processes, collective agreements, and applicable Legislation.

This role is responsible for being the first point of contact for management and employees within assigned client groups, providing expertise on a broad range of Human Resources functions with a strong focus on labour/employee relations, which will account for approximately 80% of daily responsibilities. This position will also support and contribute other HR functions such as talent acquisition, organizational development, attendance support, disability management, training and development and legislative & policy compliance.

The majority of this role’s time will be dedicated to the following:

Labour & Employee Relations

• Execute assigned labour relations strategies by implementing Town policies, programs and procedures related to labour relations; while dealing with highly sensitive, confidential issues.

• Advise all levels of management on the interpretation of relevant policies, collective agreements, legislation and other terms and conditions of employment legislation, ensuring that all relevant legislation, collective agreement and policy driven obligations are met.

• Work closely with the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services, H.R. subject matter experts, assigned client groups, local union representatives and employees to identify early resolution opportunities in order to promote and maintain positive union/employee relations and reduce conflict within the workplace.

• Provide coaching and advice to all levels of management on issues related to employee performance, attendance, discipline or dismissal, ensuring managers have the tools and training necessary to handle employee issues. Make recommendations on the level of progressive discipline depending on the situation and legal precedence.

• Support the Bargaining Committee and external legal counsel (if applicable) with collective bargaining preparation by gathering background information, assisting with the development of collective agreement proposals, participating during negotiations as needed, and supporting the implementation of collective agreement changes once collective bargaining is complete.

• Strategically handle grievances; by leading and managing files through first and second step hearings with management staff, providing exceptional judgement, acuity, and expertise to provide consultation and recommendations on proposed resolutions or next steps and drafting detailed responses and/or Memorandums of Settlements to the Union Executive.

• Supporting the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services in preparing research and/or documentation in the event a grievance is escalated throughout the established process; including /mediation and/or /arbitration preparation and resolution.

• Represent the Town of Whitby at arbitration hearings, working with external legal counsel when called upon as witness (as required).

• Partner with assigned client groups while conducting fact finding investigations of potential disciplinary issues and provide employee and labour relations guidance to address employee behavior and performance issues using problem-solving and dispute resolution strategies, Town policies, procedures and sound judgement to help resolve problems quickly. Draft detailed disciplinary letters and/or documentation for people leaders within assigned client groups.

• Conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare summary reports and recommendations to resolve conflicts and issues; in consultation with the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services and/or Head of Organizational Effectiveness review status and outcomes and determine next steps including creating and facilitating workplace restoration strategies following investigations (if applicable).

• Partner with the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services to develop/offer creative and effective recommendations and solutions to clients to resolve complex, ambiguous, and/or escalated labour relations. As required, engage with external mediation consultants to organize and develop customized performance improvement plans, coaching sessions and/or team diagnostics/remedial work.

• Attend labour management committee meetings; support the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services in preparation of meetings and/or action items as a result of confidential decisions/discussions.

While labour relations tasks are the core responsibilities for this role, the Human Resources Advisor will also support and contribute to other HR functions, such as:

Strategic Partnering

• As a member of the larger HR team provide input and direction on HR initiatives, representing the views of assigned client groups.

• Work closely with the Learning and Development Specialist and management to identify and implement training and development programs within assigned client groups for all levels of staff in order to increase staff competency and meet departmental priorities

• In partnership with the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services and HR subject matter experts provide change management expertise, process and/or continuous improvement assistance to client and employee groups, which may include the assessment of current and future states, process mapping, recommendations for re-design, help to develop more effective and efficient methods to achieve desired results.

• Work closely with the Health, Wellness and Attendance Specialist to support assigned client groups with the implementation and administration of the Town’s Attendance Support Program, Temporary Workplace Accommodation and Permanent Accommodation programs.

• Partner with hiring managers and Human Resource subject matter experts to understand business and human capital needs and role requirements. Assist the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services and assigned client groups with the development of both strategic (3-5 years) and operational (12-18 months) workforce planning.

• Assist management within assigned client groups in the development of position descriptions; research similar positions internally and externally; research and provide background information related to existing and proposed positions. Advise and inform management of the Corporation’s job evaluation system process.

