Human Resources Generalist, Senior OR Human Resources Generalist

Washington County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resources Generalist, Senior or a Human Resources Generalist. The Human Resources (HR) Generalist, Senior/HR Generalist provide a broad scope of services to support County employees and programs. The positions also assist with the development, implementation, and administration of HR programs, procedures, and policies consistent with a commitment to ongoing collaborative problem-solving and performance improvement. 

The HR Generalist, Senior/HR Generalist ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations, assists in coaching in performance and employment issues with supervisory and leadership staff, and encourages a positive, professional work environment. These positions are part of a fast-paced, collegial environment, where work is non-routine and often must be re-prioritized to meet organizational needs.

Washington County Human Resources values your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We are committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive work environment where differences are valued and accepted. We believe diversity benefits and enriches our work and helps us to effectively deliver services to our employees and communities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

The Human Resources Department seeks a HR Generalist, Senior to perform a wide range of responsibilities which support employees throughout their lifecycle, which includes:

• Serving as the first point of contact for designated departments;
• Performing recruitment and talent management activities;
• Onboarding and orienting new employees;
• Coaching and educating employees on workplace practices and programs;
• Reviewing compensation data and classification information;
• Supporting and investigating employee relations concerns and issues; 
• Assisting in labor relations activities and contract negotiations;
• Reviewing ADA requests and accommodations; 
• Promoting employee engagement; and
• Supporting programs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience working in a public sector or non-profit human resources department or environment
• Experience working within Applicant Tracking Systems (such as NeoGov), HR Information Systems (HRIS/HCM), Performance Management and/or Learning Management Systems
• Experience and proficiency working with Microsoft Office Products 
• Prior experience in a team environment building and maintaining relationships with customers and employees from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have different personalities, interests, abilities and work styles

SELECTION TECHNIQUE: Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RATE: This position may be hired as a HR Generalist. Click here for the job description.

2025 HR Generalist, Senior: $82,056.00 - $112,028.80 annually

2025 HR Generalist: $68,494.40 - $93,433.60 annually

HOURS/DAYS: Position is based at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater and is primarily in person with potential Telework options available. Work hours are primarily Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Work location and hours are subject to change based on business need.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Washington County offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, paid parental leave, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, post-retirement health care savings plan, PERA Employer Public Retirement Association of Minnesota pension contributions, generous Paid time Off (PTO), and 12 paid holidays each year. Click here to learn more: Click Here to learn more.

Provide a broad scope of human resources services to County employees.  Develop, implement, and support use of county-wide tools and/or programs in recruitment, rewards, employee relations, labor relations, training, career development, and other Human Resource programs in a professional manner.  Work in this classification differs from Human Resources Generalist in the degree of complexity of assignments, experience, depth of knowledge and ability to work with a high degree of independence. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Human Resources or related, and five years of experience in a Human Resources Generalist role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job include:

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace;
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and methods of general HR administration;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in employee relations;
• Knowledge of relevant Federal and State employment laws;
• Advanced knowledge of general public sector recruitment and selection procedures/practices;
• Advanced knowledge of general job evaluations principles;
• Knowledge of Public Employees Labor Relations Act (PELRA);
• Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS systems;
• Advanced knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multiple projects at one time;
• Ability to establish and maintain a 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 complex rules, ordinances, standards and guidelines;
• Excellent communication oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively;
• Ability to speak in public sufficient to train, explain, present and promote personnel programs;
• Ability to write reports, manuals, information bulletins, memoranda, etc., sufficient to clearly communicate to a diverse audience;
• Ability to plan, develop and implement programs geared to identified needs;
• Ability to effectively work with applicants, employees and the general public in responding to inquiries and issues;
• Skill in reading comprehension sufficient to review and interpret written documents (e.g. position descriptions, correspondence, surveys, etc.).
• Support larger, more-complex departments with human resources services such as recruitment, organizational structure, policy, compensation, training, performance management, labor relations, and employee relations;
• Lead complex projects that support human resources initiatives in assigned departments and/or across the organization;
• Determine recruitment strategies and plans;
• Assist in processing applications throughout the entire recruitment cycle;
• Identify, develop, and cultivate relationships with sources of future candidates for County jobs;
• Provide consultation to employees at all levels to address complex employment issues;
• Advise managers and supervisors on how to handle employee performance and other employee relations issues;
• Provide interpretation of County programs, policies, procedures, and labor contract provisions;
• Investigate accusations of policy violation;
• Assist in grievance resolutions;
• Assist with various aspects of labor negotiations;
• Design and deliver programs that promote positive employer/employee relationships;
• Ensure compensation and classification administration guidelines are consistently applied and identify areas for clarification, improvement or modification;
• Participate in the development of new compensation and/or reward programs;
• Ensure compliance with HR laws, regulations, policies, and practices;
• May represent Human Resources on various committees;
• Develop and deliver training for individuals and groups.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work performed is sedentary in nature, and typically performed within the Government Center or a satellite office.  Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, calculator, telephone, and copy and fax machine. Work interruptions are frequent.  There is some pressure associated with dealing with individuals who may be emotionally charged and with project or activity deadlines and details. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above, but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions. 

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.