Employee Relations Investigator

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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.

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.

• 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. 

Our Core Values: 

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement:  Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources.  We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families.  Our benefits package includes:  

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access  
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives 
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates:  After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.   All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.