Job Description

Employee & Labour Relations SpecialistThe University of Saskatchewan is a world leader in water and food security, vaccine development and infectious diseases, and human, animal, and environmental health. The Human Resources (HR) division provides innovative and disciplined support and expertise as an integral part of ensuring USask becomes the university the world needs. The division is also committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth. USask provides employees many benefits such as access to the university\'s recreation services; ongoing professional development and mentorship and a comprehensive benefits and pension program.Primary Purpose of the PositionAs an expert to all functions of employee and labour relations, the Employee & Labour Relations Specialist is to support the University\'s success by developing and promoting institutional people and labour strategies that encourage a positive and productive culture, which align all levels of the organization to the University\'s mission, vision and values. In addition, this position provides strategic support, specialist advice and subject matter expertise in all employee and labour relations matters arising from the Collective Agreements, legislation, policies and procedures, and workplace issues to Human Resources Strategic Business Advisors (HR SBA\'s), centralized Human Resources Specialists, Senior Administration and other key stakeholders.Situated in central Human Resources (HR) in the Office of the Associate Vice-President, People & Chief Human Resources Officer, the Employee & Labour Relations Specialist reports to the Director, Employee & Labour Relations.The position is accountable for designing, implementing and assessing employee and labour relations policies, programs, services and processes that support, align with and advance the University\'s strategic directions and priorities.The Employee & Labour Relations Specialist is to be a member of cross-discipline and integrated project teams that collaborate to research and design effective solutions and/or strategies for organizational and unit initiatives. The Specialist will encourage and support diverse perspectives and people.Key Activities

• Ensures a systems approach in the development and delivery of employee and labour relations goals and strategies, policies and programs, services and priorities and best practices that align with portfolio and institutional goals, objectives and priorities.
• Devises collective bargaining strategies to ensure collective bargaining agreements are aligned with the strategic directions of the University and the academic and administrative goals of the colleges and units.
• Leads and/or supports a wide range of specific employee and labour relations initiatives/projects and operational core services that encompass:

• collective bargaining
• implementation and education of newly ratified collective agreements
• grievance-arbitration process, including problem-solving discussions and settlement negotiations, preparations for hearings, and implementation of arbitration awards
• organizational restructuring, including complex workforce adjustments
• jurisdiction/scope
• complex collective agreement interpretation
• joint union-management committees
• employee and labour relations communications
• complex cases and employment investigations related to performance management, duty to accommodate, misconduct and progressive discipline
• development of tools, templates and process documentation to assist in the development of HR SBA\'s and People Leaders within the functional areas of employee and labour relations.
• Offers employee and labour relations expertise, support and development to HR Strategic Business Advisors, cross-functional project teams and college/unit senior leaders.

• This may include collaborating with other HR Specialists and relevant stakeholders to design broader organizational Human Resources strategies, policies, programs, services, processes, tools and templates.
• Develops and maintains positive and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (in particular, bargaining units/union representatives) that reflect the university\'s commitment to a positive, interest-based and collaborative employee and labour relations environment.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, collective bargaining agreements and provincial/federal legislation and regulations, as applicable.
• Promotes a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and respect in support of and alignment with university\'s values.
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural, socio-economic and other relevant factors affecting Indigenous Peoples, as well as an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the University.
• Collaborates with legal counsel and provides instruction on complex employment and labour matters to assess and mitigate institutional risk and achieve positive outcomes.
• Fosters and promotes a culture of responsible risk-taking using data-based decision making.

Education and Experience

• Relevant bachelor\'s degree along with 5 to 10 years of experience in multiple functional areas of the human resources profession is required; this includes having gained knowledge and built techniques within the common employee and labour relations activities (as listed above).
• A combination of education and experience will be considered for this position.
• Must be able to manage projects, demonstrate effective negotiation skills, maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion and apply highly effective communications skills (verbal and written).
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is essential.
• Experience in a multi-unionized environment is required.
• A Chartered Professionals in Human Resources certificate/designation is preferred.

Department: Employee and Labour Relations
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $91,180.00 - 152,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 5/31/2024
Closing Date: 6/14/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan