Kim Squires, human resources director at Saint Mary's University, says her profession has changed over the past decade from one of record-keeping to active involvement in the university's day-to-day operations. (DARREN PITTMAN / Staff)

WHEN KIM SQUIRES joined the human resources department at Saint Mary's University more than a decade ago, there were three people in the section, and the jobs involved little more than advanced recordkeeping.

Today, the department has a staff of nine and as director, Ms. Squires is in the thick of decision-making for the university. Her input is sought on everything from finances associated with pension benefits to healthy lifestyle programs for staff to mediation of disputes between employees.

"Human resources has become very complex. It's a strategic position where you work with managers to solve problems or prevent them from happening. There are a huge number of issues that fall under the category." A Truro native, Ms. Squires spent a bit of time in the classroom teaching before returning to school to obtain a degree in psychology and an MBA in management. She was working in alumni development for the university when she was seconded to human resources to work on a pay equity project. She has been there ever since.

"When people tell me they want to get into human resources because they like people, I suggest they try social work. There's often a lot of conflict involved with this position, and not everyone is going to be your friend at the end of the day. ...And there's nothing touchy-feely about calculating pension benefits."

The key is to remain even-handed and professional and to always have done the research that backs up your position, she said. Labour laws and employment tax laws are changing all the time, so continual upgrading is important.

With the looming skill shortage and organizations putting increased emphasis on recruiting and retaining quality people, she said, the profile of human resources specialists will continue to grow in the coming years.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Human resources (or personnel) officers identify and advertise job vacancies, recruit candidates and assist in the selection and reassignment of employees.

WHAT ARE THE WORKERS LIKE?
To work in this field, you need excellent communication, organizational and negotiation skills. You must have initiative and be willing to accept new ideas and take risks. The ability to analyze detailed information accurately and quickly is necessary in order to make decisions. Familiarity with computers would be helpful.

The educational background of this group is very diverse. The human resource officers that have a university bachelor's degree account for the largest percentage, while the second largest percentage are those that have a non-university certificate / diploma. The rest have a mix of high school, trades or post-secondary degrees or diplomas.

Seventy-eight per cent are female, and the average age is 35. The three largest areas of employment are public administration, health care and management, administration / other support.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 6%
Cape Breton 5%
Halifax 68%
North Shore 14%
Southern N.S. 7%

WHAT TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
Human resources officers are required to have a bachelor's degree or diploma in a field related to personnel management, such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology, or they must complete a professional development program in personnel administration. Some experience in a clerical or administrative position related to personnel administration may also be required by some employers.

WHAT ARE WORK PROSPECTS?
Employment of personnel and recruitment officers is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations.

They will play an increasingly important role as competition for skilled workers intensifies. Opportunities are best for those with three to five years of work-related experience and certified human resources accreditation.

Personnel and recruitment officers are most likely to be hired by large- and medium-sized employers. This industry includes employment agencies and management consulting services.

Outlook: Fair

Employment in 2005: 500

Estimated average annual number of job openings for new human resources officers: 23

Earnings in 2005: averaged $17.50 hourly, with a maximum of $23.50

TYPICAL JOBS:
Human resources officer, personnel officer, recruitment specialist, staffing analyst

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com