Employee Relations Trainee (Administration and Management Trainee)

Are you eager to explore a career in human resources (HR)? If so, we invite you to bring your ambition to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Milk Board Human Resources Office. We are searching for a highly attentive Employee Relations Trainee who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to strengthening the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s employee relations program. In this position, you will actively participate in a comprehensive training program designed to develop administrative and technical competence while giving you an understanding of state government organizations and operations. Apply now to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from HR professionals and build upon your career!

As an Employee Relations Trainee, you will actively participate in a 12-month training program, assisting employee relations experts with reviewing, investigating, analyzing, and responding to grievances in both the Standard Grievance Procedure (SGP) and Accelerated Grievance Procedure (AGP). You will learn how to determine methods by which all required information is gathered to support the Commonwealth. Work involves conducting investigations; collecting pertinent information; and assisting agency attorneys in responding to and resolving Civil Service appeals, Human Relations Commission complaints, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints, as well as union grievances that have gone to Arbitration. You will learn about the proper application and administration of the provisions of all contracts and memoranda of understanding that cover represented employees, associated side letters, and any local agreements that may exist. 
 
Precision and accuracy are essential for this position. You will work closely with higher-level human resource professionals to grow your knowledge base and expand your skills to prepare you for promotion to higher-level human resource positions. Upon successful completion of this training program, you will be promoted to a permanent Human Resource Analyst.
 
Kickstart your career in human resources with the Employee Relations & Workforce Support Division!

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch, may be negotiable.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
• Note: This position will report to the following locations:
  • Rachel Carson State Office building (400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105)
  • Department of Agriculture building (2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110)

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree, including 15 credits in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 15 credits in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.