Join the team!
Human Resources Specialist
Nanaimo, BC, Canada .
full-time . April 8, 2025
Description
Human Resources Specialist
About Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) and Hullo
We’re the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, a modern Canadian ferry company transforming how we travel in British Columbia. It’s all about being an easier, faster, and more enjoyable ferry experience.
Headquartered in Nanaimo and operating under our service brand Hullo, we will provide service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo. We’re talking comfortable and reliable sailings in around 70 minutes, a seamless booking process complete with reservable seats, and refreshments that will be just that…fresh. Say goodbye to the biggest pain points of travel and be ready to be welcomed aboard with a smile and a “hullo”.
The Hullo Culture
At Hullo, we're all about taking things to the next level! Our obsession with safety and delivering an unforgettable guest experience is only matched by our passion for constant improvement. We don't settle for the ordinary - we encourage our employees to think outside the box, innovate and make waves. With data-driven decision making and a continuous improvement mindset, we are committed to raising the bar in everything we do.
VIFC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in our organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and any other category protected under applicable law. We welcome all qualified applicants who contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
About this Role:
As the HR Specialist at our growing marine startup in Nanaimo, you'll play a key role in supporting and developing our HR function. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment and enjoys juggling a variety of HR tasks, from recruitment and employee relations to HR operations and performance management. You’ll help ensure compliance with maritime and employment regulations, while contributing to the growth of a positive, inclusive company culture that supports a dynamic team delivering safe and reliable transportation services.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition:
- Assist with Recruitment: Help identify staffing needs and assist with the hiring process for operational roles, including maritime crew and shore-based staff.
- Candidate Sourcing: Help source candidates through job boards, industry networks, and maritime schools.
- Interview Coordination: Schedule interviews and assist with the interview process, including initial candidate screenings.
- Onboarding Support: Assist with onboarding new hires and help them settle into their roles, introducing them to company culture and expectations.
Employee Relations:
- Support Employee Concerns: Serve as a point of contact for employees, answering questions and providing assistance with workplace concerns.
- Encourage Positive Culture: Help support initiatives to boost employee morale and engagement, contributing to a positive and welcoming work environment.
Labor Relations & Collective Agreement:
- Assist with Labor Relations: Help maintain records and ensure compliance with the Collective Agreement.
- Support Union Communication: Provide administrative support to facilitate communication between the company and union representatives, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
HR Operations:
· HR Administration: Assist with day-to-day HR tasks such as tracking vacation requests, updating employee records, and supporting benefits administration.
· Employee Records: Ensure all employee documentation is accurate and up-to-date, including personal details, certifications, and training records.
· Compliance Support: Help maintain employee certifications, licenses, and endorsements, ensuring all records comply with maritime regulations and company policies.
· Leave Management: Assist with tracking and managing employee leave requests (sick leave, vacation, personal leave, etc.), ensuring compliance with company policies, CBA and BC labour laws.
· Health & Safety Compliance: Help support the maintenance of health and safety records, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and company policies.
· HR Reporting & Analytics: Assist in gathering and analyzing HR data, such as turnover rates, employee attendance, and performance metrics, to help inform decision-making and improve HR processes.
· Payroll Support: Help ensure accurate and timely submission of employee time records, vacation requests, and other payroll-related information.
· Policy Support: Assist in communicating and enforcing company policies and procedures, ensuring employees understand and follow workplace standards.
Performance Management:
- Assist with Performance Reviews: Help coordinate the performance review process for maritime crew, shore-based staff, and corporate employees.
- Track Employee Performance: Assist in tracking performance metrics and supporting managers with performance management and development.
On-Call Rotation:
• Participate in an on-call rotation for out-of-office hours crewing, ensuring prompt response to operational needs. This will be supplemented with a days in lieu.
This list is intended as a comprehensive guide, including but not limited to.
We’re Here for You
At Hullo, we prioritize the well-being of our crew and promote a healthy work-life balance. Our unique staffing approach provides predictable schedules, allowing you to plan your life with certainty. We offer full-time permanent positions, a condensed work schedule, paid time off, and opportunities to earn valuable sea time for career advancement.
We get it – sometimes things happen in life that you can’t control. At VIFC, people are our greatest asset, and we want to support you and those you care about beyond the paycheque. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive health and wellness benefits program to promote your physical and mental well-being so you can perform at your best. Better yet, it’s flexible since one size doesn’t fit all!
• Extended Health & Dental Benefits - VIFC-paid premiums
• A robust, flexible health spending account – use it for additional health coverage should you need it and/or to support your personal wellness (like paying for your gym membership, sporting equipment, or activity classes)
• Don’t have a family doctor? No worries – we offer 24/7 virtual access to doctors or nurse practitioners to get medical advice or a prescription
• Support your retirement planning with annual employer RRSP contributions
• Annual Paid Vacation
Requirements:
· Minimum of 2 - 3 years of HR experience, ideally within a unionized or shift-work environment
· Proven experience managing conflict, conducting investigations, and resolving workplace issues
· Familiarity & Experience with BC E.S.A., Labor Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act
· Ability to work within a startup environment
Preferred but not required:
· CPHR designation
· Marine industry experience
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Compensation
$55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year