County of Dakota
Human Resources Investigations and Employee Relations Specialist
County of Dakota, Hastings, Minnesota, United States, 55033
POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
HOURS: Full-time, Monday-Friday
HIRING RANGE: $73,515- $82,705 /year (Grade Level 108)
SALARY RANGE: $73,515- $114,868 /year
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/30/2026
This position performs investigative and employee relations duties for Dakota County under the direction of the Human Resource Director and Deputy Director.
Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field AND One year of experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements AND One year of experience in conducting workplace investigations
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience which must include at least one year of experience in conducting workplace investigations AND one year of experience in negotiation, interpreting, and/or administering labor agreements.
Preferred
Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field
PHR/SHRM Certifications or similar
Previous public sector experience is strongly preferred
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
Responsibilities
Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violation of County policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations.
Assist with labor relation processes, including contract negotiations and interpretation, investigating alleged or perceived unfair labor practices, field and respond to grievances.
Maintain and implement labor relations policies and procedures.
Participate in labor relations committees.
Liaise with union business agents on day-to-day requests and needs.
Ensure that collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed.
Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders.
Provide training, education, and instruction to customers/stakeholders on a variety of topics.
May represent the County as a subject matter expert to external agencies.
May provide guidance on best practices for performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements.
Demonstrated knowledge of investigations and examinations in labor/management relations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Ability and skill to develop, design, implement and monitor comprehensive programs, systems, policies and procedures in the labor relations examination areas.
Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS.
Knowledge of wage and hour laws and regulations, management/labor relations trends, human resource practices and principles.
Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multi projects at one time.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative and meaningful working relationships with County staff, representatives of government and private sector, policy‑makers, the general public, and elected officials.
Ability to understand and apply rules, ordinances, standards and guidelines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively.
Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively.
Work Environment Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.
Benefits
Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
Excellent work‑life balance
Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
Pension with a generous employer contribution
Ability to work from home some of the time
Selection Process
You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
We assign you a score based on your qualifications
Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
We conduct background and reference checks before hiring
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This position performs investigative and employee relations duties for Dakota County under the direction of the Human Resource Director and Deputy Director.
Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field AND One year of experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements AND One year of experience in conducting workplace investigations
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience which must include at least one year of experience in conducting workplace investigations AND one year of experience in negotiation, interpreting, and/or administering labor agreements.
Preferred
Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field
PHR/SHRM Certifications or similar
Previous public sector experience is strongly preferred
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
Responsibilities
Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violation of County policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations.
Assist with labor relation processes, including contract negotiations and interpretation, investigating alleged or perceived unfair labor practices, field and respond to grievances.
Maintain and implement labor relations policies and procedures.
Participate in labor relations committees.
Liaise with union business agents on day-to-day requests and needs.
Ensure that collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed.
Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders.
Provide training, education, and instruction to customers/stakeholders on a variety of topics.
May represent the County as a subject matter expert to external agencies.
May provide guidance on best practices for performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements.
Demonstrated knowledge of investigations and examinations in labor/management relations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Ability and skill to develop, design, implement and monitor comprehensive programs, systems, policies and procedures in the labor relations examination areas.
Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS.
Knowledge of wage and hour laws and regulations, management/labor relations trends, human resource practices and principles.
Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multi projects at one time.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative and meaningful working relationships with County staff, representatives of government and private sector, policy‑makers, the general public, and elected officials.
Ability to understand and apply rules, ordinances, standards and guidelines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively.
Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively.
Work Environment Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.
Benefits
Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
Excellent work‑life balance
Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
Pension with a generous employer contribution
Ability to work from home some of the time
Selection Process
You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
We assign you a score based on your qualifications
Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
We conduct background and reference checks before hiring
#J-18808-Ljbffr