Human Resources Professionals
(NOC 1121)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationHuman resources professionals develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations policies, programs and procedures and advise employers and employees on human resources matters. Human resources professionals work throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Human Resources Professionals most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 75% of Human Resources Professionals who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $63,964. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.23
Minimum$33.05
Median$44.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$16,537
Minimum$58,089
Median$104,461
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Human resources professionals develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations policies, programs and procedures and advise employers and employees on human resources matters. Human resources professionals work throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Human resources professionals:
- Plan, develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations strategies including policies, programs and procedures to address an organization's human resource requirements.
- Advise managers and employees on the interpretation of human resources policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements.
- Negotiate collective agreements on behalf of employers or workers, mediate labour disputes and grievances and provide advice on employee and labour relations.
- Research and prepare job classifications, job descriptions, salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems.
- Plan and administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs.
- Manage programs and maintain human resources information and related records systems.
- Hire and oversee training of staff.
- Coordinate employee performance appraisal programs.
- Research employee benefit and health and safety practices and recommend changes or modifications to existing policies.
Sample job titles
- compensation officer
- disability case manager - human resources
- employment equity officer
- human resources specialist
- industrial relations officer
- labour relations specialist
- mediator - labour relations
- staff relations officer
- staff training and development officer
- union representative
Skills
You need good interpersonal skills as well as effective spoken and written communication skills. You should be organized and capable of analytical and logical thought. Negotiating skills and research skills are also important.
Job requirements
- A university degree or college diploma in human resources management or a related field like business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology or completion of a professional development program in human resources administration is required.
- Some employers may require human resources professionals to hold a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.
Other considerations
Increasing emphasis on achieving employment equity, meeting stricter standards in health and safety, and administering employee benefit packages will help create job opportunities for people in this group. Movement to management positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
Finance and insurance
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$56,693 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$53,465 median annual incomeHigh school
$46,810 median annual incomeMaster
$77,971 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
$64,709 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Human Resources Development
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply integrated training, organizational development, and career planning and counselling skills to the design, management, and evaluation of programs to improve individual productivity, employability, and job satisfaction and organizational effectiveness. They include courses in psychology, organizational behaviour, principles of adult education, occupational counselling, skill testing and evaluation, program design, consulting practice, organizational development, and applications to issues such as training, management development, customer service, and total quality management.
Institutions providing this program
Human Resources Management and Services
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. They include courses in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labour relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources laws and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Psychology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of individual and collective behaviour, the physical and environmental bases of behaviour, and the analysis and treatment of behaviour problems and disorders. They include courses in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Professional Designation: Professional designation exists and shows that the holder has met the standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.