Job Description

Overview

Wasoqopa'q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Wasoqopa'q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa'q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

Position Overview and Objective

WFN is currently recruiting for a Human Resources (HR) Administrator, reporting to the Director of Human Resources, responsible for supporting the operations of Wasoqopa'q First Nation (WFN) Human Resources, including administrative support in recruitment, onboarding, maintaining internal databases and records, occupational health and safety and other related human resources activities, in accordance with applicable legislative standards and aligned with the WFN HR Strategic Plan and Strategy, and Mi'kmaw cultural values and guiding principles.

Essential Functions and Duties

HR Administration

Supports the Director with overall operations of Wasoqopa'q First Nation Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety

Aligns all WFN human resource acitivities with Mi'kmaw cultural values and guiding principles

Maintains a high degree of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality, through intereactions and acces to emplyoee information

Develops, implements and reports on an annual workplan in HR administration, in accordance with the HR Strategic Plan, annual HR Strategy and HR Administrator job description

Adheres to and supports the execution of the HR Strategic Plan and annual HR Strategy that aligns with the WFN Strategic Plan

Maintains the HR Employee Database across administration and business operations, with monthly reports and updates provided to the Director

Participates in weekly team meetings, quarterly check-ins to align HR efforts in supporting Wasoqopa'q First Nation priorities and goals

Aligns all HR administration activities in compliance with all applicable legal standards

Participates and supports the HR Committee, including organization of meetings, materials and minutes

Supports the management of the HR filing system in administration and business operations, both electronically and in some paper format, in compliance with all applicable legal standards

Conducts updates to HR personnel files on a weekly basis, and or as needed, maintaining accurate and up to date records at all times

Champion of the WFN Human Resources SharePoint site, organizing, uploading and maintaining up to date content for administration and business operations

Supports the development and execution of WFN employee events, activities and training e.g. HR professional development days, staff meetings and or cultural events and activities

Recruitment and Staffing

Monitors and maintains the recruitment email, including candidate communications, organizing and gathering resumes per each requirement activity, addressing inquiries and ensuring that candidates are meeting recruitment deadlines

In collaboration with the Payroll Administrator, establishes new employees in the HR and Payroll System, establishing an employee profile and uploading paperwork

Provides administrative support for WFN Human Resources recruitment processes, including job postings, interview boards and reference checks, as needed

Assists the Director with new employee onboarding, including handbooks, orientation and required paperwork, as needed

Occupational Health and Safety

Organizes, coordinates and supports the implementation of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC), including organizing meetings, scheduling workplace inspections and other JOHSC activities, and maintaining all JOHSC documentation and records

Maintains the WFN Health and Safety System, inlcuding the WFN Health and Safety database, set-up and maintenance of the Complete Safety Training Portal and adherance to the WFN Health and Safety Plan

Plans and coordinates occupational health and safety training, both virtually and in person, across administration and business operations (e.g. First Aid and CPR, WHMIS)

Establishes and maintains a wide range of contacts, and relationships with WFN employees, Mi'kmaw and or Indigenous organizations and service providers

Adheres to all Wasoqopa'q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and administrative processes, as required

Works in a team environment, including supporting other duties, training and activities related to the operational needs of Wasoqopa'q First Nation Human Resources and the position, as required

Qualifications

WFN Band Member, First Nation or Indigenous

Degree or Diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field and or combination of education and work experience

Knowledge of Mi'kmaq and or Indigenous Culture & History

Knowledge and experience working in a Mi'kmaw and or Indigenous communities is required

Knowledge of Provincial and Federal Employment Standards and other human resources legislation

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite of software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and SharePoint) is required

First Aid & CPR, WHMIS and OH&S Certification is considered an asset

Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks are required upon hiring, Child Abuse Registry Check to be completed every two years

Required Abilities, Skills and Competencies

Demonstrated knowledge and cultural sensitivity, in understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and lifestyles

Self-motivated, ability to work unsupervised with a high level of productivity and accuracy

Strong work ethic and ability to work in an environment requiring a high degree of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality

Excellent communication, interpersonal and employee relations skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to come up with creative solutions

Proven ability to multi-task, set priorities based on competing demands

Strong organizational and time management skills

Excellent communication skills, both orally and written

Thrives in a high-paced and collaborative environment

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

Working Conditions

Hours of work are expected to occur Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm daily, with occasional evenings, dependant on events and activities

A great deal of time is spent working indoors in a well maintained, heated/ventilated environment with modern and up-to-date equipment

Long periods of work with office equipment and computer can occur

There are instances of moving objects and lifting equipment and or boxes up to 20 lb

Travel to other offices and or businesses requires driving for significant periods of time

A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for transportation is required

Application Requirements

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to resumes@acadiaband.ca Please quote HRADMINISTRATOR# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and if a Wasoqopa'q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply: September 17, 2025

Wasoqopa'q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-10-20