Talent Acquisition

• Responsible for assisting in designing, recommending, implementing and coordinating corporate recruitment and selection processes that comply with relevant employment legislation, collective agreements, attracts both active and passive candidates and meets corporate and departmental hiring objectives.

• Coordinate, manage and participate in the full cycle recruitment process, providing an exceptional client and candidate experience for leadership positions within the Town’s workforce. Support all phases of staffing and redeployment processes, provide analysis and potential risks and recommendations on hiring decisions.

• Conduct consultative planning sessions with hiring managers to set expectations and timelines for the recruitment process; create candidate-focused job postings; assist with selecting and prescreening candidates within the Town’s applicant tracking system, identify qualified candidates using talent assessment tools developed in consultation with hiring department, participate in interviews; develop, present and negotiate job offers to successful candidates.

• Uphold the integrity of the recruitment process and ensure a bias-free and fair selection process taking into account Corporate and legislative standards.

• Provide feedback and advice to applicants on interview performance, interview preparation and test results.

Engagement, Recognition and Wellness

• Conduct thorough exit interviews with departing staff, analyzing feedback and flagging areas of concerns and/or improvement to the Senior Manager, HR Advisory Services. Provide recommendations for areas of improvement, as applicable.

• Advocate and be part of corporate teams or committees to provide guidance, advice and offer assistance on various recommendations and initiatives across the organization. As an example, an employee advisory roundtable mandated to develop and recommend measures aimed at increasing employee engagement.

• Plan staff engagement events and facilitation/coordination of employee recognition program and annual events

Thought Leadership

• Stay informed of current trends and emerging departmental needs to provide relevant recommendations that will positively affect the organization’s ability to maintain positive labour/employee relations and acquire, attract and retain talent.

• Research case law and/or past arbitration awards to ensure providing sound advice when determining strategic labour/employee relations resolutions.

Our Human Resources team is looking for an enthusiastic, solutions-oriented team player that takes initiative and thrives on a high performing team. You are self-motivated, self-starting and utilize a proactive approach to work. You value partnerships. Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills coupled with your experience promoting and maintaining positive union/employee relations enables you to skilfully build, establish and maintain positive working relationships and reduce conflict within the workplace.

A high volume of work does not intimidate you. You are a strategic thinker with high energy who is excellent at prioritization and time management, and can work under pressure to meet deadlines. You are a problem solver. Using your extensive knowledge and experience in the field allows you to navigate through complex problems and recommend innovative solutions. You have the ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and sound discretion when working with a broad range of partners.

You like to have fun – this Human Resources team works hard, but also enjoys each other’s company and we make time to connect. Hearing laughter is not uncommon and the open concept office space allows for frequent, real time team huddles on current challenges and opportunities.

As the successful applicant, you must possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Administration, Industrial Relations, Psychology or related discipline

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in labour relations, including handling grievances, supporting the collective bargaining process and conducting fact finding, workplace investigations and discipline and/or termination meetings

• Minimum of three (3) years of full-cycle recruitment experience, preferably in a unionized environment

• CHRP or CHRL designation in good standing or working towards designation

• A combination of equivalent experience and education may be considered

• Lean Green Belt or higher level certification would be an asset

• Comprehensive understanding of relevant employment legislation, including ESA, OHRC, AODA, and demonstrated ability to address and apply legislation in policy and practice

• Flexibility and workload/project management skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines and respond effectively and efficiently

• A comprehensive benefits and pension program to ensure that your total compensation package addresses both your work and life needs

• A hybrid work environment and flexible work arrangements is where employees are empowered to do their best work in the way that works for them

Salary Range/Hourly rate:

$109,693.00 - $124,652.00

Hybrid information:

Frontline Hybrid

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus additional hours as required.

Closing Date:

May 4, 2025

Our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism
At the Town of Whitby, we view holistic inclusion as the pathway to achieving healthy relationships, inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We acknowledge our history—the good and the bad, promote social justice and address discrimination and inequities. We strive to create a workplace that encourages you to always bring your authentic self to work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Town of Whitby is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodation
The Town of Whitby is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.