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Arbitrator
Arbitrators are formally empowered to resolve disputes by reviewing evidence and arguments and rendering decisions that may be filed in a court of law and legally enforced.
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Avg. Salary $76,768.00
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Avg. Wage $39.69
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook below avg
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Employed 12,000
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Conflict Resolution Specialist, Dispute Resolution Specialist, Legal Arbitrator
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Specialists in Human Resources (1121)
- 2006 NOC-S: Specialists in Human Resources (B021)
- 2011 NOC: Human resources professionals (1121)
- 2016 NOC: Human resources professionals (1121)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $32.84 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $39.69 |
| Top | $48.80 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Arbitrator is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Specialists in Human Resources
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in researching employee benefit programs and health and safety practices to recommend policy changes and modifications, and in planning staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs
- METHODICAL
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Interest in co-ordinating information to administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs; in co-ordinating employee performance and and appraisal programs, in managing programs and maintaining human resources information and related records systems; and in hiring and overseeing training of staff
- SOCIAL
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Interest in negotiating collective agreements on behalf of employers or workers; in mediating labour disputes and grievances, providing advice on employee and labour relations, and in advising managers and employees on the interpretation of personnel policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Arbitrators have responsibilities similar to those of judges but their “courtroom” can be anywhere. The place and arbitrator are usually chosen by the disputants (the people involved in the dispute).
In general, arbitrators hold an initial meeting with disputants to outline the arbitration process and establish guidelines. They then settle procedural matters such as meeting locations and arbitration fees. They also:
- Determine the number of witnesses and how much time dispute resolution is likely to take
- Conduct procedurally fair hearings in which each disputant gets a chance to present evidence and arguments, call witnesses and cross-examine the other party’s witnesses
- Listen and assess the merits and validity of the arguments and evidence presented
- Handle complex factual material, analyze problems, identify and separate the issues involved and apply legislation and precedents to decisions
- Write a clear, logical and concise decision (called an award) that is binding on the disputants and states the reasons for the award
Arbitration may be used to resolve disputes between parties including:
- Management and labour
- Businesses and consumers
- Claimants and insurance companies
- Business partners
- Marriage partners
Arbitration is recommended over taking a dispute to court when:
- The disputants want to resolve the conflict quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively
- The dispute involves complicated matters that require an arbitrator who has expertise in a particular field
- The dispute involves confidential matters
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Arbitration can be a formal process or it can be quite informal, depending on the circumstances. Arbitrators may conduct hearings in boardrooms, hotel conference rooms, on construction sites, or anywhere else that is acceptable to all parties. Likewise, hearing dates and times are negotiated by the parties or set by the arbitrator at the beginning of the process.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Arbitrators need:
- An unbiased attitude
- Good judgment
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical and logical thinking
- Problem-solving skills
They should enjoy:
- Synthesizing information that leads to innovative approaches for conflict resolution
- Co-ordinating information
- Dealing with people
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Although many arbitrators have a professional background, there are no specified minimum education requirements. However, arbitrators need:
- An appreciation of the principles of justice and procedural fairness
- A working knowledge of contract law and evidence, including any laws applicable to the specific dispute
- An understanding of the Alberta Arbitration Act and other relevant legislation
Expertise related to the nature of the dispute is an asset.
In Alberta, the following organizations offer mediation, negotiation, and conflict management training:
- The ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) offers courses and certificate programs to their members.
- The Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS) provides mediation training in areas such as elder mediation, parenting co-ordination and divorce.
- The Justice Institute of British Columbia in collaboration with the University of Calgary offers mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution courses, and programs online.
- The Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) offers courses and seminars.
The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) offers the designation Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb.) to members who have the prescribed levels of training and experience. Members with appropriate training and experience can also apply for the Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.) designation, which indicates they have been practising at an intermediate level.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Lethbridge
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Arbitrators often work in other occupations and contract their services as arbitrators when they are needed. Generally, arbitrators are hired on a one-off basis. Any arbitrator hired on a regular or recurring basis by one party to a dispute may be regarded as biased in favour of the frequent employer.
When people agree to take their dispute to arbitration, they must find a mutually acceptable arbitrator, preferably someone who has:
- Training or experience in arbitration
- A reputation for making sound, impartial decisions
- Some knowledge of the subject area of the dispute
Disputants may obtain a directory of arbitrators and mediators from the ADR Institute of Alberta or the ADR Institute of Canada.
Procedures for appointing arbitrators vary. Disputing parties may choose a single arbitrator or a panel of 3 arbitrators. In some circumstances, the court may appoint an arbitrator.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Arbitrators’ fees are negotiated with disputants at the beginning of the arbitration process and vary greatly. Sometimes arbitrators volunteer their time. Arbitrators who are lawyers, engineers, accountants or other professionals usually charge fees that are in line with their other professional fee structures.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.80 | $54.26 | $32.84 | $30.33 |
| Overall | $22.50 | $71.69 | $39.69 | $37.27 |
| Top | $24.28 | $84.25 | $48.80 | $43.90 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $114,827 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $105,975 |
| Public Administration | $80,096 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $77,056 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $76,768 |
| Educational Services | $74,532 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $74,325 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $70,130 |
| Construction | $69,761 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $66,702 |
| Manufacturing | $65,699 |
| Wholesale Trade | $64,846 |
| Retail Trade | $60,974 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $58,442 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $53,474 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $48,361 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
9%
9%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019
ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) website: adric.ca
Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society (AAMS) website: www.aams.ab.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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