HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Full-time, Permanent
 

Location: Talbotville, Ontario / Glencoe, ON 

Reports to: Director of People and Performance

Salary Range: $32 – $36 hourly, plus performance-based incentive eligibility

Company Overview 

Ontario Plants is more than a propagation company, we’re shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. As a leader in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, we specialize in producing high-quality starter plants for vegetables and soft fruits, delivering to greenhouse growers across North America. Our state-of-the-art facilities combine advanced technology, strict biosecurity, and year-round production to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are expanding our soft fruits program, making this an exciting time to join a team committed to growth, quality, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive and strategic HR Generalist to join our Human Resources team. This role is critical in delivering high-quality HR programs, processes, and initiatives across the organization. The successful candidate will manage a wide range of HR functions with accuracy, confidentiality, and timeliness, while serving as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and external partners.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Organizational and Time Management Skills
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities
• High Attention to Detail
• Effective Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills
• Excellent Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)
• Flexibility, Adaptability, and Resourcefulness
• Ethical and Confidential Professionalism

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations and Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for HR and employee-related inquiries, providing guidance and escalating complex matters as needed.
• Administer and ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and programs in alignment with employment legislation and internal standards.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records using HR systems and internal databases, including immigration documentation.
• Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Support all stages of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Coordinate recruitment activities, including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, reference checks, and offer preparation, in collaboration with hiring managers.
• Deliver an engaging and efficient onboarding experience for all employees, including Temporary Foreign Workers.
• Provide coaching and support to managers on employee relations matters, including performance issues, investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

Talent Development and Engagement

• Coordinate and track employee training, compliance, and health and safety programs.
• Support employee engagement and recognition initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Assist in implementing HR projects and process improvements that enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.

Immigration and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Support the TFWP administrator with TFWP processes, including coordination of LMIAs, work permits, visas, arrivals, renewals, and associated documentation.
• Serve as the liaison with external immigration, employment, and compliance agencies.

Strategic Support and Growth

• Partner with leadership to identify HR needs and opportunities for organizational improvement.
• Support cross-functional HR initiatives across multiple locations, developing systems and processes that enable scalability.
• Take on additional responsibilities and special projects to prepare for future leadership roles within HR.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a culturally diverse and dynamic work environment.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (verbal and written) is strongly desired.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario employment legislation, including the Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code.
• Experience supporting Temporary Foreign Worker Programs and immigration processes is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office and HR information systems.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with integrity, professionalism, and the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Flexibility to work overtime and after hours as required, sometimes with short notice.
• Demonstrated potential for leadership, strategic thinking, and HR process improvement.

Physical Location/Working Conditions

• Greenhouse environment in a rural area, own transportation required
• Must be willing and able to travel locally (10% of the time as needed)
• Overtime may be required

What We Offer 

• Base salary range: $32 – $36 per hour, commensurate with experience. 
• Eligibility for a performance-based annual incentive, subject to company and individual performance. 
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, plus retirement savings plan. 
• A pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. 
• Opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly expanding organization. 
• A dynamic and friendly work environment, with an active social committee organizing events such as sports activities, BBQs, and fun gatherings.