Senior HR Generalist & Entity Liaison

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to fostering holistic workplaces that create culturally safe and inclusive environments grounded in Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being.

Reporting to the HR Manager, the Sr. HR Generalist & Entity Liaison provides both operational HR support to management and across all entities. As the primary HR lead for entity-specific needs, this role ensures consistent HR practices, culturally grounded employee support, and alignment with organizational goals. The HR Generalist and Entity Liaison will also work collaboratively with the HR Generalist and the Mediation, Healing, and Resolution Team Lead, in resolution of complex employment relations and employment issues, escalating final recommendations to the HR Manager and/or entity management. This role delivers comprehensive HR services including policy/legislation interpretation, employee relations, training, compliance, and strategic advisory support.

Benefits and perks 

Extended health and dental benefits,

Accrued vacation and sick time,

Pension plan with matching employer contributions,

Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement

Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team

Equitable hourly rates

Casual dress code

What you'll do 

HR Partnership & Strategic Support

 Build and maintain effective relationships with leaders, entities, and employees, offering guidance on HR and employment-related issues.

Act as a trusted advisor on HR issues, workforce planning, bonus structure, and organizational design across a spectrum of industries (business, construction, marine, hotel, etc.). Serving as the first point of contact for entities on all their inquiries.

Lead or support strategic HR initiatives and change management projects as assigned by Manager.

Serve as the first point of contact for employment policy, entity employment contracts, compliance, and inquiries from entities, and as assigned by Manager.

Participate in employment-related meetings, operational meetings, and team-building activities.

Policy, Compliance & Occupational Health & Safety

 Provide expert advice based on applicable employment legislation (ESA/CLC), Occupational Health & Safety standards, BC Human Rights, accommodations, and organizational policies.

Support implementation of relevant OHS initiatives as applicable to each organization/entity, including safety audits, incident reporting, and wellness programs.

Ensure entity management understands their responsibilities as required by legislation (e.g. policies and training necessary for compliance).

Ensure consistent application of HR practices across internal departments and entities (utilizing or proposing entity policy and procedures).

Draft complex documents, talking points, messaging, etc. for management to employees, and provide guidance on having hard conversations.

Training, Development & Employee Upliftment

 Identify training, coaching, and mentoring needs across management levels and entities.

Design and facilitate/co-facilitate workshops on policy, employment related legislation, best practices, 
policy application, and leadership development.

Oversee and facilitate processes for education planning, career development planning and returns to service agreements. 

Development monthly management messaging.

Create safe spaces for dialogue, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving.

Share employee perspectives to ensure informed decision-making by entity management.

Employee Relations, Investigations & Discipline

Support entities in developing and implementing processes that balance accountability with opportunities for growth and healing.

Provide employment and performance management guidance, including offers, bonus structure, coaching, mentoring, career development, disciplinary actions, and support management in ends of employment considerations.

Collaborate with knowledge keepers and the Mediation, Healing, and Restoration Team Lead to integrate healing circles and restorative, as well as trauma informed practices.

Receives escalated complex matters for resolution or action. May also support non‑complex matters when required, particularly for entity‑specific needs.

Support management/entity management in resolving escalated employee/employment relations issues with fairness, transparency, and cultural sensitivity.

Oversee and facilitate medical leaves, including but not limited to: tracking, wellness check-ins, emergency contact calls, and returns to work.

As assigned, conduct thorough objective investigations, including interviews, documentation, and recommendations, and escalate to the HR Manager as requested.

As requested, lead employee exiting, exit interviews, documentation, etc.

Committees & Engagement

 As requested by Manager, support organizational working circles and committees (Wellness, Activity, Events).

Assist management in developing and implementing required entity committees (e.g., OHS).

Brainstorm and support team-building initiatives that foster inclusion, belonging, and employee wellbeing.

Reporting & Documentation

Maintain investigation documentation, disciplinary records, and HR compliance files.

Provide clear, timely reports and trend data to leadership for proactive decision-making.

Ensure HR systems and processes are accurate, efficient, and aligned with organizational values.

Other Duties 

Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Support the work of all HR functions and general notetaking tasks.

Act as the liaison between Seabird’s entities and Seabird Island for coordinating supportive HR functions. 

What you bring 

Qualifications

Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. (HR Preferred)

3-5 years of experience in an HR Experience, including business partnering and case management. 

Proven experience in HR Generalist and/or HR Business Partner roles.

Proven knowledge of HR policies, employment law (both CLC and ESA,) Occupational Health & Safety, and compliance requirements.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonized practices.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse teams.

Experience conducting investigations, facilitating healing circles, and managing progressive discipline.

Ability to balance operational HR tasks with strategic initiatives. 

Project management experience is an asset.

Experience working with indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

Excellent communication and relationship building skills.

Preferred:

Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

Prior experience within workplaces with established milestone bonuses is required.

Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.

Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Working / Special Conditions 

Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.

Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to:  Human Resources Manager 

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation human resources. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.