Employee Relations Investigator
City of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States
Are you a skilled investigator with a passion for fairness and accountability in the workplace?
We are looking for an Employee Relations Investigator to conduct independent, thorough, and impartial administrative investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace concerns across City departments.
This position ensures investigations are timely, objective, well‑documented, and legally defensible. The Investigator supports both professional and public safety departments and works in partnership with HR leadership and Legal Counsel to mitigate organizational risk while upholding due process and consistent application of City policy.
The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive matters in a complex municipal environment.
This position will be responsible for the following:
Workplace Investigations
Conducts administrative investigations into alleged violations of City policies and employment standards. Manages investigations from intake through final report. Develops investigative plans and determines scope of review. Interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses using structured and unbiased techniques. Collects and analyzes documentary, electronic, and other evidentiary materials. Assesses credibility and applies appropriate evidentiary standards. Prepares detailed written investigative reports summarizing facts, findings, and policy analysis. Presents findings to HR leadership and department leadership as required. Maintains strict confidentiality throughout the investigative process. Public Safety & Specialized Departments
Conducts investigations involving sworn and professional personnel when assigned. Navigates paramilitary structures and chain-of-command environments professionally and neutrally. Ensures administrative investigations remain separate from potential criminal matters. Reviews relevant evidentiary materials (e.g., reports, recordings, digital evidence) when applicable. Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Interprets and applies federal, state, and local employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and related statutes. Ensures investigations comply with City policy, civil service rules, and applicable regulations. Identifies potential legal or reputational risk and escalates concerns appropriately. Maintains accurate and defensible documentation. Case Management & Reporting
Maintains investigation files within a case management system. Tracks case timelines to ensure prompt resolution. Assists with identifying trends in employee relations matters. Supports preparation of reports for HR leadership. Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Organizational Psychology, or related field and five (5) years of progressive experience in employee relations, compliance, or administrative investigations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Additional requirements
Valid driver's license Professional HR certification (SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR) or investigation related certification preferred (required within 1 year of hire) Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal written reports. Knowledge of employment law and investigative best practices. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously. Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality. Office Work
Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities. WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is primarily office‑based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines.
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Workplace Investigations
Conducts administrative investigations into alleged violations of City policies and employment standards. Manages investigations from intake through final report. Develops investigative plans and determines scope of review. Interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses using structured and unbiased techniques. Collects and analyzes documentary, electronic, and other evidentiary materials. Assesses credibility and applies appropriate evidentiary standards. Prepares detailed written investigative reports summarizing facts, findings, and policy analysis. Presents findings to HR leadership and department leadership as required. Maintains strict confidentiality throughout the investigative process. Public Safety & Specialized Departments
Conducts investigations involving sworn and professional personnel when assigned. Navigates paramilitary structures and chain-of-command environments professionally and neutrally. Ensures administrative investigations remain separate from potential criminal matters. Reviews relevant evidentiary materials (e.g., reports, recordings, digital evidence) when applicable. Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Interprets and applies federal, state, and local employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and related statutes. Ensures investigations comply with City policy, civil service rules, and applicable regulations. Identifies potential legal or reputational risk and escalates concerns appropriately. Maintains accurate and defensible documentation. Case Management & Reporting
Maintains investigation files within a case management system. Tracks case timelines to ensure prompt resolution. Assists with identifying trends in employee relations matters. Supports preparation of reports for HR leadership. Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Organizational Psychology, or related field and five (5) years of progressive experience in employee relations, compliance, or administrative investigations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Additional requirements
Valid driver's license Professional HR certification (SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR) or investigation related certification preferred (required within 1 year of hire) Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing formal written reports. Knowledge of employment law and investigative best practices. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously. Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality. Office Work
Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities. WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is primarily office‑based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines.
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