HR Specialist - Talent Acquisition

Job Number:

Job Title: HR Specialist - Talent Acquisition

Job Type: Full-time

Job Category: Human Resources

Job Location:

Date Posted: October 6, 2026

Closing Date: October 21, 2026

Salary: $94,808.00 - $111,540.00/Year

Please note that this job posting is intended to fill a vacancy. Kingston Police does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Specialist - Talent Acquisition is responsible for coordinating and supporting recruitment and selection processes for both civilian and sworn positions within the organization. The role supports the development, implementation, and administration of fair, transparent, and effective recruitment practices that align with organizational policies, collective agreements, and applicable legislation.

The HR Specialist works closely with the Director of Human Resources, hiring managers, and selection committees to coordinate recruitment competitions from posting through to onboarding. The position ensures recruitment processes are administered efficiently, documentation is maintained accurately, and candidate experiences are professional and responsive.

The HR Specialist - Talent Acquisition contributes to continuous improvement of recruitment processes by assisting with the development of recruitment tools, maintaining applicant tracking systems and recruitment records, and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, compliance, and candidate outreach.

The position contributes to the ongoing development and improvement of recruitment practices and strategies to support the organization's workforce planning and operational needs.

While the position primarily focuses on recruitment and selection activities, the HR Specialist may also provide support to other HR functions as required, including onboarding, promotional processes, and HR administration.

The position is based upon a 35-hour work week, generally Monday to Friday on-site. Assigned hours of work may vary based on organizational requirements andmay on occasion include evenings and weekends to support recruitment events, testing, or interview processes.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Selection Administration

• Coordinate and administer recruitment and selection processes for sworn and civilian positions in accordance with organizational policies, collective agreements, and applicable legislation.
• Prepare and post internal and external job postings using the applicant tracking system and other recruitment platforms.
• Monitor recruitment competitions and respond to candidate inquiries, providing guidance on application requirements and processes.
• Review applications for completeness and eligibility and ensure required documentation is submitted.
• Coordinate and schedule all recruitment stages including written testing, interviews, background checks, medicals, and psychological assessments.
• Prepare interview packages and recruitment materials for interview panels and selection committees.
• Administer candidate testing processes and coordinate third-party assessments where required.
• Conduct preliminary background checks, including CPIC and credit checks where applicable.
• Maintain accurate records of recruitment competitions, including candidate files, scoring matrices, and selection documentation.

Recruitment Coordination and Process Support

• Work closely with hiring managers, supervisors, and selection committees to ensure recruitment timelines and processes are coordinated effectively.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on recruitment procedures and best practices.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of recruitment tools including interview guides, scoring templates, and evaluation documentation.
• Ensure recruitment processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner.

Onboarding and Candidate Experience

• Coordinate onboarding activities for successful candidates including employment documentation, uniform fitting, identification, and orientation scheduling.
• Prepare employment letters and onboarding documentation.
• Assist with payroll, benefits, and pension enrollment processes for new hires.
• Ensure new employees are appropriately onboarded and provided with required information and resources.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain recruitment data within the HRIS and applicant tracking system.
• Track recruitment metrics including applicant numbers, competition outcomes, and recruitment timelines.
• Prepare reports and summaries related to recruitment activities as requested by the Director of Human Resources.
• Maintain recruitment records in accordance with legislative requirements and organizational policies.

Recruitment Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve recruitment processes, administrative efficiency, and candidate communication.
• Assist in reviewing and updating recruitment procedures, documentation, and templates.
• Contribute to initiatives that support the organization's workforce planning and recruitment strategies.

Other

• Provide support for promotional processes and internal competitions as required.
• Maintain confidentiality of all candidate and employee information.
• Work collaboratively with the HR team to support broader human resources initiatives and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.

Professional Designation

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or progression toward the CHRP required.

A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation or progression toward the CHRL is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive human resources experience, with significant responsibility in recruitment and selection processes.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex recruitment competitions including candidate screening, interview panel coordination, testing administration, and candidate evaluation processes.
• Experience advising supervisors or hiring managers on recruitment procedures, policies, and best practices.
• Experience working with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage recruitment processes and candidate data.
• Experience maintaining recruitment documentation and ensuring compliance with legislative and organizational requirements.
• Experience working within a unionized environment, including knowledge of collective agreement provisions related to hiring, promotions, and deployments.
• Experience coordinating background screening processes, including security checks and reference verification, considered an asset.
• Experience in the public sector or policing environment considered an asset.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of human resources principles and practices, particularly recruitment, selection, and employee onboarding.
• Working knowledge of applicable legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Knowledge of equitable, transparent, and defensible recruitment and selection practices.
• Understanding of documentation standards required to support fair and consistent selection processes.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple recruitment processes simultaneously.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to supervisors and selection committees on recruitment procedures and processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate recruitment documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholders and external candidates.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.