The Details

Job Title

Labour Relations Officer

Job Number

J0726-0311

Job Code

NU085

Job Category

Human Resources & Organization Development

Location

Hybrid - 310 King Street East

Bargaining Unit

Non-Union

Job Type

Full Time

Employment Type

Replacement

Number Of Positions

1

Hours Of Work

35 hrs/wk

Salary

$85,799.10 - $107,172.54/Year

Date Posted

August 5, 2026

Closing Date

August 28, 2026

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The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Labour Relations and working as part of the broader Human Resources and Organization Development team, the Labour Relations Officer will provide labour relations consulting services to foster a positive employee relations environment. This position will play an active role in collective bargaining, grievances, as well as provide frequent coaching and training regarding leadership, managing employees, and understanding labour relations issues.

The Labour Relations Officer will support the shift from a primarily reactive focus on grievances, disputes, and day-to-day issues to a proactive, strategic partner that strengthens leadership capability and promotes organizational consistency while helping to deliver on the initiatives outlined in the 3-Year Employee Relations Strategy.

Meet your department...

We support the City’s workforce across the full employee lifecycle by providing integrated services in payroll, compensation, benefits, occupational health and safety, labour relations, learning and development, recruitment and selection, HR systems and core HR administration. We enable effective hiring, safe and inclusive workplaces, continuous learning, and strong employee engagement to support employee success and organizational priorities.

What You'll Do...

Provide strategic advice, direction and training on a range of employee and labour relations matters to leaders, employees and HR&OD staff through regular communication, education and training and collaboration to ensure the Corporation’s compliance with Collective Agreements, HR&OD policies and programs and legislation.

Provide support to management, and work with Unions as necessary, throughout dispute resolution processes (i.e. grievance procedure, including mediation/arbitration; Human Rights Tribunal) by providing advice and guidance based on the Collective Agreement and HROD policies and procedures to ensure the interests of the Corporation are protected and disputes are resolved in a timely and effective manner.

Lead investigations into complaints of Workplace Violence and Harassment by interviewing all parties involved and issuing written findings in a way that is aligned with HROD policies and procedures and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure concerns are appropriately addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Participate in the preparation and process of collective bargaining by researching other settlements, working across the Corporation to develop proposals, and actively participating at the bargaining table to ensure settlements that align with the Corporation’s best interests.

Provide recommendations to amend processes and procedures as required, by conducting research and remaining current with labour relations developments to assist the Corporation to evolve and adopt best practices.

Other duties as assigned

To qualify, you'll need...

Degree/diploma in Human Resources, Industrial/Labour Relations, or a related program

3-5 years of practical related experience in labour relations in a unionized environment

Experience Administering Attendance Management Programs Is Preferred

Experience working in a multi-bargaining unit environment is preferred

Canadian Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation is preferred

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training is preferred

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation

Strong labour relations experience including writing grievance responses, attending mediation and arbitration hearings, taking part in negotiations, and conducting investigations along with extensive collective agreement interpretation

Strong knowledge and understanding of legislation related to employment (i.e. Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code)

Ability to develop and facilitate training

Ability to deal with conflict and potentially adversarial situations in a professional and competent manner

Strong computer skills including MS Office, knowledge of HRMS systems including PeopleSoft is an asset

Sound understanding of confidentiality and privacy issues

Ability to interact with a variety of contacts using tact, diplomacy, integrity and persuasiveness

Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check

Why us?

Join a team that’s building more than a city - we’re building a community where people thrive. At the City of Kingston, your work has real impact: safer streets, greener spaces, inclusive experiences, innovative transit, creative public spaces, and brighter futures for all.

We’re more than just a municipal government - we’re a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and community-builders who take pride in shaping the place we call home. As an employer, we’re committed to your growth, your well-being, and creating an environment where every voice counts. Your career is more than a job - it’s where your impact begins.

Why you’ll love it here…

We provide our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, which may include extended health coverage, travel and life insurance, and long-term disability. Specific benefits can vary depending on your role and terms of employment.

In Addition, Employees May Enjoy Access To

OMERS defined pension plan

Vacation entitlements Employee wellness and assistance programs and resources Ongoing training and education opportunities Flexible work arrangements Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes Learning & development resources and networks Relocation assistance and local resources

To learn more about working at the City of Kingston, click here .

Learn more about what makes Kingston so special on PossibleMadeHere.org .

How to apply

Submit your online application by 11:59 PM on the job posting closing date. Click the 'APPLY HERE' button to complete your application.

Applicants must demonstrate in their submission how they meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the position. Please include any relevant education documents (degrees, diplomas, or certificates) to your profile.

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier-free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations, please let us know. For more information, you can contact us at hrcity@cityofkingston.ca .

Thank you to everyone who applies. While we value each application, only those advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. All personal information will be handled in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Internal applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-internal

External applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-external

To ensure you don’t miss any updates, please check your spam or junk folders for emails from a City of Kingston account.

Our commitment

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives .

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