Human Resources - Employee Relations Specialist
Dakota County, Hastings, MN, United States
Human Resources – Employee Relations Specialist
Department: Human Resources
Hours: Monday–Friday, full-time; Location: Administration Center, Hastings, MN; Union: None.
Salary range: $73,515–$114,868 per year (preferred hiring range $73,515–$91,894).
The
HR – Employee Relations Specialist
is a high-level individual contributor who works closely with HR management to deliver HR services, focusing on workplace investigations, employee relations, management consultation, performance management, and leading HR initiatives. In collaboration with the HR Deputy Director, the position assists in coordinating department work to meet Human Resources goals. While the role does not supervise staff, it provides guidance and consultation across the department.
The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, highly organized, experienced in handling complex HR matters, demonstrates exceptional judgment, and manages sensitive and confidential information with discretion. The specialist carries out independent work and keeps the manager informed of issues.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violations of county policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations.
Participate in labor relations negotiations and committees, maintain and assist with the implementation of labor relations policies and procedures, and ensure collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed.
Review and interpret contract language, investigate alleged unfair labor practices, and assist with managing grievances and arbitrations.
Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders.
Partner with HR Deputy Director to lead complex HR projects that support strategic goals and organizational improvements.
Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, HR policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Provide training, education, and instruction to customers and stakeholders on a variety of topics.
Serve as a subject matter expert to internal stakeholders and, when appropriate, external agencies.
Provide guidance on best practices for recruitment and hiring, performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Human Resources, or a closely related field.
Two years of experience providing HR generalist services, including conducting employment investigations; or
A combination of education and experience totaling six years, with at least two years of direct HR generalist experience, including conducting employment investigations.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field.
Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR).
Previous public sector HR experience.
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 and one floating holiday each year.
Pension with a generous employer contribution.
Location & Schedule This hybrid position offers a mix of telework and in‑person work at our Administration Center in Hastings, MN. Work is primarily performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
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Hours: Monday–Friday, full-time; Location: Administration Center, Hastings, MN; Union: None.
Salary range: $73,515–$114,868 per year (preferred hiring range $73,515–$91,894).
The
HR – Employee Relations Specialist
is a high-level individual contributor who works closely with HR management to deliver HR services, focusing on workplace investigations, employee relations, management consultation, performance management, and leading HR initiatives. In collaboration with the HR Deputy Director, the position assists in coordinating department work to meet Human Resources goals. While the role does not supervise staff, it provides guidance and consultation across the department.
The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, highly organized, experienced in handling complex HR matters, demonstrates exceptional judgment, and manages sensitive and confidential information with discretion. The specialist carries out independent work and keeps the manager informed of issues.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violations of county policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations.
Participate in labor relations negotiations and committees, maintain and assist with the implementation of labor relations policies and procedures, and ensure collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed.
Review and interpret contract language, investigate alleged unfair labor practices, and assist with managing grievances and arbitrations.
Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders.
Partner with HR Deputy Director to lead complex HR projects that support strategic goals and organizational improvements.
Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, HR policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Provide training, education, and instruction to customers and stakeholders on a variety of topics.
Serve as a subject matter expert to internal stakeholders and, when appropriate, external agencies.
Provide guidance on best practices for recruitment and hiring, performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Human Resources, or a closely related field.
Two years of experience providing HR generalist services, including conducting employment investigations; or
A combination of education and experience totaling six years, with at least two years of direct HR generalist experience, including conducting employment investigations.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field.
Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR).
Previous public sector HR experience.
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 and one floating holiday each year.
Pension with a generous employer contribution.
Location & Schedule This hybrid position offers a mix of telework and in‑person work at our Administration Center in Hastings, MN. Work is primarily performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
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